Dandruff

What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common chronic scalp condition marked by flaking of the skin. It is not contagious and is rarely serious, though it can be embarrassing.

While often blamed on dry skin, it is frequently caused by oily skin or a reaction to a natural fungus called Malassezia.

Symptoms

Symptoms are often worse in winter (due to indoor heating) and improve in summer. Signs include:

• White, oily-looking flakes on hair and shoulders.
• Itchy, scaly scalp.
• Redness on the scalp.

In Babies: Cradle Cap

In newborns, this condition is called Cradle Cap. It causes a scaly, crusty scalp. It is not dangerous and usually clears up on its own by age 3.

Causes

Dandruff isn't just about "dry skin." Common causes include:

• Seborrheic Dermatitis (Oily Skin): The most common cause. Marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. It can also affect eyebrows and the nose.
• Malassezia (Yeast): A yeast-like fungus that lives on most adults' scalps. In some people, it irritates the scalp, causing excess skin cells to grow and die off quickly.
• Not Shampooing Enough: Oil and skin cells build up if you don't wash often enough.
• Sensitivity: Reaction to certain hair care products (Contact Dermatitis).

Complications

While usually harmless, severe dandruff can lead to:

• Secondary Infection: Constant scratching can break the skin, allowing bacteria (Staph or Strep) to enter, causing painful boils or crusts.
• Hair Thinning: Aggressive scratching and inflammation can temporarily damage hair follicles.

Diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose dandruff simply by looking at your hair and scalp. No blood tests are required.

Note: If treatment doesn't work, a dermatologist may scrape the scalp to rule out Psoriasis or Ringworm (Tinea Capitis).

Treatment

Dandruff requires patience. Start by washing daily with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil. If that fails, switch to a medicated shampoo.

Active Ingredients to Look For

Dandruff shampoos are classified by their active ingredient:

• Zinc Pyrithione (e.g., Head & Shoulders): Antibacterial and antifungal. Good for general maintenance.
• Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral): A broad-spectrum antifungal. Often used when other shampoos fail.
• Selenium Sulfide (e.g., Selsun Blue): Slows skin cell death and fights fungus. Warning: Can discolor blond or chemically treated hair. Rinse well.
• Salicylic Acid (e.g., Neutrogena T/Sal): Acts as a scrub to remove scales, but can leave the scalp dry. Use a conditioner afterward.
• Coal Tar (e.g., Neutrogena T/Gel): Slows down how quickly skin cells die and flake off.

How to Use Them Correctly

1. Massage Well: Rub the shampoo into the scalp, not just the hair.
2. Wait: Leave it on for at least 5 minutes to let the ingredients work.
3. Rotate: If one stops working, switch to a different ingredient.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.