WHY IS YOUR DANDRUFF YELLOW?
Do you suffer from yellow dandruff? Find out what it is.
If you suffer from dandruff, the last thing you want going through your head is – my dandruff is yellow. This can seem out of the ordinary and a point of concern, as people are used to seeing white flakes. They don’t really know how to behave with yellow flakes on scalp, but it isn’t something to necessarily worry about.
What is dandruff and why is it yellow?
How can you keep this yellow dandruff under control?
What is dandruff and why is it yellow?
Dandruff is an ailment that is caused by overactive oil glands on your scalp. But when it comes to yellow dandruff, you’re more likely suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis. This is considered to be a more severe version of dandruff.
There is a naturally occurring fungus called Malassezia Globosa , which is found on your scalp. This fungus feeds on any excessive oil secreted by the scalp, which can trigger your immune system. An irregular response by your body causes a build-up of skin cells on your scalp which leads to scaly patches. Along with inflammation, this causes the development of crusty sores on your scalp which are yellowish in colour. These dead skin cells are shed from your scalp as flakes.
So, when you have yellow dandruff flakes, it’s usually Seborrheic Dermatitis. These will be associated with high oil levels and greasy skin. The flakes will also be greasy, which is why some people call it wet dandruff.
Wet dandruff or Dry dandruff
The common misconception is that any form of flaking from your scalp is dandruff. But those are just dead skin cells falling off. You can have flaking from dry skin as well, which is often termed as dry dandruff.
Dandruff is a condition that is usually associated with excessive oil on your scalp. That’s why actual dandruff is greasy in nature and clumps together on your hair. And if it’s related to Seborrheic Dermatitis, it can take on the form of yellow oily dandruff.
Can it lead to hair loss?
Dandruff by itself cannot cause hair loss. But it’s also associated with redness and severe scalp itching. If you scratch your head excessively, it can weaken the hair follicles and lead to hair fall. Combined with the inflamed skin, you can sometimes cause permanent scarring as well. This is why people notice wet dandruff hair loss.
Should you be concerned?
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a condition that has no known cure because it’s based around how sensitive your body is. Many people across the world suffer from this and it even affects infants, where it’s known as cradle cap. It can flare up at any moment and can be found on your face, ears, chest, groin, etc.
But although there is no permanent cure, you can manage your conditions. You can find ways to keep the outbreaks in control and live a normal life. Seborrheic Dermatitis can sometimes disappear on its own as well.
How can you keep this yellow dandruff under control?
Firstly, you should get a correct diagnosis from a dermatologist. It might just be a case of dandruff which has led to yellow flakes on scalp. The dermatologist will also be able to recommend the next steps to deal with your wet dandruff.
Many people try an anti-dandruff shampoo to help them with their condition. Since the cause of your yellow dandruff is excess oil and Malassezia fungus, a good wet dandruff shampoo should help you control the causes. A great method on how to remove dandruff is to use Head and Shoulders Cool Menthol that can leave you with up to 100% dandruff free hair, getting rid of visible flakes with regular use.
But if your itching and flaking does not reduce, you might need medicated anti-fungal creams and ointments to help you with the yellow dandruff flakes. The doctor might even recommend topical application of steroid creams or the use of UV light therapy.
Yellow dandruff can seem like a big problem to deal with, but you can learn to handle it if you identify the causes of dandruff and use the right products.
