Description

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.

Mild dandruff can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo. If that doesn't work, a medicated shampoo may help. Symptoms may return later.

Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms

The dandruff of the signs and symptoms may include:

  • Skin flakes on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or moustache, and the shoulders
  • Itching of the scalp
  • Scales, scabs on the scalp of infants with cradle cap

Signs and symptoms may be more severe if you are stressed, and tend to burst in cold, dry seasons.

When to see a doctor

Most people with dandruff does not require the care of a doctor. Please consult your primary care physician or a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist) if your condition does not improve with regular use of anti-dandruff shampoo.

Causes

Dandruff can have several causes, including:

  • Irritated, oily skin
  • Dry skin
  • A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on the oils into the scalp of most adults
  • Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
  • Other conditions of the skin such as psoriasis and eczema

Risk factors

Almost any person can have dandruff, but certain factors may make you more susceptible:

  • Age. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That does not mean that older adults do not receive the dandruff. For some people, the problem may be for life.
  • The fact of being a man. Dandruff is more common in men than in women.
  • Certain diseases. Parkinson's disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system also appear to increase the risk of dandruff. So you don't have HIV or a weakened immune system.

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose dandruff simply by looking at your hair and scalp.

Treatment

The itching and flaking of dandruff can almost always be controlled. For mild dandruff, first try a regular cleaning with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and accumulation of skin cells. If that does not help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate the use of a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with a shampoo on the other days if necessary. People with a hairdryer, would have the benefit of less frequent, the shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner for the hair or the scalp.

The hair and the scalp of the products, both medicated and nonmedicated, are available as solutions, foams, gels, aerosols, ointments, and oils. You may have to try more than one product to find the routine that works for you. And it is likely that you have repeated or long-term treatment.

If you develop itching, or stinging of any product, discontinue use. If you develop an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Dandruff shampoos are classified according to the drugs they contain. Some are available in formulations stronger for the recipe.

  • Pyrithione zinc shampoos (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, others). These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione.
  • Tar-based shampoo (Neutrogena T/Gel on the Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo, other). Coal tar delay the skin cells on your scalp die and slough off. If you have light hair color, this type of shampoo can cause discoloration. You can also make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight.
  • Shampoos containing salicylic acid (Jason Relief from Dandruff Treatment Shampoo, Baker's P&S, other). These products help remove scales.
  • Selenium sulfide shampoo (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, and others). These contain an antifungal agent. The use of these products as directed and rinse well after shampooing, as it may discolor the hair and scalp.
  • Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral Anti-Dandruff). This shampoo is intended to kill dandruff-causing fungi that live on the scalp.
  • Fluocinolone shampoo (Capex, Derma-Smooth/FS, other). These products contain a corticosteroid to help control the itching, flaking, and irritation.

If one type of shampoo works for a time and then seems to lose its effectiveness, try alternating between two types of dandruff shampoos. Once your dandruff is under control, try using the medicated shampoo less frequently for maintenance and prevention.

Please read and follow the instructions on each bottle of shampoo to try. Some products need to be left on for a few minutes, while others need to be rinsed off quickly.

If you've used the medicated shampoo regularly during several weeks and still have dandruff, talk with your doctor or dermatologist. You may need a prescription shampoo or a steroid lotion.

Lifestyle and home remedies

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing dandruff, or for their control:

  • Learn how to manage stress. Stress affects your health in general, and make it more susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help to trigger dandruff or worsen existing symptoms.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and certain types of fats may help to prevent dandruff.
  • Develop a hair and scalp care routine that suits you. If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing can help to prevent dandruff. Gently massage the scalp to loosen the scales. Rinse thoroughly. If your hair tends to be dry and the scalp is sensitive, shampoo less often, and the condition of your scalp between washes (Design Essentials, Melanin hair care, ScalpBliss).
  • Get a little sun. The sunlight can be good for the control of dandruff. But due to the exposure to ultraviolet light damages the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer, not the sun. Instead, just spend a bit of time in the open air. And be sure to use sunscreen on the face and body.
  • Limit of hair-styling products. Hair-hair products can build up on the hair and scalp, making them more fat.

Alternative medicine

Tea tree oil is included in a number of shampoos, but there is no strong evidence to support its use for the control of dandruff. It comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal. The oil can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Preparing for your appointment

You do not need any special preparation for an appointment to diagnose dandruff. It is likely that your doctor will be able to diagnose your dandruff with only looking at your scalp and skin. If you have started using any new products, hair care, bring the bottles with you to your appointment, or be prepared to tell your doctor about them, which helps in the determination of the cause of dandruff.

Symptoms and treatment of Dandruff