You may think flakes are the only sign of dandruff, but there a few other symptoms that also point to dandruff, like itching and dryness
Dandruff is caused by a naturally occurring microbe on the scalp called Malassezia globosa. This microbe breaks down scalp oils into substances that could potentially irritate the scalp.
While everyone has Malassezia globosa on their scalp, only about 50% of people have a scalp that’s bothered by its presence.
Many people think that flakes are the only sign of dandruff. However, there are key symptoms of dandruff that may appear before flakes.
EARLY SIGNS OF DANDRUFF BEFORE FLAKES
Itchiness is the most common symptom that precedes flakes. The itch sensation happens when receptors on the surface of your skin are triggered, by some irritant.
The nerves send a signal to the brain via your spinal cord, which then causes you to act (scratch).
Irritation from Malassezia can cause a scalp to become so itchy that you’re compelled to scratch…because of this, itchy scalp is a good warning sign that you could be experiencing dandruff.
People may experience one or more symptoms of dandruff as well as dandruff flakes.
In fact, some people who are vulnerable to dandruff may not yet have visible flakes, but still suffer from other dandruff early signs.
As with itching, these other dandruff symptoms are signs of skin damage on the scalp: dryness, tightness, redness and irritation.
If you experience the early signs of dandruff, you can treat it before you start to see flakes.