Pityriasis capitis | Dandruff

Pityriasis Capitis, in other words dandruff is a common condition, which affects around 50 percent of the world’s total adult population. There are different types of dandruff but most of them cause the skin to flake. Pityriasis Capitis is not a life-threatening disease but can be really frustrating because of the itchy feeling and flakes. A good shampoo for dandruff might tackle the flakes and could get rid of dandruff. 

In this article various topics will be covered: 

  • How is dandruff formed 
  • Types of dandruff 
  • Dry scalp vs dandruff 
  • Scalp psoriasis vs dandruff 
  • Seborrheic dermatitis vs dandruff 
  • Dandruff vs lice 
  • Can dandruff cause hair loss? 
  • Dandruff causes 
  • Can dandruff be caused by stress? 
  • How to get rid of dandruff 
  • Remedy for dandruff 

 

 

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How is dandruff formed 

Severe dandruff is formed by oils from the scalp. The oil from the scalp causes skin cells to clump together and appear as dry white flakes. Dry skin allows pityriasis capitis to develop more quickly. Many people consider if dandruff is caused by a fungus. That’s why we answer the question: “is dandruff a fungus?”. 

Is dandruff a fungus?

The answer is that a fungus is one of the causes that would possibly cause dandruff, but it is not necessarily the cause in every case. This fungus is Malassezia and exists on most adults’ their scalp. Malassezia feeds on the oils on your scalp, breaking it down and leaving oleic acid in its place.  

 

What does a lot of dandruff mean? 
Another question that gets asked a lot is: “What does a lot of dandruff mean?”. Well, this basically means that you suffer from severe dandruff. And when you are suffering from severe dandruff the chances are high that it would come back. That’s why it is important to know how to get rid of dandruff. 


Usually, pityriasis capitis, or severe dandruff is due to a dry scalp combined with the Malassezia yeast. The best way how to get rid of dandruff is to use a dandruff treatment with at least a shampoo for dandruff. 

Types of dandruff 

There are several different types of dandruff, and each has a unique cause. To get rid of dandruff it may be useful to find out what types of dandruff there are and which one you suffer from. There are at least five namely oily skin dandruff, dry skin dandruff, fungus-related dandruff, psoriasis-related dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. The first one we discuss is the dry skin dandruff. 

Dry scalp vs dandruff 

A dry scalp can cause dandruff, but they do not have the same meaning. Hence, making a dry scalp vs dandruff comparison is important to explain its difference. A dry scalp does not cause flakes itself it only occurs when the scalp does not produce or hold enough moisture. Pityriasis capitis is a condition that causes flakes on the scalp and hair. This is the big difference between dry scalp vs dandruff. 

Dry skin dandruff tends to happen in the winter months as cold weather and indoor heating can dry out the skin. Washing your hair in hot water can also lead to dry skin dandruff. A dry scalp can become irritated and shed skin cells. Dry skin dandruff flakes are small and white, the scalp also may be itchy but not excessively. If the itchiness becomes heavier, you likely suffer from severe dandruff. 

Scalp psoriasis vs dandruff 

Another form of pityriasis capitis is psoriasis- related dandruff. Hence, we first explain the differences between scalp psoriasis vs dandruff. Firstly, psoriasis is chronic and long-lasting, while pityriasis capitis may come and go. Secondly, scalp psoriasis is more scaly than flaky. Thirdly, psoriasis can spread on more places of the body, such as the back of your neck, the skin around your ears or the elbows. Lastly, scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease and caused by the immune system. This means that psoriasis-related dandruff is in fact a symptom of scalp psoriasis. 

Seborrheic dermatitis vs dandruff 

There is also a difference between seborrheic dermatitis vs dandruff. Both can cause itching and flaking of the scalp. But seborrheic dermatitis is not one of the types of dandruff but is another different scalp condition. 
 
The difference is that pityriasis capitis, dandruff usually presents small, white flakes in the hair and on the scalp while seborrheic dermatitis usually presents as defined plaques of greasy, yellow scales on the scalp, behind the ears, on the nose, upper lip, eyelids, eyebrows, and upper chest.

Dandruff in eyebrows 

Dandruff in eyebrows is caused by seborrheic dermatitis not pityriasis capitis. For dandruff in eyebrows there is no cure, but possibly there are treatments on the market. It usually happens after puberty in areas of the skin where there are a lot of oil-producing glands. So, remember the flakes look like dandruff in eyebrows but is caused by seborrheic dermatitis. When you want to read more about this topic and how to treat it check out this page about seborrheic dermatitis. 

Fungus vs dandruff 

The difference between fungus vs dandruff, is that pityriasis capitis is not necessarily caused by a fungus. Because it can also be caused by a dry scalp or another condition. Pityriasis capitis is often associated with Malassezia. This is a fungus that can be found in the skin of every human being. It can trigger an inflammatory response that produces pityriasis capitis. 

A shampoo for dandruff can treat as a remedy for dandruff to combat against this Malassezia fungi. Zinc, climbazole, piroctone olamine and copper peptide complex are ingredients that can help treat fungus-related dandruff and other scalp conditions. If you want to read more about the ingredients for a good shampoo for dandruff, go to this page. 

Dandruff vs lice 

There is a big difference between dandruff vs lice. Lice lay eggs called nits and are obligate parasites. Lice live in externally warm-blooded hosts including humans, birds, bats, and mammals. The symptoms of pityriasis capitis and lice may look similar but there are differences. The nits of lice stick to the hair while flakes of dandruff easily fall off.  

To get rid of dandruff by a remedy of dandruff does not get rid of the lice. This means when you suffer from lice you should treat it with a drug that works anti lice. 

Can dandruff cause hair loss? 

Can dandruff cause hair loss is a question that you might consider when you suffer from severe dandruff and hair loss. The answer to this is that dandruff itself does not cause your hair loss. However, severe dandruff can cause you to scratch your scalp and injuring it. Extensive inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage, scarring and slowing down hair growth. That’s why you should not scratch your hair even if you have severe dandruff. 

Dandruff causes 

The causes of pityriasis capitis are not certain and may differ per person, but research states that the factors below can foul severe dandruff: 

  • The amount of sebum build up 
  • The presence of yeasts on the skin, especially Malassezia species 
  • A certain predisposition 
  • Irritated oily skin 
  • Other skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema 
  • Contact dermatitis 

Can dandruff be caused by stress? 

Dandruff does not develop because of hygienic factors but other factors such as stress, feeling tired, HIV, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy or the mentioned above can cause it. These factors are associated to a weakened immune system and overheating due to stress can provide an ideal condition for dandruff. The sweat pores are closely linked to your sebum pores, and it leaves behind minerals and oils that need to be removed. Stressful events can also cause you to scratch your head out of confusion. This could transfer dirt and oils from your hands to your hair and scalp. This can cause even more severe dandruff.  
 
The weather can also have impact on pityriasis capitis. In the winter the weather is cold and dry, which makes dandruff easier to arise.  

How to get rid of dandruff 

To get rid of dandruff you should treat your scalp softly and wash it regularly. A remedy for dandruff that helps to get rid of dandruff are products such as a shampoo for dandruff. When you are using a shampoo for dandruff you should be aware that you should have a good hair washing method. That’s why we help you out with this. When you have added the shampoo for dandruff in your hair you should wait three to four minutes before rinsing it out. After that you can use a conditioner or scalp mask.  

Make sure to shampoo your hair at least one time a week. The frequency of shampooing your hair varies from person to person. Some people use this shampoo for dandruff every day and for other people it works when using it twice a week. Do what feels best for your hair! Massaging your scalp with a scalp roller might even help to promote blood circulation in your skin and can stimulate a healthy way to grow new hairs and to get rid of dandruff in combination with a shampoo for dandruff. 

Remedy for dandruff 

The best remedy for dandruff is the Neofollics scalp therapy line. This exists out of a dandruff treatment that exists out of a shampoo for dandruff and a nourishing mask. It can get rid of dandruff and helps against seborrheic dermatitis, itching and flaking of the scalp. 
 
This dandruff treatment improves the health of the hair by tackling an unhealthy scalp in the following ways. 

  • Exfoliating the scalp and remove sebum build up 
  • Reducing flaking and other dandruff symptoms 
  • Balancing microbial activity 
  • Decreasing inflammation and redness 
  • Nourishing the scalp 

This remedy for dandruff exists out of ingredients that have an effective effect against pityriasis capitis. Ketoconazole, piroctone olamine and climbazole have anti-fungal effects and can tackle seborrheic dermatitis and reduce hair loss. Another ingredient that is important to have in a dandruff treatment is Licorice extract. This extract also treats atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis. The acid Glycyrrhizin which is in Licorice extract has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce redness and irritation on the skin caused by severe dandruff. 

The best shampoo for dandruff has positive effects against dandruff and flaking. The shampoo for dandruff is nourishing, sooths the scalp and lays the foundation for a healthy scalp. Frequent washing your hair with this shampoo for dandruff can help to remove the scales as quickly as they form. The detergents in the shampoo for dandruff will cause smaller, less visible flakes on the shed of your hair.  

In addition to this shampoo for dandruff you can also use a nourishing mask. Together they will form the best dandruff treatment that combats pityriasis capitis, flaking and itching of the scalp. Conditions as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are also combatted by this shampoo for dandruff and nourishing mask. This remedy for dandruff gently exfoliates the scalp and removes all the impurities. The dandruff treatment contains a broad spectrum of ingredients with anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activity. At the same time the shampoo for dandruff also contains soothing natural oils to treat and calm the scalp. 

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