Dandruff vs. Dry Itchy Scalp-What Condition do you have?

At least 80% of women; including in Uganda have experienced it; the white flakes that often come off your scalp when you comb or you run your hands through your hair. Majority of Ugandan women who experienced this white flake shedding belief that they are dealing with dandruff, but from a professional‘s point of view you will be surprised to learn that it is not what you think it is.

Zziwa Kennedy, a hairstylist and blogger of HairbyZziwa Saloon who switched from IT to pursue hairstyling in Beijing, China; worked in China at Majesty Saloon Beijing, and now CEO of HairbyZziwa Saloon, Uganda-Ntinda  says that white flakes coming off your scalp is not dandruff. 

He says that this is a condition called dry itchy scalp, not dandruff.  He explains that dandruff is far different from the white flakes; dandruff gives off a yellowish white or greyish hue of large flakes, and its appearance is greasy or oily like, and very hard to come off the scalp, and when it does it is disgusting. He adds to say that dandruff cannot be treated, but managed, and it is a condition that can only be diagnosed by a doctor/ dermatologist.

Dandruff

According to an online dermatologist website, https://www.advancedderm.com/conditions-treatment/clinical-dermatology/dandruff.aspx, Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly called dandruff is a condition that affects all ages of human beings; from infants, adolescents and adults. It can get chronic, and commonly affects the scalp, but sometimes the face and chest too.

In the same article, itching is characterized as the major symptom for the condition, but despite that itching is being singled out, it is also noted that there are few conditions associated with dandruff, and a need for medical diagnosis by a dermatologist is thereby advised.

More reading online suggests that dandruff is caused by too much oil (Sebum); an over grow of harmless yeast. Jessica Wu, M.D, Los Angeles dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School says in some people, the yeast starts to feed on the excess oil and dead skin cells on the scalp, causing the skin cells to shed more frequently and clump into flakes.

Dry Itchy Scalp

It is characterized by small, white flakes of the scalp, commonly caused by severe dehydration and over-shedding of the scalp; resulting from use of poor quality hair products, over washing or use of hot water which strip the scalp of its natural oils. This condition commonly accompanied by scalp itching and irritation, the good news is that it can be treated; if it is not genetic.

How to treat Dry Itchy Scalp

Zziwa of HairbyZziwa hairstylist says that dry scalp can be treated by using natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar rinses to help restore the pH on your scalp and remove build up left behind by shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products.