Dandruff is a common scalp problem in which you experience scalp itch and excessive flaking of the scalp skin. Although it is not a serious problem, it can remain for a long time and can make you feel socially uncomfortable and embarrassed.
Fortunately the problem is not transmitted from person to person and can be controlled. If you are suffering from a mild bout of dandruff shampooing everyday with a soft shampoo can provide relief. In more severe cases, medicated shampoo can be of immense help.
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| Symptoms
Symptoms of dandruff usually manifest as sprinklings of white, oily looking flakes of dead skin on your hair and shoulders accompanied by itching and flaking of the scalp. However, certain factors can worsen symptoms and can cause excessive skin scaling. They include:
Weather conditions: Certain weather conditions can make your skin dry, such as during winter when the air is very cold. Dry skin can lead to itchy, flaky scalp. |  |
| Psoriasis: This is a skin disorder in which dead skin Cells collect atop your skin forming thick silvery scales. Besides your scalp, signs of Psoriasis can also be noticed on your knees, trunk and elbows.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Symptoms of Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by red, oily skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. This skin problem can affect your scalp, groin and other areas rich in oil glands. Seborrheic dermatitis that occurs in infancy is called cradle cap. The problem is not too dangerous and usually disappears on its own by the time the infant is a year old.
| Cosmetic allergy: Sometimes you may be allergic tocertain hair products such as hair color, hair dye or other hairproducts that can lead to red, itchy, scaling scalp.
| Causes
Many factors (see Box) have been thought to cause dandruff. Although these factors may contribute to the worsening of symptoms, the real cause of dandruff is a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia that infects your scalp.
Although this fungus lives on the scalp of most healthy individuals, sometimes it can grow out of hand feeding on the oils secreted by your hair follicles and causing irritation leading to an increased number of dead skin Cells. As the Cells fall off, they tend to clump together with oil from your hair and scalp, making them appear white, flaky and easily visible.
| | Dry skin | | Oily skin | Inadequate or excessive use of shampoo | | Poor food habits | | Stress | | Cosmetic hair products |
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| Are you at risk?
The following conditions can put you at an increased risk of getting dandruff:
Age: Young adults are more at risk. For some people dandruff can be a lifelong problem.
Hormones: Men are thought to be more at risk than women because their Sebaceous Glands that produce an oil called Sebum is larger than that you women.
Oily scalp: Excessively oily scalp and hair puts you at a higher risk to dandruff since the yeast-like fungus Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp.
Other health conditions: People with certain neurological problems are also at risk. Individuals recuperating from stressful medical conditions such as Stroke or a heart attack are also prone to dandruff.
| Reducing your risks
Preventing dandruff may not be possible, but the following tips may be of help to reduce your chances of getting it:
- Manage stress.
- Use shampoo intelligently—neither too less nor too much.
- Avoid hair cosmetics such as hair color, hair dye, etc.
- Eat a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet.
- Get adequate sunlight, but do not over expose yourself to the sun.
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| In conclusion
Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled. However, the need of the hour is patience and perseverance in getting the right treatment and continuing your treatment as advised by your doctor. Recent research findings that it is a fungus that cause dandruff opens the door to many more possible curative measures—and soon humanity can have those white specks off their backs. And you can wear your favorite black dress again! |
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