Wet Dandruff: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It

Wet dandruff has become wet or oily because of the overproduction of sebum on the scalp. When the oil buildup is mixed with dirt and dead skin cells, wet dandruff forms. If you scratch your scalp with wet dandruff, it will feel moist.

This article discusses home remedies and prescription treatments for wet dandruff and which ones to use depending on the cause.

What Is Wet Dandruff?

Sebum is an oily substance made by skin glands to help moisturize your skin. When your scalp overproduces sebum, or it is not washed out often enough, the excess sebum mixes with dirt, sticks to the hair shaft, and builds up on the scalp. This is wet dandruff.

Wet vs. Dry Dandruff

Dry dandruff is made up of small, white flakes that can easily fall off the scalp. It is usually caused by a dry scalp.

Wet dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by excess oil in the hair. The yellow flakes of wet dandruff are much larger and can become sticky, causing them to clump together and cling to your hair.

Common Causes of Wet Dandruff

Since the main cause of wet dandruff is excess sebum on the scalp, not washing your hair properly or enough can lead to the condition. This is especially true if you have oily skin.

However, several conditions can lead to dandruff. Treating underlying conditions can often lead to a reduction in symptoms.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Wet dandruff is a trademark feature of seborrheic dermatitis, which causes scaly patches and red skin on oily areas of the body. Seborrheic dermatitis can be the result of an inflammatory reaction to an overabundance of the Malassezia yeast on the scalp, but it can also be brought on by stress, hormonal changes, cold or dry weather, and medications such as lithium.

The effects of seborrheic dermatitis on hair are usually minimal, but research has shown that hair loss can occur.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis can also cause wet dandruff. An autoimmune skin disorder, psoriasis is driven by the immune system’s inability to differentiate between healthy cells and pathogens. Hair is not always affected by psoriasis, but it can lead to hair loss in some people with the condition.

While scalp psoriasis can spread to your hairline or other parts of your face and neck, dandruff is limited to your scalp.

Infection

Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. It can also lead to hair loss and bald spots. This fungal infection can be treated with oral medication.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, causes the skin to become red and itchy. It is a chronic disease that flares sporadically.

Home Remedies

The best treatment for wet dandruff depends on the cause. However, since the condition occurs due to oil buildup on the scalp, treatment generally includes more frequent washing of your hair with mild shampoos and taking a break from styling products. If your wet dandruff is tied to a skin disorder, you should visit a healthcare professional to get the best treatment for your condition.

Change Shampoos

It can be hard to determine if your shampoo is exacerbating your wet dandruff until you discontinue using it. However, research has shown that using the correct type of shampoo can help manage scalp conditions that can lead to wet dandruff.

Shampoo More Often

If you have an excessively oily scalp and it’s causing wet dandruff, you may need to wash your scalp and hair more often. This will help prevent sebum from accumulating on your scalp, which causes wet dandruff.

Take a Break From Styling

If you are experiencing wet dandruff because of a skin condition, refrain from using styling products. The chemicals used in many styling products are harsh on the scalp. This could make treatment more difficult because these harsh chemicals could worsen the condition of the scalp by causing irritation or contact dermatitis, a skin rash caused by contact with a particular substance.

Change Your Diet

Research has shown that your diet can play a role in skin disease, so if your wet dandruff is caused by seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, eating a nutritionally balanced diet may help clear up wet dandruff caused by these conditions. Limit or avoid heavily processed foods and replace them with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins.

Use an Aloe Vera Gel

Research has shown that aloe's enzymes and vitamins could help reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness on the scalp. It could potentially help with wet dandruff by relieving irritation on the scalp.

Apply 3 to 4 tablespoons of aloe vera to the scalp, then wrap a hot and damp towel around your head for 30 minutes. Once the time is up, wash out the aloe vera with shampoo. You can do this three times a week.

Try Arnica

Arnica is an herbal remedy that can be used for various forms of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis. Derived from the flowers of the arnica plant species, it has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in many creams and ointments for seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

You can use it on a compress dipped into one tablespoon of arnica extract and a half liter of water. It should be noted that oral ingestion of arnica is hazardous, so it should only be used topically on the scalp and never as an oral medication.

Apply Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is a Mediterranean herb that belongs to the Fabaceae plant family. Research has shown that using the seeds from the fenugreek plant is an effective remedy for wet dandruff.

To use fenugreek seeds, soak them overnight and then make a paste that you can apply to your scalp. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it with mild shampoo. This method can be repeated twice per week. 

Try Scalp Scrubs

Although no clinical evidence supports the use of scalp scrubs for wet dandruff, scalp exfoliation has become very popular. The idea is that exfoliating the skin can reduce excessive oil buildup and eliminate excess dead skin cells on the scalp.

Since excessive oil production on the scalp is associated with a sensitive scalp, using the most gentle type of scrub is best. Choose scrubs that contain sea salt, zinc, or palm seed powder.

However, this method may not be ideal for those with a scalp condition. Always speak to a healthcare provider before using a scalp scrub for wet dandruff.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Anti-dandruff shampoos can help you manage and reduce wet dandruff. There are different types, so you will want to look for ones that can help with the excess oil buildup on your scalp. 

One study found that zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole are effective agents for treating dandruff, all of which are common ingredients of OTC shampoos. The researchers also discovered that shampoos with rose extract mixed with zinc pyrithione and an antifungal known as climbazole can help reduce scalp oil secretion and inflammation.

Prescription Medications

The type of prescription medications you receive for your wet dandruff will depend on the cause. If the cause is seborrheic dermatitis, for example, antifungal shampoos will be prescribed. They can address the overabundance of fungus on the scalp.

Specific antifungal medications that may be used for seborrheic dermatitis include ciclopirox and ketoconazole. These shampoos should be used as directed by a doctor.

For psoriasis, a doctor may prescribe anthralin to slow skin cell growth. They may also recommend medicated shampoos and lotions to use on your scalp. In severe cases, UV light therapy, or phototherapy, will be used with these other treatments.

Summary

Wet dandruff is the common name for yellow flakes that result from a buildup of oil on the scalp. Unlike dry dandruff, flakes of wet dandruff are larger and often stick to your hair. Excess oil can accumulate and lead to wet dandruff if you don’t wash your hair often enough or if you have an oily scalp naturally.

Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can also cause wet dandruff. Treatment depends on the cause and typically involves anti-dandruff shampoo and gentle hair care products. You will need prescription treatments from a healthcare provider if the cause is a skin condition.