Tips To Treat A Dry, Flaky And Itchy Scalp

If you suffer from a dry, flaky and itchy scalp, there’s help at hand, says Tatiana Dias

- Tatiana Dias

If there’s one beauty-related issue that’s normal yet utterly uncomfortable and not to mention embarrassing, it would have to be a dry, flaky and itchy scalp. It’s rather awkward finding yourself (or someone next to you) dusting white specks off your black T-shirt. If you’re bothered by an itchy scalp though, take heart in the fact that you’re not the only one in fighting this prickly battle— according to experts, almost half of India’s adult population suffers the same condition. But the good news is that there are solutions and remedies at hand.

A dry scalp is essentially the result of the skin not producing or holding enough moisture. “Dryness irritates the scalp, leading to itching and fine flaking, which can later cause dandruff. If the scalp is dry, the skin on other parts of the body could be dry too. As a result, the hair may also end up looking dry,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermatosurgeon, The Esthetic Clinics & Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai.

Dry scalp is often confused for dandruff. The two however are not the same. While the symptoms of itchiness and flakiness do overlap, it is essential to know and understand the difference, in order to treat the problem.

Dr Apoorva Shah, founder of RichFeel Trichology Clinic, says, “Dandruff is a broad term that covers various types of scalp-related scaling problems. Dry scalp is one of the reasons for dandruff or it can be classified as simple dandruff.”

“To determine whether you have a dry scalp or dandruff, you could apply a light moisturiser to your scalp before going to bed. If the cause is dry scalp, then the flakes should disappear once you shower the next morning,” says Dr Kapoor.

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