Dandruff

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Dandruff Information

What is dandruff? Dandruff is the most common condition affecting the scalp. Skin is constantly renewing itself and dead cells from the scalp fall off as new cells form beneath them.

Everyone loses skin cells in this way, but with dandruff the whole process is faster, so a greater number of cells are shed. The cells are also shed in clumps that are big enough to be seen by the eye as dandruff flakes, particularly when they land on dark clothing. The scalp can also be itchy. The medical name for this condition is pityriasis capitis.

Many people think that flaking occurs because their scalp is too dry, and stop using shampoo because they believe it makes the condition worse. This is not true. The flaking occurs due to the increased turnover of skin cells.

Severe dandruff. Severe cases of dandruff are caused by a disease called seborrhoeic eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis.

There are two types of dandruff:
Dry dandruff - this is characterized by and itchy scalp and small white scales usually attached to the scalp that are loosely scattered in the hair.
Waxy dandruff - occurs when the scaliness of the epidermis mixes with sebum which results in it sticking to the scalp in patches.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes greasy, bran-like scale. The seborrhoeic area - the scalp, the skin around the nose, the lines on the cheeks, the eyebrows, the ears and the torso - may also be red and itchy.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis becomes worse during the winter and tends to improve during the summer when sunlight relieves the symptoms. It can vary from mild cases, which are only a problem in winter, to more severe cases where flaking occurs in places other than just the scalp.

Can dandruff be prevented?
It can be difficult to prevent dandruff completely, but it can be controlled. The condition may also improve as you age.

How is dandruff treated?
Anti-dandruff shampoos containing the antimicrobials selenium sulphide or zinc pyrithione are helpful for mild dandruff. These are active against the fungus Pityrosporum ovale and are widely available.
Antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole provides a mild, yet effective treatment for dandruff, particularly more persistent or severe dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is also active against Pityrosporum ovale.

There are several dandruff shampoos available for those who suffer from Seborrhea on the scalp, although they can be drying to the hair, it is recommended that they be used only two to three days a week and in combination with an intense moisturizer or hair mask.