Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It is not contagious or serious, but it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly.
Dandruff may have several causes, including:
Irritated, oily skin
Not shampooing enough
A yeast like fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults
Dry skin
Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
Other skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
Who gets dandruff?
Almost anyone can have dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible. The following are at an increased risk of getting dandruff:
Young adulthood. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. For some individuals, the problem can be lifelong.
Being male. Because more men have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role.
Certain illnesses. Parkinson’s disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system also seem to increase risk of dandruff. So, does having HIV or a weakened immune system.
How do you know you have dandruff?
You might be told you have dandruff, or you might notice the following:
• Skin flakes on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, and shoulders
• Itchy scalp
• Scaly, crusty scalp in infants with cradle cap
The signs and symptoms may be more severe if you are stressed, and they tend to flare in cold, dry seasons.
Treatment
If you discover that you have dandruff you should use anti-dandruff shampoo. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets.
Look for shampoo containing one of these ingredients:
• zinc pyrithione
• salicylic acid
• selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
• ketoconazole
• coal tar
If you still have symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month, or if your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy, or your scalp is red or swollen, you should see your doctor. If various treatments fail to provide a cure you might need to be referred to a dermatologist.
Conclusion
Dandruff is a very common skin disorder. In most cases it is not serious, and not life-threatening, but it can be very embarrassing. Dandruff is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. Once diagnosed it can be successfully treated.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
