What are the causes of a dry flaky scalp?

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According to the BBC Health website, dead skin cells flake off the scalp unnoticed every day. But when an unusually high amount of dead skin cells falls from the head, they can form large flakes of skin, ranging in color from white to gray to yellow.

Dry Skin

The Mayo Clinic reports it is common for people to have common dry skin at certain times of year, causing white or gray flakes to fall from their scalps (dandruff). Winter is a common time when differing indoor and outdoor temperatures can cause flaky skin.

Diet

BBC Health says certain types of food and drinks can create a dry, flaky scalp. A diet rich in sugars, spices, salt or alcohol can cause this condition.

Skin Problems

Skin problems such seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema are also common causes of a dry, flaky scalp.

Fungus

Pityrosporum ovale is a fungus that lives on most people's scalps. When excess oils are produced, they allow the fungus to grow more rapidly.

Products

The Mayo Clinic explains that excessive or too little use of hair products such as shampoo can cause dry, itchy scalp. Sensitivity to a hair product, known as contact dermatitis, can irritate the skin on the scalp, causing the cells to die and fall off as white flakes.

Source:

BBC Health: Flaky Scalp

Mayo Clinic: Dandruff Causes

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What are the causes of a dry flaky scalp?

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