Have you been mistaking your dry and flaky scalp condition to dandruff?  Not all dry flakes are dandruff. Watch the video where Dr. Shikha Shah talks about other scalp conditions that mimic dandruff. In the video Dr. Shah discusses causes and symptoms of 2 such conditions namely, scalp psoriasis and contact dermatitis. 

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes reddish, raised, and flaky patches in the scalp, which may be a single patch or may pop as several patches and may affect your entire scalp. In its mild form scalp psoriasis, may include only slight scaling, as the condition progresses it causes dandruff-like flaking, dry scalp, or red scaly, bumpy patches and silvery-white scales. 

Dr. Naik says that if your dandruff-like flakes start causing soreness, itching, burning, and sometimes bleeding, and flakes and the red scaly patches are spreading to the forehead, behind the ears, and neck you should consult your dermatologist.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis is not actually a disease in itself. It is an allergic reaction. The condition is caused by your skin or scalp’s reaction to allergens or irritants (chemical products, your hair products such as shampoo, gels, serums, etc. 

Dr. Naik says that if your symptoms of contact dermatitis such as irritation, itching, and white dandruff-like flakes are intensifying, you need to consult your dermatologist. Your dermatologist will treat the condition with appropriate anti-allergic medications.

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