Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health

What Is Wet Dandruff?

Sebumis an oily substance made by skin glands to help moisturize your skin.

This is wet dandruff.

An illustration of a person looking at the wet dandruff at their hairline.

Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health

It is usually due to a dry scalp.

Wet dandruff, on the other hand, is triggered by excess oil in the hair.

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.

It can also occur on its own without any underlying condition.

Psoriasis

Psoriasiscan also cause wet dandruff.

It can also lead to hair loss and bald spots.This fungal infection can be treated with oral medication.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, a throw in ofeczema,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.

The chemicals used in many styling products are harsh on the scalp.

Once the time is up, wash out the aloe vera with shampoo.

it’s possible for you to do this three times a week.

Apply Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreekis a Mediterranean herb that belongs to theFabaceaeplant family.

Research has shown that using the seeds from the fenugreek plant is an effective remedy for wet dandruff.

To usefenugreekseeds, soak them overnight and then make a paste that you could 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.

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.

If the cause is seborrheic dermatitis, for example, antifungal shampoos will be prescribed.

They can address the overabundance of fungus on the scalp.

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, orphototherapy, will be used with these other treatments.

Unlike dry dandruff, flakes of wet dandruff are larger and often stick to your hair.

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.

2022;15:1537-1548. doi:10.2147/CCID.S284671

National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.

In Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds.Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.2nd ed.

CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.