When you hear the word dandruff, what is the first thing that crosses your mind?

Most people recognize dandruff as white flakes on the scalp. Even so, dandruff does not always look the same, and several health-related factors can be behind it.

According to Healthline, dandruff appears in several forms. Each type has a different cause and its own approach to care. Here is a brief overview:

Dandruff Caused by Dry Skin

This kind of dandruff develops when the scalp becomes dry. Triggers include cold weather that strips moisture from the scalp or taking hot showers too often.

A dry scalp is easily irritated and sheds tiny, white flakes. This is the variety people encounter most frequently.

Irritation can also make the scalp itchy; the more you scratch, the more flakes you will notice.

Dandruff Caused by Oily Skin

Often called wet dandruff, this type of dandruff occurs when oil glands produce sebum in excessive amount, leaving the hair greasy, limp, itchy, and irritated.

With this wet type, the flakes are larger, usually yellowish, and feel oily.

Dandruff Caused by Fungal Infestation

Malassezia is a common skin fungus found in human skin. In some individuals, it can provoke inflammation that contributes to dandruff or eczema.

Dandruff Caused by Certain Diseases

Several medical skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis can involve the scalp and result in dandruff.

In psoriasis, flakes resemble silvery dust and appear with redness, inflammation, and scaly skin. In eczema, the flakes are typically larger and accompanied by redness and irritation. Seborrheic dermatitis is more frequent in people with oily skin and shows red, scaly, itchy patches along with flakes.

What Can Be Done to Treat Dandruff?

According to the Mayo Clinic, several measures can help manage dandruff.

Manage stress

Stress affects many aspects of your health, including your scalp. It can worsen health issues you already have. If you are dealing with hair loss or dandruff, stress may make hair shedding and skin flaking to be more noticeable.

Get enough nutrition

Get adequate zinc and B vitamins intake every day to support a healthy scalp. Good scalp health helps reduce both hair loss and dandruff.

Use shampoo as needed

A few types of shampoos are commonly recommended for dandruff care.

Shampoo containing pyrithione zinc: This option offers antibacterial and antifungal action.

Tar-based shampoo: Coal tar slows the shedding of dead skin cells. Be aware it can increase sun sensitivity and may fade hair color.

Shampoo containing salicylic acid: This ingredient helps loosen and lift flakes from the scalp.

Shampoo containing selenium sulfide: Its antifungal effect can improve dandruff. Rinse thoroughly after use to reduce the risk of discoloration on hair and scalp.

Shampoo containing ketoconazole: Effective for dandruff linked to scalp fungus.

Sunbathe

Limited sun exposure may help the scalp and can aid dandruff control. Remember to apply sunscreen when you are outdoors.

Reduce your use of hair styling products

Products such as pomade, hairspray, and styling gel can contribute to oil and debris buildup that leads to dandruff, so reduce their use.

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