A problem that can be easily identified with just a glance at the head of the person who suffers from it, since it is easy to notice the numerous small scales that are trapped in the hair. Especially in the part closest to the root. However, you have to differentiate dandruff from scalp flaking. Since, in the second case, the origin problem may be greater.
Like the rest of the skin of the body, that of the scalp is in a continuous process of renewal, although it is difficult to realize it. However, when it flakes off and the plaques that come off are visible and larger, it could be a skin disease. Especially if this symptom is accompanied by others such as itching and inflammation.
Scalp flaking is not always the same and this is because the origin can vary greatly, although, for the most part, it is usually skin disorders. One of the most common causes has to do with seborrheic dermatitis, as it is a common symptom of this disease. An excess of fat that causes the generation of yellowish scales, which can also occur in other parts of the body.
Psoriasis is another of the most common reasons along with seborrheic dermatitis. The way to identify this disease is based on looking at the red irritations that appear on the hairline. Also, in this case the scales are not yellow, but whitish in color. And it is also normal for this disease to manifest itself in other body areas, for example, the elbows.
Another type of dermatitis that has flaking of the scalp as one of its symptoms is atopic dermatitis, which is accompanied by strong itching in the area and which appears in the form of eczema.
Among the different causes that include this disorder among its symptoms are fungi and scarring alopecia. In the first case, more frequent in children, it is a scalp infection. While in this type of alopecia, flaking occurs progressively and may be a warning sign of this hair problem in the early stages.
In any case, the correct way to act is to go to a medical consultation with a dermatologist, who will be in charge of analyzing the case and issuing the relevant diagnosis. As well as the treatment that is adjusted to each case to be able to reverse this situation and that the skin adjusts to a healthy renewal cycle.