Dandruff is a condition characterized by flakiness of scalp skin.
Normally, old skin cells die and are replaced by new cells. These flakes are so less that they usually go unnoticed. But in Dandruff, new cells form at such a rapid rate that old cells begin shedding in visible flakes. The flakes are visible on the head and tend to fall on the shoulders because they are extremely light in weight. On wearing dark-colored clothing, the flakes are more evident.
Dandruff can be mild to severe in intensity and flakes can either be dry or moist.
- Dry: Scales are flaky, silvery white and usually fall off the head more readily.
- Moist: Here, flakes appear moist, light yellow in colour and have a distinctive smell.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: It is a form of skin inflammation characterized by extreme redness and itchiness. Dandruff is present on scalp while Seborrheic Dermatitis can be present in skin folds, nose, eyebrows, scalp upper part of the body chest and back, etc. Some people consider Seborrheic Dermatitis as an extreme form of Dandruff. It is aggravated seasonally, by stress, during weak immunity, etc.
