Dandruff may sound simple but ask this question from those suffering from it. Continuous itching with white flakes all over their clothes is enough to ruin their day. About 42% of infants and 1-3% of adults suffer from dandruff worldwide.
Many people think it is incurable, but by countering its causes, we can overcome it. Either you go for medicated shampoo or some herbal method, the result will amaze you. Also, some modifications in daily habits will result in no dandruff attack again for the whole life.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear in the hair. It can also cause itching, redness, and irritation on the scalp. Dandruff is not a serious medical condition, but it can be bothersome and may be embarrassing for some people. Dandruff is a harmless, non-contagious, tricky skin problem related to hair. In it, dry skin scraps out in white flakes, and these white fragments are shed. Some people also depict it as a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis.
It is not wrong to say that about half of the world’s population is suffering from this disease. Dandruff also overlaps with many skin-related problems, resulting in a chronic(long-term) form of dandruff.
It is a misconception that dandruff only appears on the scalp. No, it can affect your eyebrows, beard in the case of men, and any hairy part of your body. Thus if you rectify the cause of this dandruff, it will automatically become a cure for it.
Signs And Symptoms of Dandruff
Symptoms of dandruff may include:
- Flakes of skin in the hair and on the shoulders
- Itching on the scalp
- Redness and irritation on the scalp
Flakes and itchiness are the most common symptoms of dandruff. White, oily flakes accumulate on your shoulder and hair and, through scratching, shed off. Other than that few symptoms include:
- Greasy or dry scalp
- In Severe cases, yellowish and reddish bumps in the hairline
- Erythema which is red patches on the scalp
- Hair loss
Causes Of Dandruff
There are several potential causes of dandruff, including:
- Dry skin: Dry skin on the scalp can cause flakes of skin to appear.
- Oily skin: Oily skin on the scalp can cause the production of excess sebum, which can contribute to dandruff.
- Yeast: A type of yeast called Malassezia can contribute to dandruff.
- Sensitive scalp: Some people may have a sensitive scalp that is prone to dandruff.
- Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, can cause dandruff.
- Not shampooing often enough: Not shampooing the hair frequently enough can cause dandruff.
Some people think that dryness is the only culprit in dandruff. Yes, it is, But do you know that complexity and severity of dandruff occur due to excessive sebum or oil in the scalp? Thus its cause is not definite, but various environmental and genetic factors play their part in it.
Now let’s discuss the main reasons for dandruff:
1. Dry Skin
It occurs especially in winter when high humidity levels remove excess moisture from your skin. Dry skin becomes itchy and sheds skin more frequently, and Parched skin flakes are less oily and small compared to the ones produced in oily scalp. Also, washing your hair with warm water may produce a similar effect.
If your dandruff worsens in winter, you probably suffer from dry skin dandruff.
2. Oily Skin
Our skin has sebaceous glands that are responsible for producing oil or sebum. They are protective and also moisturize our skin.
But, as you know, excess of everything is bad. When it produces excessive oil, it starts clumping hair resulting in itchiness and dandruff. Oily scalp flakes are yellow in color and greasy in nature.
Seborrheic dermatitis is the worse form of oily scalp dandruff.
3. Fungus Related Dandruff
The main cause of dandruff is mostly a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia globosa. It feeds on human sebum and works by metabolizing triglycerides in sebum into oleic acid. Our body takes oleic acid as an irritant and renews our skin to get rid of it.
As a result, the continuous shedding of old skin results in a cluster of white skin shards that sometimes appear on the scalp or shoulders as they shed. According to the Journal of Medical Chemistry, skin renewal occurs every 30 days in people without dandruff, but the period is shortened to 7 days with dandruff.
4. Medical Condition- Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is chronic eczema affecting other areas and the scalp. Any site that has excessive oil production will become prone to this disease. Thick skin flakes accompanied by inflammation are the major symptoms of it.
5. Allergens
Another cause of dandruff is an allergy to certain hair care products. If you feel itchiness and soreness after using specific products on that scalp, it may lead to contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to an irritant that may lead to dandruff. Its severity depends on the ingredients of the product and your tolerance level.
6. Irregular Brushing And Hair Washing
Washing the hair helps to remove excess oil from the scalp and indirectly prevents oil-induced dandruff. But when we skip the hair wash, our oil entraps within the hair follicles and causes itchiness and dandruff.
Hence, washing your hair more frequently and brushing it properly to remove the loose skin flakes is advised. Remember, delaying shampooing will only worsen the condition for those who are always at risk of dandruff.
7. Skin Conditions
Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, which affects the scalp, may lead to dandruff. It may become severe if left untreated, but nowadays, various over-the-counter drugs are available to overcome this condition.
8. Age
Age is the prime factor in dandruff. It mostly affects adults, but exceptions are still there. We cannot rule out older people from t, but most people who fall in this category are younger.
It starts in childhood, and it reports that about 0% of adults older than 30 suffer from it.
9. Neurological Problems
CNS diseases like Parkinson, Alzheimer, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury may also result in dandruff. The reason behind this is the lack of functioning of the autonomic nervous system in these patients. As the autonomic nervous system controls oil production, its abnormality will produce more oil and dandruff.
10. Androgen Hormones
Androgen hormones like testosterone also stimulate sebaceous glands; thus, during hormonal changes in the body, its overproduction can also cause dandruff.
Dandruff Treatment
There are several ways to treat dandruff medically:
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo: Using a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo can help to reduce dandruff.
- Use an anti-dandruff shampoo: There are several types of shampoos that are specifically formulated to treat dandruff. These shampoos often contain ingredients such as pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole, which can help to control dandruff.
- Use a medicated scalp treatment: There are several medicated scalp treatments that are available over the counter or by prescription. These treatments may contain ingredients such as corticosteroids, which can help to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Use a scalp scrub: A scalp scrub can help to remove flakes of skin and excess sebum from the scalp.
- Avoid using harsh hair care products: Avoid using harsh hair care products, such as those that contain alcohol, which can dry out the scalp and contribute to dandruff.
It is important to follow the instructions on any dandruff treatment product carefully and to continue using the product as directed until the dandruff is under control. If dandruff persists despite treatment or if the scalp becomes red and swollen, it is important to consult a dermatologist or other medical professional for further evaluation and treatment.
There are three ways to treat dandruff:
- Dandruff Shampoos
- Lifestyle Changes
- Hair Care
1. Dandruff Shampoo
Mild dandruff is easy to treat, as regular shampooing can result in fewer flakes and itching. But for stubborn skin flakes, you should shift from regular to over-the-counter dandruff shampoo.
How many times should a person use dandruff shampoo in a week?
Well, it varies from person to person, like people with oily scalps prefer to wash their hair with dandruff shampoo 2 to 3 times a week and then use normal shampoos on normal days. But with people having dry skin, the case inverts. Shampooing less frequently with more use of moisturizing products will do the job.
Now, the main thing is dandruff shampoo compatible with your skin. If you feel more itching, redness, or any type of allergic response, stop using it and consult a medical practitioner.
We will classify the dandruff shampoo depending upon their ingredients:
- Pyrithione Zinc
It helps to destroy the leading cause of dandruff, bacteria, and fungus.
Brand names: Derma Zinc, Head & Shoulders
- Coal Tar
It slows down the process of skin death, but its drawback is it may cause discoloration in light hair people of color.
Brand name: Neutrogena T/Gel, Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo
American Academy of dermatological association warns that one should be very cautious while using coal tar as, along with discoloration, it also increases skin sensitivity to the sun. Thus don’t expose your skin immediately to the sun after using it.
- Salicylic Acid
It can remove excess oil from the skin. It can be used daily irrespective of the others advised to use it 2 to 3 times only.
If it leaves your scalp excessively dry, ensure to replenish the skin with moisture.
Brand name: Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo, Baker P&S
- Selenium Sulfide
It fights fungus on the scalp. But also has the potential to discolor the hair if not washed properly.
Brand name: (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue,
- Ketoconazole
It also removes fungus and is available in most over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.
Brand name: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff)
- Fluocinolone
It contains corticosteroids that help to reduce itching and flakes.
Brand name: Capex, Derma-Smoothe/FS
Preventive Measures While Using Dandruff Shampoos
- Always read the instructions carefully. Every shampoo may have required top-to-bottom that you should follow for best results.
- Asian people should use dandruff twice a week and shampoo daily with normal ones.
- African- Americans should use shampoo and dandruff once a week.
- If one shampoo loses its effectiveness over time, try to shift to another instead of sticking to it. Consult your dermatologist in case of any allergy reaction.
2. Lifestyle Modifications
- Wash your hair regularly, and after drying, brush it also.
- Reduce mental stress because it will weaken your immune system and make you more prone to dandruff.
- Enrich your diet with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B, and probiotics.
- Limit your hair styling tools and products.
- Avoid washing your hair with warm water.
Conclusion
You can treat mild dandruff by following the above methods, but after the continuous practice of these tips and tricks, there is no improvement. Consult your doctor.
Your flake size and nature will help determine what type of it you suffer from, as many skin diseases also cause dandruff. Thus, with proper care, you can get rid of dandruff permanently.
Also, check out this article to shift toward a healthy life.
