Dandruff is a skin condition that causes dry and flaky skin on the scalp. Sometimes scaly patches and redness that occur due to dandruff cause mild itchiness. Skin cells that grow and die rapidly create white flakes of skin. A common fungus known as Malassezia may contribute to dandruff. Dandruff is harmless can make you feel embarrassing especially when you are in a social gathering. Mild dandruff problems can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo or a medicated shampoo. However, for long term results, one needs to seek medical attention.
Causes
The exact cause for dandruff is unknown, however, it is usually seen if a person does not wash or brush his or her hair often. Scientists associate dandruff with hormonal changes that occur while approaching puberty. However, dandruff may occur due to any of the following reasons:
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: People with such problems have irritated and oily skin leading to dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects many parts of the skin namely, breastbone, eyebrows, sides of the nose as well as the back of ears. The skin appears to be red, greasy with white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis is usually harmless but in some cases become overactive, causing the scalp to become irritated and generate skin cells. When the extra cells die, they fall and mix with oil present in hair and scalp forming dandruff.
- Malassezia: It is a yeast-like fungus that feeds on oils of an adult scalp. It can sometimes irritate your scalp and cause the growth of extra skin cells on the head. When these skin cells die, dandruff forms.
- Contact Dermatitis: Sensitivity to certain hair products such as shampoo or hair dye can cause red and flaky skin.
- Dry skin: Dryness can result in small flakes and itchiness. Cold air in winters combined with heated rooms is a common reason for itchy and flaking skin. Dandruff that occurs due to dry skin is small non-oily flakes.
- Yeast: People who are sensitive to yeast have a risk of dandruff. Dandruff is worse in winters and comparatively better when the weather is warm.
- People suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and other skin disorders tend to have dandruff.
- The fungal infection known as scalp ringworm or tinea capitis can cause dandruff.
There can be certain other risk factors that can lead to dandruff formation on the scalp:
- Age factor: Dandruff usually occurs in young adulthood and remains at least until middle age. In some cases, the problem can be for life long.
- Male: Since dandruff is largely observed in males, researches claim that male hormones are responsible for dandruff formation.
- Diet: Lack of minerals such as zinc, vitamin B in food can cause dandruff.
- Health problems: Certain diseases that affect the nervous system increase the risk of dandruff on the scalp. One such health condition is Parkinson’s disease. The weak immune system can also cause dandruff.
Treatment
The itchy and flaky skin formed due to dandruff can be controlled. Various treatments are available over-the-counter. Mild dandruff can be removed by regular cleaning with a gentle or medicated shampoo. According to the medication contained, dandruff shampoos are classified as:
- Pyrithione zinc shampoos: These contain antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione.
- Tar based shampoos: It is the property of coal tar to slow down the process of dyeing and flakiness of skin cells. Such type of shampoo is not suitable for light-colored hair as it may cause discoloration. It can also make the skin sensitive to light.
- Shampoos with salicylic acid: Shampoos containing salicylic acid help eliminate scale.
- Ketoconazole shampoos: These products intend to kill dandruff-causing fungi that reside on the scalp. Your doctor may prescribe these shampoos too.
- Expose your hair to sunlight: Sunlight is a good and natural way to control dandruff. Make sure you wear sunscreen on the body to avoid ultraviolet rays.
- Have a healthy diet: A diet rich in vitamin B, zinc, etc may go a long way in preventing dandruff.
- Manage stress: Stress is a major cause of dandruff. It is known to worsen existing symptoms of dandruff. It also affects your overall health. Managing stress effectively will help resolve several conditions and diseases including dandruff.
How to improve hair root strength
Here are some of the ways to strengthen the hair roots
- Avoid products that contain sulfate. Sulfate causes loosening of hair follicles around the roots of the hair.
- Moisturize the scalp with hair oil. A healthy and nourished scalp promotes hair growth and follicle health.
- Use a shampoo that contains keratin. Keratin is a natural protein that is present in your hair shafts. Choosing keratin shampoo will prevent hair loss and split ends.
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