Do you have a flaky, scaly or itchy scalp? It could be dandruff – here’s expert advice on how to treat it
- Stress from the pandemic may be behind a recent rise in the number of people dealing with scalp conditions such as dandruff
- Scalp experts share advice on how to treat the condition, from daily washing to scalp massages once or twice a week to dietary changes
Here’s an unexpected health concern that stems from the coronavirus pandemic: a flaky, scaly and sometimes itchy scalp.
“Since the pandemic began, people who never had scalp issues before suddenly experienced dandruff or an itchy scalp, an excessively oily scalp and pimples or acne on their scalp,” says Singapore-based trichologist Kim Fong.
That’s because stress plays a role in our scalp’s health, Fong says – and who has not faced increased stress since Covid-19 began?
Andrea Clark, a trichologist and hairstylist who works in Hong Kong and Australia, regularly sees clients, men and women of all ages, with dandruff – one of three common scalp conditions.
People with dandruff often they believe it is caused by a dry scalp when it is actually oily. An overgrowth of a type of yeast called Malassezia is the cause – it helps skin cells grow and reach the surface much faster than the normal 28 to 30 days.
Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder that also affects the face and torso. According to Clark, the problem presents as yellow, flaky scales.