There are other scalp conditions which are commonly misdiagnosed as dandruff, which present the same symptoms of itching and flaking. If presenting such symptoms, it is important to get an early diagnosis by a doctor as the treatments for dandruff, eczema and psoriasis differ markedly.
Eczema
You may suffer from general dry skin or eczema, which can be treated with a combination of vitamin supplements (for healthy hair and skin), conditioner to put moisture back into the hair and skin, and shampoos containing urea to soothe the redness and itching. Shampoos containing tricosaccaride and vitamin enriched liposomes are also beneficial for general scalp health, as these sorts of shampoos stimulate the scalp and condition hair follicles.
Psoriasis
Another relatively common condition is scalp psoriasis, which is a hereditary condition whereby skin cells in the scalp multiply six times as fast as normal, causing flaking and shredding after a few days (instead of the usual few weeks). Raised pink patches and skin covered with fine silvery scales are the usual indicators of this condition, which is sometimes made worse by alcohol or smoking.
This condition is sometimes referred to as ‘scaling scalp’, and can be treated with a combination of medication, supplements, and tar-based treatments (such as PolyTar). These tar-based shampoos and serums clear the scaling away from the scalp, as well as relieving itching and inflammation, slowing the rate of skin cell growth, and acting as an antiseptic to prevent infection. It is also possible that an itching scalp may be the result of a lice or scabies infection, which is easily treated with anti-lice and anti-scabies shampoo.