Dandruff

        Dandruff

Dandruff is a scalp condition that is characterized by itching and flaking caused by the shedding of dead skin from the scalp. While it can be uncomfortable, unsightly or embarrassing, dandruff isn't dangerous or contagious. It can be treated with a variety of dandruff shampoos, although sometimes it takes time to get dandruff under control.

Dandruff can be caused by having skin/scalp that is too dry or too oily. It is important to keep hair clean and free of excessive oil, but don't wash so often that you strip away all the natural moisture.

Sensitivity to certain hair styling products or dyes may cause dandruff.

Sometimes dandruff is caused or aggravated by underlying conditions, such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, which can increase drying of the scalp and flakiness.

symptoms

The hallmark sign of dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, is white flakes on the scalp and in the hair. If the person is wearing dark clothes, the flakes will be more noticeable when they fall on their shoulders. The scalp may also feel itchy, tight or sore.

Adult individuals with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp may have red, flaky, greasy patches of skin.

There are while flakes of skin on the scalp, and in the person's hair

Flakes may be oily looking

Head may feel tight and itchy

Head may feel tingly

Head may feel sore

Red, flaky, greasy patches of skin (adults, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults)

Crusting and scaling rash on scalp (babies with Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap)

Most cases of dandruff do not require a visit to the doctor. However, those who still find themselves scratching their scalp, if parts of the scalp become red or swollen, after a few weeks of self-treatment should see their doctor. The person may have severe seborrheic dermatitis or another condition that has dandruff symptoms.

A myth - some people think their dandruff is caused by their scalp being too dry. They try to deal with this by not washing their hair with shampoo, or wash it less often, believing that washing worsens the problem. This is a myth (not true). Dandruff differs from a dry scalp in that it usually gets better when you shampoo more frequently (with the right shampoos).

A significant number of people with dandruff find it improves as they get older.

It is estimated that about 50% of people in Western Europe and North America suffer from dandruff.

Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and in people with oily skin.

Some studies have suggested that diets that are too salty, sugary or spicy and accompanied by excessive alcohol may exacerbate dandruff.

Prevention

Practicing good skin and hair hygiene may help prevent flares of dandruff. More regular or frequent shampooing is important during flares.

Proper home care often includes daily scalp shampooing with over-the-counter cleansers. The best shampoos for heavy adult dandruff include:

ketoconazole (Nizoral Shampoo)

Head and Shoulders Shampoo

selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue Shampoo)

All affected areas including the scalp, ears, face, and chest should also be washed with the therapeutic shampoo.

People who shampoo less often (once or twice a week) are usually much more prone to dandruff. Simply increasing shampooing frequency often helps clear mild dandruff. Getting rid of dandruff permanently is not possible.

Skin inflammation may be treated with topical applications of mild over-the-counter cortisone creams or lotions like hydrocortisone 1% or Cortaid over two to four weeks. Apply the cortisone cream sparingly one to three times a day to the affected skin areas to help decrease inflammation. Home remedies include:

Hydrocortisone 1% cream or lotion.

Eyelid dandruff may be treated with gentle daily applications of special baby shampoo. Typically, Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo is most commonly recommended by many dermatologists and ophthalmologists. A cotton tip applicator (Q- tip) may be used to clean the lash margin while avoiding getting the shampoo directly into the eyes.