What does YOUR dandruff say about your health? - Daily Mail

Consultant dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh has identified the different types of dandruff and what they mean, from large, waxy flakes caused by a fungal infection to small, non-itchy white flakes caused by a burned scalp. .

While the common skin condition is non-harmful, an itchy scalp with fine, white flakes could indicate an allergy while yellow flakes and an inflamed scalp may mean eczema. .

Could mean: Scalp fungus .

A common cause of dandruff is the fungus called Malassezia globose that feeds off the oils on our skin and hair. It produces oleic acid, which can irritate our skin. .

Anti-dandruff shampoos typically contain pyrithione zinc, the most common anti-fungal ingredient. However over use of anti-dandruff shampoos can lead to a dry and sensitive scalp and cause different sort or dandruff, so their use should be limited. .

Could mean: Scalp allergy  .

Small dry and white flakes with an itchy, tight-feeling scalp that is often worse soon after washing hair could be down to an allergy. .

I suggest chemical-free and reparative scalp treatments to reduce irritation, improve scalp moisturisation and repair skin barrier function through the use of prebiotic ingredients. .

Small dry and white flakes with an itchy tight feeling scalp that is often worse soon after washing hair could be down to an allergy.

Could mean: Burned scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis is an underlying inflammatory skin condition caused by damaged skin barrier function moisture loss and then usually secondary bacterial infection form the oil of the hair follicles. 

As a preventative for daily use to use in use a chemical free, perfume-free and scalp cleansing shampoo that helps repair skin barrier function

Could mean: Scalp psoriasis

Large silvery flakes with red and greyish round skin plaques on the scalp are indicators of the condition, which affects around 2 per cent of the UK population

Greasy yellowy flakes with spots or cysts on the scalp could be a warning sign of folliculitis, a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed