Most of us have definitely suffered from dandruff at least once at some point in our lives. Some people suffer from recurring dandruff. Although it is a very common condition, however it can be very frustrating and embarrassing to have, as it is very itchy and uncomfortable, and flakes sometimes show up on darker clothes.
Sometimes, dandruff can get severe and might need to be looked at by a dermatologist. A dermatologist will help you understand why dandruff occurs and how you can manage to get it under control, and also explain how it can be prevented.
We have answered t10 of the most frequently asked questions about dandruff below to help you get a healthy and clean scalp.
1. What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a skin condition caused by a fungus called Malassezia globosa, which feeds on the natural oils and sebum that is secreted by your scalp. Sometimes, this can cause irritation in sensitive scalps and lead to itchiness, inflammation and flaking, which is the condition known as dandruff. Dandruff is not a reflection of poor hygiene, as even someone who washes their hair frequently can also get it.
2. How do I know if I have dandruff?
Dandruff presents itself as an itchiness in the scalp, which could get worse as time progresses without being cured. It also shows up as white flakes in your hair, or on your shoulders, which could lead to embarrassment. It could also lead to inflammation, hair loss, or show up as yellow flakes if it gets too severe.
3. Is dandruff contagious?
Dandruff is caused by the reaction of an individual’s scalp to the fungus Malassezia globosa, and this reaction may differ from person to person, and therefore this condition is not contagious. The fungus lives on the scalp of every person and affects someone based on a variety of factors.
It is also a myth that dandruff spreads or is transmitted through sharing other’s combs or towels.
4. Does dandruff cause hair fall?
Dandruff Is not directly responsible for hair fall, but it does cause severe itchiness which could lead to a person scratching their head repeatedly, and damaging hair follicles. This could lead to hair fall. Repeated inflammation of the scalp could also result in damage to the hair follicles, which could lead to slowing or stopping of hair growth.
5. How can I get rid of dandruff?
The fastest way to get rid of dandruff is by using and anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders regularly as it contains Zinc Pyrithione which helps fight the dandruff causing germ – Malassezia Globosa. For an extreme condition like Seborrheic dermatitis, one should visit a dermatologist who will help you understand the cause and ways to treat it.
6. Can I treat dandruff at home?
Dandruff is a common condition and can usually be treated at home. To get rid of dandruff, it is important to keep your hair clean and wash it frequently. The easiest way to remove dandruff is by using an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders regularly. You can also try out lemon & neem to get rid of dandruff and then wash it off with an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders.
7. How can I prevent dandruff from occurring?
To prevent dandruff, it is very important to wash your hair regularly, as it strips away excess sebum from your scalp, which is what the fungus that causes dandruff feeds on. Keeping your scalp clean and not scratching your head are important to prevent dandruff. Always drink enough water and nutrients to maintain a healthy scalp and try to avoid hair products that have harsh chemicals in them as these could irritate your scalp.
8. How do anti dandruff shampoos work?
Anti-dandruff shampoos contain something called Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT) which is the secret ingredient to fight against dandruff. ZPT works by preventing the dandruff causing microbe from forming scalp irritants that cause the condition called dandruff. Head and Shoulders contains ZPT as well as Zinc Carbonate, which also moisturises the scalp so as to prevent dry scalp.
9. When to consult a dermatologist?
Most cases of dandruff usually don’t require a visit to the dermatologist, as they can easily be treated at home. However, you should definitely visit your dermatologist if you have already tried out anti-dandruff shampoos for over a month and your dandruff shows no visible signs of reducing. You should also seek out your dermatologist if your dandruff is very severe, your scalp is inflamed.
10. What is a good diet for preventing dandruff?
Dandruff can be prevented to a certain extent by having a healthy scalp and hair. Along with good hair hygiene, having a lot of water intake promotes having a healthy and hydrated scalp. Having a nutritious and well-balanced diet provides your scalp with all the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Try to avoid consuming oily food as it can lead to greasy hair and provide an environment for dandruff to thrive.
We hope these answers helped clarify any questions or misconceptions you may have had about dandruff. The best remedy for dandruff is always using an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders as it is quick and effective and has active ingredients that cure dandruff easily. We highly recommend using the Head & Shoulders Supreme range, as it works as an anti-dandruff shampoo while providing nourishment to your hair with the properties of Argan oil.
Head and Shoulders also has a wide range of products that would suit the needs of every hair type.