A good example of this is zinc pyrithione shampoo, which can be found online. For many, picking provides an intense sensation of relief or satisfaction. They will determine the cause and create a treatment plan that best addresses your needs. Anything above 7 is alkaline and anything below it is considered acidic. You just know they didn't wash This can also help reduce scalp buildup. This type of product typically contains small exfoliating beads or granules. There are two steps you can take to remove the white plaque buildup from your scalp and prevent it from returning in the future. Required fields are marked *. Its a normal condition that can cause the skin on your scalp to flake. Well go over the relationship between the two. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. Dip the nail brush in soapy water. If left untreated for a long period of time, this condition could result in permanent scarring due to frequent breakouts over an extended period of time related directly or indirectly with excess sebum presence on the scalp area. Well, with soap, you can get them clean quickly, and without spending the whole day washing them. When this yeast eats sebum, it manages to produce a substance called oleic acid, which serves to irritate your scalp. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work? Our scalp produces sebum for a few reasons. Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic which helps it break down oils as well as get rid of unwanted scaly patches on your head caused by excessive build up of sebum produced by your apocrine glands. This content does not have an Arabic version. (2015). Its harmless and you cannot catch it. (n.d.). This can be helpful, but be sure to wash your hair in lukewarm water and not cold water, which may contribute to frizzing and breakage. Now that we got the easy part out of the way, we now have to deal with fixing the issue at its core. My head is sometimes itchy and I dont know what the cause is. If you are serious about combating your scalp buildup, then you must speak to your doctor to see what is best for your personal situation. Wash Hair Regularly Washing hair regularly is essential to keep sebum buildup at bay. The purpose of this oil is to promote healthy hair growth and to keep the scalp from becoming too dry. You can also ask potential therapists if they have a sliding scale for their fees, which will allow you to pay what you can. talking to a close friend or family member about what youre feeling in that moment, making a conscious effort to protect your scalp from bumps and cuts that might be tempting to pick at your scalp. Getting rid of scalp buildup needs a formulated approach since it can be both relatively easy and complex. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You may experience some itching as a side effect, but it is not an inflammatory issue as is dandruff. When i scratch my head white stuff gets under nails. All rights reserved. Here is how. Leave the coconut oil to sit on your scalp for 30 minutes. Shake before using as the oils do not mix well. Furthermore, excessive oil build-up can attract dirt particles and bacteria which can lead to irritation on the scalp. You could also suffer from scalp eczema, blackheads, pimples and dermatitis flare-ups. 5. Andskip using a nail brush. If youre planning on styling your hair, you might want to look for a bristle brush that can help you achieve a certain look. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. In fact, by rubbing the q-tip on your nails, you can cause a multitude of problems. Just make sure to do so gently. In conclusion, scratching ones head can result in skin irritation and nails that become brittle and vulnerable to infection. It's more likely sebum and/ or dead skin cells that are being sacrificed to protect your scalp from 'attack' - it might be trying to protect itself from being over-exfoliated (scrubbed), from being stripped by a harsh cleanser, from an irritant in another product, from its own sebum, from waste products of microbes on the surface, from the pool water, or some combination of these. It turns out that the gray gunk is not only pretty common, but pretty harmless, too. What Are The Symptoms Of A Scalp Suffering From Excess Sebum? the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. (See the image below for what this looks like, from a 2014 studypublished in the journal Annals of Dermatology.). This prevents follicles from becoming clogged or blocked, which can lead to dandruff and other conditions like psoriasis or eczema. What Color Nail Polish Do Guys Like? You should also see a doctor if you regularly notice bumps on your scalp or have significant hair loss. If youre tired of dry hands, you can find out what you can do about it. Wash in cool not Its basically a mixture of dandruff, flaky dead skin cells with sebum. It may also contain some dirt that the scalp attracts. It relates to the cle DOI: Wolf R, et al. Past bra strap length heading for waist. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/woundcare.html. I started Hairguard because I was losing my hair and nothing I tried seemed to help. Apply coconut oil to your scalp, enough to cover it in its entirety. While oleic acid is one of the direct causes of scalp buildup, it starts off with the production of Malassezia yeast. Its an easily treatable condition. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush Collection, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum. Symptoms, Treatment, and More, Seborrheic Dermatitis: Best Shampoos for Treating Your Scalp, The Best Micellar Shampoos for Clean, Shiny Hair, Glycemic Index: What It Is and How to Use It, a combination of the previously listed substances. (2016). There are many ways to manage dermatillomania, but you might have to try a few things before you find what works for you. Other conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and scalp buildup have similar symptoms but different causes that require different treatments to resolve. If you're losing a lot of hair, that's the more worrying part. This website is an outlet of my deep passion for beauty, hair and fashion! Not only do artificial nails carry a higher risk for trapping pseudomonas because the nails arelong, but "they can also have openings that can be perfect havens for bacteria," says Stern. Its basically a mixture of dandruff, flaky dead skin cells with sebum. It may also contain some dirt that the scalp attracts. It relates to the cle It can be caused by conditions that range from mild, Learn all about dark circles under your eyes. A sweaty scalp often causes greasy hair and may give off an unpleasant odor. Is It Possible To See Sebum In Other Peoples Hair And Scalps? Over time, these elements can build up, leaving us with an unhealthy scalp and a less-than-ideal environment for optimum hair growth. These sores can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. This helps replenish moisture into the cuticles which in turn will reduce excessive sebum production. Too much oil on your scalp can be a nuisance. Other oils that have been shown to have some effect are coconut oil, borage oil, and even sunflower oil. But after years of trial and error, I found 3 steps that really made a difference. Folliculitis causes inflammation of the hair follicles that sometimes results in infection. Many people find relief through doing cognitive behavioral therapy. You must consult a medical professional before acting on any content on this website. We avoid using tertiary references. If you have dandruff or scalp psoriasis, for example, they may recommend prescription shampoos and topicals. link to Why Is There Lint in My Hair? Millman M. Cuts, scrapes and wounds. This yeast feeds on the natural oils produced by your scalp, and sebum is no exception. 4. Put a light layer of an antibiotic ointment around the cut to kill germs. I get this too! Lord, I hate to see crud under someone's nails, especially early in the morning. This change will affect your skins barrier functions. Cleaning the wound helps get infection-causing bacteria out of the injured area. Alleybux. The shampoo pH can affect the hair: Myth or reality? DOI: Telofski LS, et al. The function we will look at, however, is its role in keeping you hydrated. Ok I will try to answer to what you said:p. Are you sure the pH of the Body Shop stuff is as low as 4.5 to 5.5? DOI: National Psoriasis Foundation. Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis. link to Can You Dye Your Hair after a Keratin Treatment? Residue from hair products is the other likely cause of scalp buildup. Lacerations. (n.d.). Folliculitis can affect any part of your body that has hair, including your scalp. What type of moisturizer you use will make a difference, too. As salicylic acid contains a small amount of alcohol, the solution when directly applied can be drying. Some people produce more of this oil than others. Rinse the wound with clear water for 5 to 10 minutes. Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. It plays an important role in protecting and lubricating the surface of skin and scalp itself. This results in more frequent washing of your hair with harsh products that strip away moisture. In: Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care. In severe cases of overactive sebaceous glands, redness and bumps may appear as well. You're probably paying more attention to the genital area. If youre worried about developing any underlying conditions due to excess sebum present on your scalp then consulting a health professional might be best practice as they will be able to provide advice tailored specifically for you and potentially prescribe treatments depending on severity of symptoms. It may vary in color depending on skin type, with some individuals experiencing an oilier scalp than others, which produces more sebum than necessary. But its also possible you could be dealing with something else. To start, be sure to take a regular shampooing routine. Before applying a product to yourself, you should be aware of what it does and how it is intended to be used. However, these conditions are different and require different treatment methods. If your body isnt able to take care of dead skin cells fast enough, they will eventually build up and be absorbed by sebum. If I do give in, and scrape a few dozen of them off, I can get them out form under my fingernails (gross, I know), and they look like grains of sugar or sand. (2014). My daughters have build up and we are going to try a clarifying shampoo but I think we need to find something we can use every day. You may want to wash it every day or every few days, depending on your hair type. gosh sorry the amount of comments saying you have a disease look up.. and your hair is greasy wash it strip it to dry it etc. no no no no! It By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Hi, my name is Joy-Lee and I'm the owner of wevaluebeauty.com. On occasions, scratching or rubbing of the scalp can cause a production of increased amounts, leading to it being deposited onto our fingertips in the form of clumps, giving a yellowish hue under nails. What helped me most was using a shampoo with salicylic acid in it (like Neutrogena T/Sal) and using a scalp scrubber while Im shampooing (like this one). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. privacy practices. (2015). Dandruff is incurable. While too much sebum can be a negative, having too little will also be harmful to your skin. If you find that your nails are still too oily after brushing them, consider using some exfoliating products (especially those containing salicylic acid). Is this something that can be used every day (or every other day)? It is therefore very important that you wash hands thoroughly on a regular basis, as well as ensure proper hygiene when caring for your scalp by not excessively scratching it. I think we're all accustomed to the fact that we see lint in our hair and brushes. A few seconds squirting directly under the nails, and all the dirt is gone. Why Is There Lint in My Hair? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 1,510 84 9. This is why coconut is first applied and given time to absorb, as it protects your scalp and follicles from drying out and causing further issues. Do this at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty. Better than scratching your nether regions, then looking shocked when you pull your hand out and you got black crud under your nails. *shudders* I saw someone do that. But it does increase your risk of developing folliculitis. If you suffer from excessive scaly patches on your head along with increased amounts of sebum underneath nails, then perhaps consulting with a dermatologist might be a good idea. Information contained on this website has not been evaluated by any medical body such as the Food & Drug Administration. Sebum helps protect our skin from environmental conditions, keeps it moisturized, and also serves as a natural lubricant for hair follicles. To avoid this problem, opt for light formulas that are designed to be used sparingly and wash off easily. This can also add to your scalp buildup. Instead of flaking caused by inflammation, with scalp buildup, flaking is caused by a buildup of things that can cause flakes such as: In short: yes. It shares many of the same symptoms as dandruff. other information we have about you. Clean and dry your toes on a daily basis. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with When you stand in a busy line or start dinner, sometimes you cant wait to wash your hands, and you dont want to spend hours washing them. 3. We established that dandruff does have a connection with hair loss, but what exactly is that connection?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'wevaluebeauty_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',855,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wevaluebeauty_com-leader-1-0'); To find out how dandruff affects your scalp and hair loss, we have to take a look at yet another study. It can be white, and sometimes even yellow, and is generally concentrated in particularly oily areas of the scalp. Be warned that products will use different levels of salicylic acid, and you should use one that has a high concentration. Once applied, these products should work to break down any oils and bacteria that may be hiding under the nail. If youve ever wondered why grime keeps accumulating thereand what that beneath-the-nail stuff is really made ofheres your answer. Apply any of these oils on a daily basis and you should be on your way to preventing any more scalp buildup. If youre not sure where to start, consider joining a support group to connect with others living with dermatillomania. But it can be mazy and hard to treat. Apply an antibiotic or petroleum jelly. That usually means that you have buildup on your scalp. Its fine just wash your hair. Leave the salicylic acid on for 10 minutes, and then gently wash away with warm water. This includes the use of store-bought shampoos and hair products, as well as contact with pollutants and ineffective scalp cleansing. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This in turn contributes to thinning hair strands or even bald spots, and hair loss. include protected health information. No matter how hard I try, I couldn't get all the dirt out from under my nails. If youre prone to scalp buildup, here are some anecdotal preventive measures you can take: If your scalp buildup is getting in the way of managing and enjoying your hair, and home treatments are not working, see a doctor. Scalp exfoliation is recommended for healthy people without active scalp infections, such as ringworm, any open sores, or lice. You can also make an appointment with a doctor to talk about medication options. Sebum is an oily fluid secreted by glands located inside the hair follicles of mammals, including humans. Scalp skin is similar to face skin and need to be washed. Dr. Shainhouse recommends washing every other day. Turns out exfoliation can help reduce your scalp buildup if done once or twice a week. Next, be strategic with how you wash your hands. Of the hair tonics used in the study, the solution containing 10 percent lemongrass was shown to work the best as a dandruff treatment. It is often that washing hands are more of a compulsion than a chore. Not sure what to really do. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This will lead to the formation of scar tissue, a well-known cause of hair loss. (n.d.). Scratching is a sure way to spread infection. These have the opposite effect in the sense that they remove most of the sebum on the scalp. Avoid Overusing Hair Products Hair products like gels, mousses, and sprays are designed to boost volume or hold styles in place, but overusing them can actually weigh down your hair and clog up pores. Along with the causes of dark, Split nails are often caused by an injury such as a stubbed toe or receiving a severe blow to a finger or thumb. At this point, there will be patches of salicylic acid peeling off any sebum, Oil massage before you shampoo. It is common for individuals with an itchy scalp and irritation to assume the issue is dandruff. Apr 24, 2015. Ew. They are all great sources of vitamins A and E which help to promote healthy circulation throughout the scalp while at the same time rejuvenating it through nourishing natural oils, thus helping shed dead skin cells more effectively. Scalp buildup is caused by the accumulation of too many substances on the scalp. To avoid these problems, be sure to keep nails clean and free of dirt and debris, and practice good hand hygiene when scratched. Dont be embarrassed to talk about something like this with your doctor, as this condition is very common and perfectly normal. Malassezia yeast is commonly thought to be responsible for the production of dandruff. Dandruff is a common skin condition. This sebum under nails is a strange phenomenon, and is a result of the normal production of sebum from the scalp. While many factors come into play when talking about the cause of this buildup, what it really comes down to is a dysfunctional skin barrier. Just some info beforehand, Im 18, Male, and Im new here so sorry bout that. Willl look into buying the shampoo :) Only nervous about the scalp scrubber, as my hair is already thinning and seems to be coming out fairly easily, and that the scrubber could just increase it falling out, Edit: Also, do you think this shampoo will work also? Alessandrini A, et al. Antidepressants can help to manage underlying anxiety issues. They look like owls and come in many colors. The primary culprit is believed to be the yeast Malassezia. Using products not meant for hair, such as bar soap, can damage your scalp, even if you cant notice it at first glance. If those methods dont work for you, try diluting a cup of apple cider vinegar with water and massaging it into your scalp for 15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Natural buildup and product buildup are the two main causes of scalp buildup. As sebum production declines with age, lack thereof could contribute to dryness, wrinkles and sagging in older adults. Your first line of defense against the icky stuff that gets stuck under your nails: Keep them short. acne or other bumps on the Well tell you which ingredients to look. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These glands produce small amounts of lipids, which then mix with sweat particles to create sebum when released through the pores on our skins surface. Dandruff, for the majority, is clumpy and flaky. This study managed to establish a link between dandruff and the inflammation of the hair follicle. This article may include references and links to products and services from one or more of my advertisers. Yes, it is normal. It is called sebum, and is an oil (or grease) exuded by the scalp which in normal grooming would be spread over your hair, keepi Occasionally picking at your scalp usually isnt a huge deal, though it does increase your risk of folliculitis, which can cause permanent hair loss. Can seborrheic dermatitis cause hair loss? The easy part is getting any dandruff off your hair, and the complex part is making sure that it doesnt come back. Micellar shampoo can help clarify your hair without stripping it of moisture. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could information submitted for this request. Dandruff is known to cause white, oily flakes, but it can also cause your scalp to feel itchy. If you have been concerned that something is wrong with your hair or scalp, then be at ease since the production of sebum is not only natural, its even helpful.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'wevaluebeauty_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_11',851,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wevaluebeauty_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The explanation for this buildup in your scalp is very straightforward. Add soap to a bowl of warm water and stir until they are well blended. There are several natural remedies available that you can use to help rid your scalp of excess buildup. "Digging your nails into a bar of white soap in the shower will help to pull out dirt and debris and makes the whites of your nails whiter," says Stern. Ultimate Guidelines. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. One such condition is plaque epidermis, also known as scalp, or sebum, buildup. Hair cosmetics: An overview. But some people scratch so hard at their head or scratch their face that they cause the skin to grow back together in tiny If you have ever felt the need to scratch your scalp, you might have noticed a white residue collected under your nails. These are eight of the best micellar shampoos for all hair types. Im a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. Why is there sebum buildup under my nails? 70 Upper Richmond RoadPutney, London, UK, SW15 2RP, 2023 | Hairguard - VSTR TECH LTD70 Upper Richmond Road,London, SW15 2RPUK Registered Company: 11133777, __CONFIG_colors_palette__%s__CONFIG_colors_palette__, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"f3080":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"f2bba":{"name":"Main Light 10","parent":"f3080"},"trewq":{"name":"Main Light 30","parent":"f3080"},"poiuy":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"f83d7":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"frty6":{"name":"Main Light 45","parent":"f3080"},"flktr":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(14,74,134,0.5) ","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":210,"l":0.29,"s":0.81}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(14,74,134,0.7) ","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":210,"l":0.29,"s":0.81}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(14,74,134,0.35) ","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":210,"l":0.29,"s":0.81}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(14,74,134,0.4) ","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":210,"l":0.29,"s":0.81}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(14,74,134,0.2) ","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":210,"l":0.29,"s":0.81}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(14,74,134,0.8) ","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":210,"l":0.29,"s":0.81}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__. Maintaining proper hydration levels will help sustain natural oil production and ensure your scalp remains healthy despite exposure to pollutants present in everyday life. Leave the salicylic acid on for 10 minutes, and then gently wash away with warm water. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If your hands dont get sufficiently moisturized, they can crack and bleed. You can also take some over-the-counter supplements like biotin and vitamin E as they both play an important role in healthy nail growth as well as regulating skin oiliness. This method is both easy and relatively inexpensive. Scalp buildup can cause hair loss if not treated and the dead skin, oil, and sweat clog your hair follicles. The problem may worsen if not addressed promptly, since all these impurities would be strangled around existing hair because of lack of air circulation, thus resulting in even more damage. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. While some people are unaware of the proper term for this white waxy substance, others might know it by its common name, sebum.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'wevaluebeauty_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',849,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wevaluebeauty_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'wevaluebeauty_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',849,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wevaluebeauty_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-849{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Apply a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape. When there is an overproduction of sebum, it can become visible on the surface of ones head and appears like a thin film. Covering the wound keeps it clean. Here are some tips to help reduce a sebum scalp buildup issue: Sebum, otherwise known as the bodys natural oil, is produced in the sebaceous glands all over your scalp. Combining with an exfoliant is a great way to gently remove buildup. But some people scratch so hard at their head or scratch their face that they cause the skin to grow back together in tiny clumps, called a skin tag. If youre wondering whether scalp buildup is causing your flaky scalp, heres what you need to know. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Learn why it happens and how you can treat it at home. If you are dealing with this issue, then the above two recipes will help you to get your scalp back to its natural, healthy state. As you might've noticed, I'm a true beauty lover, and made it my passion, my work and my hobby. How To Remove Dead Skin Cells From the Scalp? For this, it is best to avoid chemical-laden shampoos and stick with a homemade shampoo with simple ingredients. Folliculitis can affect any part of your body that has hair, including your scalp. If this skin barrier starts to fail, then the water loss will result in the buildup of dead skin cells. The infant skin barrier: Can we preserve, protect, and enhance the barrier. 2c: fine texture, normal porosity, normal elasticity, normal-high density. (2017). But have you ever thought about exfoliating your scalp? They are hard like grains of sand. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. DOI: Budak NH, et al. Unregulated amounts of excess sebum on the scalp can have a number of adverse effects. The head of a lion is large and round. Focus on reducing both natural natural and product buildup. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Its an easily treatable condition. "Certain bacterial organisms have a particular affinity to the nail and surrounding nail folds, says Stern. - Everything about Hair Lint. Proper wound care: How to minimize a scar. Normally, skin is at a pH level of pH 5.0, but factors can interfere with this balance and turn your skins pH level alkaline. Could it be that you have always had these darker patches of skin, and are just now noticing them more? So, they can review potential underlying causes for these symptoms occurring alongside lifestyle modifications that could possibly help alleviate them over time. It looks like you're new here. Participate in product testing surveys discussions etc. It isnt sober or serious. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Natural buildup on the scalp involves several factors. In addition to sebum and dead skin, your scalp produces sweat. If I scratch my head, the itching sensation is INTENSE, and I try never to scratch my scalp. There are a few key differences between dandruff and sebum that allow you to determine which of these is your issue. ), but it most oftenoccurs with women who wear artificial nails. There will be less flaking and more of an overall buildup. Scalp buildup can often cause a flaky scalp. Brush from the ends up to your scalp in small sections, ending at the roots. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies.