Table of Contents
About Dandruff
Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin fall from the scalp. If you have dark hair or wear dark colors, you may notice scales in your hair or shoulders. It can also cause an itchy scalp.
- Those nasty white flakes on the collar of your dark shirt or blouse are a sign that the skin on your scalp is peeling (exfoliating). It is pretty standard for the skin to exfoliate. The problem arises when the amount of dandruff becomes monstrous.
- There are two reasons for this. Too much production or inefficient disposal. In the category of overproduction are inflammatory scalp diseases. The type of ineffective elimination is inadequate scalp hygiene efforts.
- A gentle shampoo treats mild dandruff. If that doesn’t work, a medicated shampoo can help.
Symptoms of Dandruff
Signs and symptoms can include:
- Skin dandruff on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, and shoulders.
- Itchy scalp
- Scaly, crusty scalp in babies with cradle cap
Causes of Dandruff
It can have several reasons, including:
- Oily and irritated skin
- Not enough shampoo
- A yeast-like fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on oils from the scalp of most adults
- Dry skin
- Sensitivity to hair care products
- Psoriasis and eczema
Risk Factors of Dandruff
Almost anyone can get it, but some things can make them more vulnerable:
Age – It usually begins in adulthood and continues until middle age. It does not mean that the elderly do not have dandruff. For some people, the problem can last a lifetime.
To be a man – Because more men have dandruff, some researchers believe male hormones may play a role.
Some diseases – Parkinson’s disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system also appear to increase the risk of dandruff. The same is true of HIV or a weakened immune system.
Anti-Dandruff Treatments
Primary care providers and nurses can diagnose and treat most cases. Dermatologists are experts in skin conditions. Treatment aims to combat inflammation of the skin. Apply cortisone creams and lotions (which reduce inflammation) or topical anti-yeast lotions and shampoos.
What Does Not Help Dandruff?
Moisturizer – Moisturizing lotions do nothing more than fluffy flakes and redden patches.
Change of brand of shampoo: the shampoo does not cause. However, medicated shampoos (see below) can help.
Change hair care routines: There is no “right” shampoo or conditioner. What is more important is the frequency of use of these agents. As a general rule of thumb, the more you wash one, the better the result. Hair dyes and conditioners do not drive or worsen dandruff.
Switch antiperspirants: When the armpits are red from seborrhea, almost everything turns them red, including antiperspirants, although they only make seborrhea worse and do not cause it.
How to Choose the Best Dandruff Shampoo?
Look for the active ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar can help reduce dandruff, but you may need to experiment a bit to find the one that your scalp responds to better.
Be aware of your hair type: The ingredients listed above effectively remove dandruff but can sometimes appear a bit bare if your locks need extra hydration. Especially for those with dry, rough, curly, frizzy, or coiled hair, look for ingredients that also hydrate the scalp and strands, like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.
Wash Effectively: For best results, rub your shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, letting it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing it off. Also, make sure to get a dandruff conditioner.
Pay attention to your frequency – Start by washing at least twice a week. Take note of the appearance of your scalp and hair. If you don’t see results, work up to three or four days if necessary. You may even find that you get the best results from washing every day; it all depends on how your scalp reacts to the product.
