Dandruff and dry scalp: Learn the difference

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder that occurs when dead skin cells cluster together and detach from the scalp, forming shedded flakes. A small amount of flaking is normal, but some people experience itching, redness, scaling, and irritation. Dandruff may fluctuate in severity, becoming worse in the winter and with stress.

Several factors can contribute to the onset or increase of dandruff, including age, gender, weather, and preexisting conditions.

Dandruff cannot be cured, but its symptoms can generally be controlled with specialized shampoos. Most people need repeated or long-term, consistent treatment. Selsun blue^® helps control dandruff by powerfully relieving symptoms like flaking and itching.

Flakes are clumps of dead skin cells that group before shedding from the scalp. Flaking is typically associated with the overproduction of skin cells.

If you suffer from dandruff, you’re not alone—dandruff occurs in 15–20% of the population, generally anytime from puberty to around age 40.

Dandruff generally peaks around age 40, and then may improve.

Look for products with these key dandruff-controlling ingredients:

 Salicylic acid:
     Helps remove scaly skin and decrease cell-to-cell clumping, making it ideal for dandruff relief.

 Keratinization regulators:
     Substances like pyrithione zinc can help scalp cells normalize, reducing clumping and oiliness.

 Selenium sulfide:
     This ingredient can help reduce cell turnover, limiting the formation of clumps.

Almost anyone can get dandruff, but some factors may make you more susceptible:

 Age:
    Dandruff usually starts in young adulthood and continues through middle age.

 Stress:
    Because stress impacts your overall health, it may make you more vulnerable to a number of conditions, including dandruff.

 Gender:
    Learn more about the differences between men and women in terms of dandruff.