dandruff - Causes, Treatment

Fine dry scales which fall from an eruption of the skin of the scalp, usually noticed when the scales fall on to clothing around the shoulders. It possibly results from infection with the fungus Pityrosporum.

For the album by Ivor Cutler, see Dandruff (album).

Dandruff (also called scurf; Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.

Dandruff can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or head lice. While these infections are the biggest risk from dandruff, many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem issues, so treatment can be very important for purely social reasons.

Causes

As skin grows, epidermal cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off the head. In people with dandruff, skin cells may die and be replaced about once every two weeks, as opposed to around once a month in people without dandruff.

Dandruff is believed to be the result of a combination of factors.

The most common cause of dandruff is the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching. Other fungi may have a similar role in causing dandruff, as may certain bacteria.

Dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp.

Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Even the season of the year can contribute to the problem: Cold, dry winters are notorious for bringing on dandruff or making it worse. Symptoms of dandruff can also be aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh shampoos, and hair dyes. In rare cases, dandruff may be caused by over use of hair gel or spray.

The current drug of choice is Nizoral (Ketoconazole), though coal tar and other less expensive shampoo choices may be made as a first attempt for milder forms. Tea tree oil can be added to shampoo, or it can be found in tea tree shampoos.

Dandruff is sometimes the symptom of seborrheic dermatitis.

Seasonal changes, stress, and certain diseases seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis.

Simple dandruff does not cause hair loss.

Nutrition

Dandruff can in some cases be linked to poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in the mineral zinc.

Treatment

The appearance of flakes can be reduced, especially in those who suffer from only a mild case of dandruff, by proper hair care. Some people mistakenly avoid washing their hair, believing that the drying effect of shampoo will worsen their dandruff. Using acid-based shampoos helps restore acidity to the scalp, breaking down oils and preventing dead skin cells from collecting into visible clumps. However, shampoos with milder medication, or shampoos that are not marked to treat seborrheic dermatitis, may have little to no effect on redness and irritation.

Household remedies to get rid of dandruff are apple cider vinegar (the gold standard of household remedies), salt or lemon juice. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a rinse after shampooing: the vinegar will act as both a fungicide to fight the cause of the cell buildup, as well as a rinsing agent, which will rinse clumps of skin away before they appear large enough to be visible.

Severe forms of dandruff, particularly if accompanied by flaking or scaling on other parts of the body, should be treated by a dermatologist. Dandruff can occur in conjunction with skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Dandruff varies from person to person.

Tea tree oil's antifungal activity has been found useful in the treatment of dandruff.