Dandruff: Everything you need to know about Dandruff

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp, common cause of dandruff is a fungus called Malassezia globosa. This fungus lives on the scale of healthy human being without any harmful effect.  While in some people, the fungus may overreact and cause a condition called dandruff.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin diseases that cause an itchy rash with flaky scales. it cause redness on light skin and light patches on darken skin, it is called a dandruff and cradle cap.

 

It is also called as Seborrhea, Seborrheic eczema. 

Cause of Dandruff

Dandruff is caused when a types of fungus Malassezia overreact on the scale of healthy human being that results in scalp damage and causes severe dryness, and another type dandruff wherein your scalp starts producing more oil and result a dandruff appear to sticky and oil on your hair. Dandruff may have several causes and differ from person to person, While the most common causes are;

• Irritated and oily skin.
• Irregular brushing and hair washing i.e. not using shampoo enough to lead a dandruff.
• Sensitivity to hair care products.
• Stress, poor hygiene and poor diet can make the scalp more susceptible to dandruff.
• Hormonal issue for teens/young adults.
• Other skin condition i.e. eczema.

Symptoms of Dandruff

• White or clear flakes on the scalp, through the hair and on clothing.
• Itchy scalp
• Red rash due to the itching can be seen around the scalp, forehead and ears or forehead.
• Hair loss is a commonly found symptoms in cases of dandruff  
  

Dandruff Treatment

Regular brushing of hair and washing them at least two - three times a week with a good quality shampoo that suits your skin type is necessary. After washing, it is recommended to rinse it thoroughly to get all the shampoo out.

 

Anti Dandruff Shampoos that contain tea tree oil or Aloe Vera and an active compound like Zinc Pyrithione and Ketoconazole helps in prevention as well as re-occurrence of dandruff.

Typical example of Medicated Anti-Dandruff shampoo, Which contain active pharmaceutical gradient (API) like Zinc Pyrithione and Ketoconazole, Which are ready available over the counter or by Doctor prescription.

• Take a Shampoo. Gently massage your scalp for one minute and rinse with warm water, Repeat procedure for and additional and kept for three minutes, then  rinse with warm water and dry hair. do not scratch your scalp when using shampoo. It can damage your scalp that can result in an infection.
  
• Use shampoo 2-3 days per week.
  

• Benefit : Prevention of Itching, Flaking and Scaling and helps to prevent hair fall due to dandruff  

• Precaution: Chemical-based products should be avoided on your scalp. The chemicals can wash away the good bacteria that are present on your scalp. These bacteria help fight against dandruff causing fungus. 

Hair products such as hair gels and hair sprays can adversely react to your skin type and these products are also responsible for building oils up that can irritate your scalp. Hence, it is advised to check the product is suitable for your skin type by avoiding the use for some time to see if your dandruff improves. If one type of shampoo works for a time and then seems to be lose its effectiveness, so try alternating between two types of dandruff shampoos.

 

Need to change your Lifestyle

Manage Stress: Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to the number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or worsen existing symptoms.

 

Eat a Healthy Diet: Take your diet which are rich in Vitamin B and Zinc. 

limit to Hair Style Product: Hair styling products can build up on your hair and scalp more oilier, which lead to dandruff 

 

Summary

Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It is not contagious or serious. But it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. The itching and flaking of dandruff can almost be controlled. For mild dandruff, first try daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo/ anti-dandruff to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help you, then try a medicated dandruff shampoo.You need to try more than one shampoo to find the hair care shampoo routine that works for you. 

 

Healthy Hair

 

Stress is major cause of creating an imbalance in the normal functioning of the body and immune system, hence reducing stress can also reduce chance of getting dandruff. 

 

Dandruff can be easily avoidable by maintaining good hygiene and a hair care routine.