Dandruff: Causes, Treatments, &
Preventing Unwanted Flakes
By: Shahara Lum
Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes irritation, skin rash, redness, itchiness, burning, and discomfort — those with this condition can be seen with small white but evident flaky bits in their hair. Dandruff is also often caused by oily or dry skin and yeast-like fungi that feed on scalp oils or from the weather, hair products, stress, and medical problems. One out of five people usually suffer from dandruff, a common skin condition. However, you can quickly treat it once you’ve narrowed down the causes and how to prevent them.
Understanding the causes of dandruff
According to the Mayo Clinic, a dry scalp is one of the leading underlying causes of dandruff. When your scalp becomes excessively dry, it can lead to non-stop itching and flaking — it may be because of the weather, excessive use of harsh or regular products, or a skin condition. Furthermore, those with oily skin can also suffer from dandruff due to the increased production of sebum, known as the natural oil on the scalp. [2]
Seborrheic Dermatitis is another culprit — a skin problem that causes red, oily, and scaly patches on your scalp, resulting in dandruff and its many effects. It can go away without treatment. However, you should use a medicated shampoo or products to help clear up the symptoms and prevent any long-term effects. The signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare with stress, fatigue, or a change of season.” [1]
In addition — Malassezia is a type of fungus that exists on the scalp of most adults, irritating and causing more skin cells to grow on the scalp, eventually leading to dandruff, furthermore, depending on age, body size, skin conditions, and geographic area. But most often seen on those who have relatively oily skin. According to a recent study, people who suffer from dandruff are often associated with the corneocytes of the skin — which are either nonexistent or reduced. [3]
Treatment and product options
Since technology and medicine have vastly changed and are still evolving, there has been a cure for almost everything, including dandruff. Medicated shampoos containing ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione can effectively treat the scalp. These ingredients are helpful when it comes to reducing fungus, inflammation, and excess skin cell production caused by dandruff.
Here are the best medicated shampoos products according to Prevention [4]:
• Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Biolage Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Sulfate-Free Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff
Shampoo
• Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• L’Oréal Paris EverPure Scalp Care + Detox Sulfate Free Shampoo
• Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
• Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo
• SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo
• Selsun Blue Moisturizing Dandruff Shampoo
These shampoos fight off dandruff by exfoliating and gently cleansing the scalp while using soft medicated ingredients to reduce the effects. So, if you’re curious about whether or not these products work, give them a try! They’re specialized shampoos and will surely get rid of your dandruff.
Anti-fungal treatments are also essential to consider if fungal infection causes dandruff. Anyone can purchase anti-fungal therapies over the counter, online, or prescribed. Treating dandruff anti-fungal products can eliminate the fungus on the scalp and reduce dandruff.
Best anti-fungal medicines according to NHS [5]:
• Clotrimazole (Canesten)
• Econazole.
• Miconazole.
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Ketoconazole (Daktarin)
• Nystatin (Nystan)
• Amphotericin
It is also important to moisturize the scalp — a dry scalp causes dandruff. Therefore, if you experience this, you should use a moisturizing shampoo and condition to help alleviate dryness and reduce those annoying white flakes. Additionally, using organic/natural oils like tea tree oil can provide relief to your scalp.
However, the products we use on our hair can sometimes irritate and result in more dandruff build-up. However, you can prevent this by adjusting your hair care routine, using milder products, and reducing scalp irritation and flaking.
Tips to prevent dandruff
Maintaining good hygiene is critical! Please don’t wash your hair daily, which can cause dryness and irritation. Instead, regularly wash your hair two to three times a week — use a gentle shampoo and warm water to get rid of buildup oil and skin cells that contribute to dandruff.
Too much stress also contributes to dandruff and many other health conditions. Managing stress through relaxation and other techniques such as exercise, reading a book, or getting adequate sleep can reduce dandruff flare-ups.
Healthy diet! If you didn’t know, eating a rich and balanced diet and consuming efficient vitamins and minerals can promote good scalp health and hair growth. Foods exceptionally high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts, can help reduce scalp inflammation and dryness.
But of course, it is necessary to seek professional advice if dandruff persists despite trying many treatments — seeking help from a dermatologist can allow them to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatments for your scalp condition(s). And while dandruff can be a persistent and very annoying condition many people suffer from — it can be easily prevented and manageable with the correct approach. So, if you think you’re far from being saved, patience and consistency are critical!
Refrences:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-
dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/
symptoms-causes/syc-20353850
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4533528/
[4] https://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/g19876075/best-
dandruff-shampoo/
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