Dandruff is a common condition that causes skin on the scalp to flake. It is a mild form of a serious skin condition known as Seborrheic Dermatitis. It may not be contagious or serious, but it can cause embarrassment and can become difficult to treat. Mild dandruff can be treated with a gentle, daily shampoo but if that doesn’t work, a medicated shampoo may be recommended.
Dandruff signs and symptoms may include skin flakes on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or moustache, and shoulders. These signs and symptoms tend to become severe when you are stressed and during the cold, dry winter season. You may even need to consult a dermatologist if your condition doesn’t improve with regular use of over-the-counter dandruff shampoo.
Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia Globosa that feeds on oils of the scalps, but it can be aggravated by irritated or oily skin, not shampooing enough, dry skin, sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis); other skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Almost anyone can have dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible:
• Age
Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age.
• Being male
Some researchers think male hormone may play a role in dandruff because more men have dandruff.
• Certain illnesses
Parkinson’s disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system may also cause dandruff. A weakened immune system also makes one more susceptible to dandruff.
• Bad hair hygiene
Improper hair washing routine, ordinary shampoo instead of an anti-dandruff shampoo, not washing hair frequently etc. can also result in dandruff.
Everyone suffers from different type of dandruff. It is important to identify it correctly and decide upon the course of treatment. Here are a few types and suggested products-
• Dandruff caused by fungus
Fungal Malassezia is a natural component found on skin and scalp. This fungus survives on excessive oil on the scalp and in turn, produces oleic acid as a byproduct that in turn produces skin cells to clump together causing white flakes. Try Head & Shoulders shampoo for utmost protection against this dandruff causing germ with its key ingredient – Zinc Pyrithione
• Dandruff caused by oily hair
Oil related dandruff happens when there is an accumulation of sebum oil on your scalp. Secreted by the scalp glands, this oil can form clumps or dead skin cells and dirt forming itchy flakes. Stress and anxiety levels can cause high level of sebum oil secretion leading to the condition. Try our Head and Shoulders Lemon Fresh shampoo, that is infused with citrus essences, that treats oily hair and scalp with a fresh, vibrant fragrance. It is formulated with Head and Shoulders new fresh scent technology featuring enhanced fragrance notes for an improved in-shower scent experience.
• Dandruff caused by psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect your scalp, and the red, scaly patches it causes can flake off like dandruff does.
• Dandruff caused by Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. Daily cleansing with a gentle soap and shampoo can help reduce oiliness and dead skin build up. Seborrheic Dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis. Symptoms and signs may include- skin flakes (dandruff) on eyebrows, scalp, hair, beard or moustache, red skin, itching.
• Eczema Dandruff
The shedding of white flakes is the most noticeable symptom of scalp eczema. Eczema that affects the scalp may sometimes be seborrheic dermatitis, which people also refer to as dandruff. This type of eczema is the type that most often affects the scalp. It can be a stubborn condition that may persist for years. It can come and go without warning, and it can disappear on its own. Symptoms of scalp eczema can be effectively managed, but this condition cannot be cured completely. Genes, hormones, illness, and stress have all been known to trigger scalp eczema in some people. Other medical conditions like HIV, Parkinson’s disease; skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea or acne; allergies such as asthma or hay fever; other types of eczema are known to cause eczema dandruff.
Dandruff is a frustrating skin condition but by following proper hair care routine, washing hair at least 2 to 3 times a week, good hair & scalp hygiene, a good anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders, good nutrition & hydration or in some cases even medical treatment, it can be prevented and treated correctly.