Dandruff is a skin condition that may become a source of embarrassment even though it is not lethal in nature. Getting rid of dandruff often involves using specialized personal care products and over-the-counter medications. However, depending on the causes and type of dandruff, several remedies may be used to manage your symptoms.

Here is a list of the different types of dandruff, according to their causes.

Yeast Infection Dandruff
Sometimes, dandruff is caused by a yeast called Malassezia, which may irritate your scalp and lead to the growth of excess skin cells. This yeast is found on the scalps of most adults, and it consumes the excess oil. People sensitive to yeast infections often are at a greater risk of dandruff.

Seborrheic Dermatitis
Irritated and oily skin leads to a type of skin condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis, which is a common cause of dandruff. Other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include patches of oily skin on your face, nose, eyebrows, ears, chest, and armpits, which are also sometimes covered with white or yellow residue, red skin, and itching. Sometimes, not shampooing your hair enough can also cause dandruff, which may leave you with flaky skin and an itching scalp. Seborrheic Dermatitis can also be triggered by irregularities in your immune system.

Dry Skin Dandruff
Dry skin makes some people more susceptible to skin conditions like dandruff, especially those living in cold climates. The cold air of winter and the overheated rooms often lead to flaky, irritated scalp, which results in dandruff. People who have dandruff because of dry skin often have small and dry flakes peeling from their scalps. Shampooing more frequently can also irritate your skin and cause dryness, which may lead to dandruff.

Contact Dermatitis
Shampoos can also cause dandruff as some shampoos are not compatible with your skin type, and this may result in contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis often occurs when your skin is irritated by a shampoo that contains chemicals to which you may be allergic. As a result, your body may react to the shampoo and lead to irritated flaky skin on your scalp along with dandruff.

Dandruff Due to Fungal Infections
Dandruff is a common symptom of fungal infections like Tinea capitis, commonly known as the “scalp ringworm.” Although fungi exist on the scalp of many people, they are not a common cause of dandruff. Fungal infections cause dandruff only when it is triggered by other external factors.

Dandruff Due to Other Medical Conditions
Adults with certain medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease and HIV are more prone to dandruff than others. Patients with a weak immune system also run a greater risk of having dandruff.

Once you have identified the causes and types of dandruff, choosing a method of treatment becomes much easier. If your dandruff persists despite using several home remedies, it is best to consult a doctor.