{"id":4628,"date":"2024-11-30T20:31:30","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T04:51:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/?p=4628"},"modified":"2024-12-10T04:51:50","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T04:51:50","slug":"hmn-dandruff-compare-causes-symptoms-treatments-more-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-dandruff-compare-causes-symptoms-treatments-more-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"HMN: dandruff Compare causes, symptoms, treatments &#038; more in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<br \/>Do you know:  Compare causes, symptoms, treatments &#038; more in 2025<\/p>\n<p>\n                                    Although they may have similar symptoms, dandruff is caused by excess oil on the scalp, while dry scalp is caused by lack of moisture.                                <\/p>\n<div id=\"main-content\">\n<div id=\"post-intro\">\n<div id=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Dandruff is caused by excess oil and involves symptoms like itchy, white flakes, whereas dry scalp results from a lack of moisture leading to similar flaky and itchy conditions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Treatments for dandruff include regular washing with specialized shampoos, while dry scalp remedies focus on hydration and addressing the underlying cause.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Risk factors for dandruff include oily skin and fungal growth, while dry scalp risks involve harsh hair products, cold weather, and certain medical conditions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Preventative measures for dandruff involve regular use of anti-dandruff shampoos and avoiding scalp irritants, whereas dry scalp prevention includes using gentle, moisturizing shampoos and staying hydrated.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"anchorLinks\">\n<div class=\"mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"dropdownLists\">\n<div class=\"dropdownBtn\"><span class=\"listsIcon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"20\"\/><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label><\/label><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"downArrow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/dropDownArrow.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you ever see flakes in your hair and around your scalp? What about an itchy scalp? What causes these symptoms? While some people use the terms dandruff and dry scalp interchangeably, they are actually two different conditions. Although they may have similar symptoms, dandruff is caused by excess oil on the scalp, while dry scalp is caused by lack of moisture. The good news is that there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help your condition. Continue reading to learn more about dandruff and dry scalp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seborrheic dermatitis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a type of skin condition that is called <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dandruff<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (also known as pityriasis capitis) when it\u2019s found on the scalp. Too much oil on the scalp causes dead skin cells to build up, shed, and flake off\u2014leading to those pesky dandruff flakes. Even babies get dandruff\u2014the condition is known as cradle cap in babies. Although experts are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/14403-seborrheic-dermatitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not sure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis, they think there may be different causes of dandruff, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overgrowth of a type of yeast called Malassezia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased levels of hormones called androgens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased levels of skin lipids (natural fats)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family history<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seborrheic dermatitis may also be triggered or worsened by things like stress, a cold\/dry climate, oily skin, alcohol-based skin products, and a history of other skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, or psoriasis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry scalp<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry scalp<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> problem can be <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by several reasons. For example, hair care products may strip the hair of its natural oils and cause a reaction called contact dermatitis, leading to an irritated, dry scalp. Weather can also play a role\u2014low humidity and cold climates can cause dry scalp. Also, as you get older, your skin (including the scalp) starts to dry out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More serious causes of dry scalp may include medical conditions such as psoriasis, scalp ringworm (a contagious fungal infection of the skin on the scalp also known as tinea capitis), or actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis), a type of precancerous sun damage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"dandruff-vs-dry-scalp-causes\"><span class=\"title\">Dandruff vs. dry scalp causes<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malassezia yeast<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin lipids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family history<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair products<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weather\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical conditions such as psoriasis, scalp ringworm, or actinic keratosis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"prevalence\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevalence<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3129121\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">estimate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that about 50 million people in the US experience dandruff, spending almost $300 million on treatments every year. Worldwide studies estimate dandruff may affect about 50% of the population.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"dandruff-prevalence\"><span class=\"title\">Dandruff prevalence<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affects 50 million people in the US<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affects about 50% of the population worldwide<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main dandruff symptom is the appearance of itchy, white flakes of skin on the scalp. When you scratch, the flakes loosen, mix in with the hair, or fall onto your shoulders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry scalp<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of dry scalp may vary, based on the condition causing it. You may have itchy, flaky skin on the scalp, similar to dandruff symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with psoriasis may see patches called plaques, scales (flakes of skin with a silvery color), temporary hair loss, and a dry, itchy, and\/or burning scalp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with scalp ringworm may notice scaly patches, patches of hair loss or broken hair, pink skin, and itchiness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those with actinic keratosis may experience skin-colored or pink dry, rough, scaly bumps or patches which may feel crusty or like sandpaper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"dandruff-vs-dry-scalp-symptoms\"><span class=\"title\">Dandruff vs. dry scalp symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchy, white flakes of skin on the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchy flakes of skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms vary based on the cause<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"diagnosis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff can usually be identified by its appearance on the scalp, without the need for testing. You can always consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis, because sometimes dandruff can be a sign of another condition like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or a fungal infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry scalp<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dry scalp can often be identified by its appearance, without the need for testing. However, a dry scalp may be associated with a serious medical condition, so if lifestyle changes do not work, you should see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and to check for medical conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"dandruff-vs-dry-scalp-diagnosis\"><span class=\"title\">Dandruff vs. dry scalp diagnosis<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can usually be identified by its appearance on the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can often be identified by its appearance on the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult a healthcare provider if necessary because a dry scalp could be a symptom of a more serious condition<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"treatments\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatments<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatments may be over the counter or prescription. You can always use a free <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> card or coupon<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to save up to 80% on the cost of your medications. (For OTC items, you\u2019ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider in order to apply the  discount.)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have dandruff, it is important to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/uhs.umich.edu\/dandruff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wash your hair<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a regular shampoo on a frequent basis, to remove the scales as quickly as they appear. If regular washing is not effective, you can purchase an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. You can alternate regular shampoo with a dandruff shampoo. Nizoral 1% (ketoconazole) is an OTC antifungal shampoo that is considered very effective. Shampoos that contain active ingredients like selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or coal tar are also available. At first, you may need to use dandruff shampoo frequently, but, as symptoms improve, you may be able to use it less often. When treating dandruff with a special shampoo, lather the hair twice, and on the second lather, let the shampoo remain on the hair for five minutes before rinsing. Gently massage (do not scrub) the scalp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with recurrent dandruff or more severe cases may need a prescription shampoo, which can be prescribed by a healthcare provider such as a board-certified <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dermatologist<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some examples of prescription dandruff shampoos include the antifungal Nizoral 2% (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ketoconazole<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) shampoo, or steroids such as topical Clobex (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clobetasol<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) shampoo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because dandruff often recurs, your healthcare provider may recommend using prescription or OTC dandruff shampoos on a regular basis to help prevent dandruff from returning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry scalp<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment for dry scalp depends on the underlying cause (what\u2019s causing the condition). If hair care products are the culprit, you may need to try different products (such as a gentle shampoo or dry scalp shampoo) and\/or take extra care to completely rinse out your shampoo\u2014shampoo that\u2019s not completely rinsed out can irritate the scalp.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dry scalp is caused by a serious health condition, consult your healthcare provider. A dermatologist can take a closer look and diagnose your condition and suggest a dry scalp treatment plan, depending on the cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have psoriasis, you may be prescribed a steroid ointment or cream to apply to the scalp and\/or a medicated shampoo. They may also recommend light therapy and oral medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have scalp ringworm, you may be prescribed oral antifungal medicine like Lamisil (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">terbinafine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), a medicated shampoo, and topical antifungal creams or steroids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with actinic keratosis may require topical medications like Aldara (imiquimod)\u2014or other types of treatment like cryotherapy surgery (the dermatologist freezes precancerous cells on the scalp), or photodynamic therapy (the dermatologist applies special lights that activate drugs to destroy precancerous cells).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"dandruff-vs-dry-scalp-treatments\"><span class=\"title\">Dandruff vs. dry scalp treatments<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular shampoo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC dandruff shampoo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription dandruff shampoo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use gentle, nonmedicated shampoos or change products<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with other medical conditions will need treatment specific to the condition<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"risk-factors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk factors<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4852869\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk factors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for dandruff include oily skin, overgrowth of Malassezia fungus, changes in skin barrier function, poor nutrition, stress, an inflammatory response, and immunosuppression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry scalp<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain hair care products, increasing age, dry and cold weather, and other medical conditions like psoriasis, scalp ringworm, and actinic keratosis, can increase the risk for dry scalp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"dandruff-vs-dry-scalp-risk-factors\"><span class=\"title\">Dandruff vs. dry scalp risk factors<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oily skin\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malassezia fungus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in skin barrier function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrition<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased immune system function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair care products that cause drying<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold and dry weather<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scalp ringworm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actinic keratosis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"prevention\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevention<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dandruff<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no surefire way to prevent dandruff, but using anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis may help keep dandruff under control. If you see a healthcare provider for your condition, follow their recommendation for product usage. Also, avoid excess heat on the scalp, such as frequently blow drying. Because certain factors can increase the risk of dandruff, you can also try to get enough rest, minimize stress, and get a few minutes of sunshine daily (avoid the midday sun).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry scalp<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dry scalp is due to a medical condition, ask your healthcare provider how best to manage and prevent dry scalp. General tips for preventing dry scalp include using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo, minimizing stress, drinking plenty of water, washing your hair less often, stopping smoking, and using a humidifier at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-prevent-dandruff-vs-dry-scalp\"><span class=\"title\">How to prevent dandruff vs. dry scalp<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular use of anti-dandruff shampoo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid excess heat on the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimize stress<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and wash hair less often<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimize stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop smoking\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a humidifier to add\u00a0 moisture to the air<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-see-a-doctor-for-dandruff-or-dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to see a doctor for dandruff or dry scalp<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be difficult to differentiate dandruff from dry scalp. And, in some cases, the symptoms of these conditions may be related to other medical conditions. A dermatologist can determine if you have dandruff or dry scalp\u2014and also if you have a more serious skin condition. Also, if you try over-the-counter remedies and\/or lifestyle changes and do not see an improvement, check in with a dermatologist. If your condition worsens or if you have redness, constant itching, irritation, or swelling, see a dermatologist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions-about-dandruff-and-dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently asked questions about dandruff and dry scalp<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"how-do-you-know-if-its-dry-scalp-or-dandruff\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you know if it\u2019s dry scalp or dandruff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be difficult to tell. Both conditions can result in similar symptoms of itchy and flaky skin on the scalp. People with dandruff have excess oil production, and may have an oily scalp with large pieces of dry skin. On the other hand, people with dry scalp may have dryness on other parts of the body. Dry scalp can also be caused by other conditions such as psoriasis, scalp ringworm, and actinic keratosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-does-a-dry-scalp-look-like\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does a dry scalp look like?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, dry skin on the scalp may be itchy and flaky. However, dry skin due to other medical conditions can vary in appearance, based on the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-often-should-you-wash-your-hair-if-you-have-a-dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often should you wash your hair if you have a dry scalp?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">various factors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as age and ethnic background. If your hair is dry and prone to breakage, you may be washing your hair too often.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-do-you-hydrate-your-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you hydrate your scalp?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can hydrate the scalp by using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Wash your hair two or three times weekly. Limit heat as well as hair products that dry the scalp. Ask your dermatologist if there is anything else you can do to keep your scalp hydrated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"do-conditioners-help-with-dry-scalp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do conditioners help with dry scalp?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo along with a similar gentle, moisturizing conditioner, and washing your hair two or three times a week (along with avoiding heat and harsh treatments) can help with dry scalp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"resources\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources:<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><svg style=\"display:none\">\n  <g id=\"facebook\">\n    <rect width=\"32\" height=\"32\" rx=\"4\" fill=\"var(--social-bg)\"\/>\n    <path fill=\"var(--social-ico)\" d=\"M19.51 9.32003H21.39V6.14003C20.4798 6.04538 19.5652 5.99865 18.65 6.00003C15.93 6.00003 14.07 7.66003 14.07 10.7V13.32H11V16.88H14.07V26H17.75V16.88H20.81L21.27 13.32H17.75V11.05C17.75 10 18.03 9.32003 19.51 9.32003Z\"\/>\n  <\/g>\n  <g 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Key takeaways Dandruff is caused by excess oil and involves symptoms like itchy, white flakes, whereas dry scalp results from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4628"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6209,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4628\/revisions\/6209"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}