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Dandruff is a common ailment that causes flaking of the skin on the scalp. It is not communicable or dangerous. However, it can be humiliating and difficult to treat.
Mild dandruff can be addressed with a gentle wash on a daily basis. If that fails, a medicated shampoo may be of assistance. Symptoms may reappear later.
Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that is mild.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF?
Dandruff symptoms and indicators may include:
- Skin flaking on your scalp, hair, brows, mustache or beard, and shoulders
- Scalp itch
- Scaly, crusty scalp in cradle cap newborns
If you're stressed, the indications and symptoms may be more severe, and they tend to worsen during cold, dry seasons.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DANDRUFF?
Dandruff can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Skin irritation and oiliness
- Dry skin
- Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that feeds on the oils on the scalps of most adults.
- Hair care product sensitivity (contact dermatitis)
- Other skin disorders include psoriasis and eczema.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DANDRUFF?
Dandruff can affect everyone, however several circumstances can make you more susceptible:
Age: Dandruff commonly appears in young adulthood and lasts into middle age. That is not to say that older people do not have dandruff. For other people, the condition can last a lifetime.
Being male: Dandruff is more common in men than in women.
Certain diseases: Parkinson's disease and other nervous system conditions appear to increase the chance of dandruff. Having HIV or a weakened immune system also contributes to this.
HOW IS DANDRUFF DIAGNOSED?
A doctor can frequently diagnose dandruff simply by inspecting your hair and scalp.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR DANDRUFF?
Dandruff irritation and flaking can almost always be controlled. To minimize oil and skin cell buildup, consider regular cleaning with a light shampoo first. If that doesn't work, consider using a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can use a medicated shampoo two to three times per week, with ordinary shampooing on other days if necessary. Less frequent shampooing and a moisturizing conditioner for the hair or scalp would benefit people with drier hair.
Medicated and nonmedicated hair and scalp products are available in the form of solutions, foams, gels, sprays, ointments, and oils. You may need to try many products before settling on a schedule that works for you. You will almost certainly require repeated or long-term treatment.
Stop using any product if you experience itching or stinging. Seek emergency medical treatment if you develop an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.
Dandruff shampoos are categorised based on the medication contained within them. Some are accessible by prescription in stronger forms.
- Shampoos containing pyrithione zinc (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, and others): These include zinc pyrithione, an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
- Shampoos containing tar (Neutrogena T/Gel, Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo, and others): Coal tar reduces the rate at which skin cells on your scalp die and flake away. This shampoo may cause discolouration if you have light-colored hair. It might also make the scalp more sun sensitive.
- Salicylic acid shampoos (Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo, Baker P&S, and others): These products aid in the removal of scaling.
- Shampoos containing selenium sulfide (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, and others): These have an antifungal agent in them. Because these products might darken the hair and scalp, use them as instructed and rinse thoroughly after shampooing.
- Shampoos containing ketoconazole (Nizoral Anti-Dandruff): This shampoo is designed to fight fungi that cause dandruff on your scalp.
- Shampoos containing fluocinolone (Capex, Derma-Smoothe/FS, and others): A corticosteroid is present in these treatments to assist alleviate itching, flaking, and irritation.
If one type of shampoo seems to work for a while and then loses its effectiveness, consider switching between two types of dandruff shampoos. Once your dandruff is under control, use the medicated shampoo on a less frequent basis for maintenance and prevention.
Read and follow the directions on each shampoo bottle you try. Some products must be kept on for a few minutes, while others must be rapidly rinsed off.
If you've been using medicated shampoo for several weeks and still have dandruff, consult your doctor or dermatologist. A prescription-strength shampoo or steroid lotion may be required.
HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF
You can take the following methods to lessen your chances of having dandruff or to control it:
- Create a hair and scalp care routine that works for you: Daily shampooing may help prevent dandruff if you have an oily scalp. Massage your scalp gently to loosen flakes. Thoroughly rinse. If you have dry hair and a sensitive scalp, shampoo less frequently and condition your scalp in between washes (Design Essentials, Melanin Haircare, ScalpBliss).
- Get some sunlight: Sunlight may be beneficial in the treatment of dandruff. However, avoid sunbathing because it destroys your skin and raises your chance of skin cancer. Instead, simply spend some time outside. Also, apply sunscreen to your face and body.
- Learn how to deal with stress: Stress has an impact on your general health, rendering you vulnerable to a variety of ailments and diseases. It can potentially cause dandruff or exacerbate existing symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in zinc, B vitamins, and certain types of lipids may aid in the prevention of dandruff.
- Limit hair styling products: Hair-styling products can accumulate on your scalp and hair, making them oilier.