Not All Flakes Are the Same — Let’s Decode Your Scalp
At Rita Hair Therapist, we often see clients frustrated with chronic scalp flaking, itching, and irritation — often self-diagnosed as “just dandruff.” But did you know there are important differences between common dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea), and psoriasis?
Understanding what’s really going on is the first step to an effective treatment.
1. Dandruff (Pityriasis Simplex)
Mild, common, and usually manageable
Dandruff is the most common scalp condition and is usually caused by:
- Excess oil production
- Mild fungal overgrowth (Malassezia)
- Product buildup or sensitivity
- Weather changes and stress
Symptoms:
- Small, white or yellowish dry flakes
- Slight itching or irritation
- No inflammation or redness
- Often worsens in dry, cold weather
Easily controlled with scalp exfoliation, anti-fungal tonics, pH balancing shampoos, and lifestyle changes.
2. Seborrhea / Seborrheic Dermatitis
Moderate condition with inflammation
Seborrhea is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting oil-rich areas of the scalp and face. It’s often linked to immune response, stress, and hormonal changes, and may run in families.
Symptoms:
- Greasy, yellowish scales or patches
- Redness and inflammation
- Persistent itching or burning sensation
- Often found on scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, and ears
Requires calming and purifying scalp treatments, anti-inflammatory products, and sometimes lifestyle or dietary adjustments.
3. Psoriasis of the Scalp
Autoimmune and often misunderstood
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that speeds up the skin cell cycle, causing a buildup of cells on the surface of the scalp. It is not contagious and often has a genetic component.
Symptoms:
- Thick, silvery-white plaques
- Defined red patches with inflammation
- Flaking that extends beyond the hairline
- May be associated with pain or cracks in the skin
Needs a specialized care plan including soothing therapies, advanced trichology protocols, and sometimes medical collaboration with dermatologists.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
While these conditions may look similar, they require very different treatment strategies. A professional trichology consultation will help you identify the true cause and build a treatment plan tailored to your scalp’s unique needs.
Struggling with flakes or scalp discomfort? Don’t guess — let’s get to the root of it together.
Book your scalp evaluation or contact us for more information.
