Dandruff: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention – Everything You Need to Know

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes the skin on the scalp to turn into white flakes.

According to a report published by the specialized medical website “healthshots”, dandruff is a type of inflammatory skin disease such as seborrheic dermatitis. This can be caused by excess skin oil in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, leading to an itchy scalp.

There are medicated dandruff shampoos available, as well as many home remedies that can provide relief.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a very common scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to fall out of the skin. These flakes are usually white or gray, they can be small or large, and they can also be oily or dry.

To further clarify, dermatologist Dr. Priyanka Currie said, “Dandruff can cause itching, but it’s usually not serious.”

The American Academy of Dermatology states that the causes of dandruff can range from medical conditions to hair care habits as well as oily skin.

Symptoms of dandruff

Here’s what you might experience if you have dandruff:

Leather shoes:

This is the most important sign. Flakes can vary in size and texture, from small, white to large, greasy, and yellow. Sufferers may also feel oily or dry.

Itchy scalp:

Dandruff can cause your scalp, especially when it is dry. Scratching can also increase scalp irritation and make cracking worse.

White Scalp:

In severe cases, the scalp can become tired. This could indicate a more serious condition such as seborrheic dermatitis.

The causes of dandruff

1. Malassezia mushroom

A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia lives naturally on the scalp of most adults. However, in some people, the body overgrows this fungus, causing skin cells to shed from the scalp faster than normal.

Dr. Currie explains that this rapid shedding leads to the appearance of visible flakes that we associate with dandruff.

2. Secretion of sebaceous glands

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology published a study saying that seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are the same disease. This is caused by secretions of sebaceous glands. Where the glands produce sebum; It is an oily substance that causes dandruff.

Other causes may include washing your hair too often or using the wrong shampoo; This can also lead to dandruff.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that some anti-dandruff shampoos contain coal tar, which makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This can also lead to cracking.

In addition, excessive combing of your hair and even your diet can lead to dandruff.

Dandruff and dry scalp…what’s the difference?

Dandruff and a dry scalp cause flaking, but dandruff is the result of an oily scalp and yeast overgrowth, which leads to larger oily flakes and the possibility of greasier hair.

A dry scalp, on the other hand, is the result of a lack of moisture, causing the fluffy white flakes that often accompany dry hair.

“While both can cause itching, dandruff may be more itchy due to irritation,” Currie explains. She said, “Medicated shampoo targets dandruff, and dry scalps benefit from moisturizing shampoo.”

Home remedies for dandruff

Here are some home remedies for dandruff that you can try:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar has natural antifungal properties that help fight the yeast overgrowth sometimes associated with dandruff.

According to a study published in the journal “Pharmaceutics,” apple cider vinegar works as an antifungal agent that stops the growth of Malassezia.

Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then apply it on your skin, leave it for 15 minutes, then wash it well.

2. Aloe vera

The soothing and moisturizing properties of aloe vera can soothe an itchy scalp and reduce flaking. A study published in BioMed Research International shows that aloe vera is antibacterial and antifungal, thus helping to prevent dandruff.

Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your skin, leave it for 30 minutes, then wash it off.

3. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a great treatment for dandruff because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help control dandruff.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that using a 5% tea tree oil shampoo showed a 41% improvement in participants’ dandruff within four weeks when used daily. However, tea tree oil can be irritating to the skin, so it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it to your skin. It should also be kept just an hour or two before showering, otherwise it will close the pores.

How to treat dandruff?

The best dandruff treatment options depend on what’s best for you.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that washing your hair regularly can reduce dandruff.

Below is a breakdown of some of the other techniques she recommends.

1. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo

Anti-dandruff shampoo is the most common treatment for dandruff. These shampoos contain ingredients that target the main causes of dandruff, such as zinc pyrithione, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help control the growth of Malassezia yeast, and selenium sulfide, which helps reduce overgrowth. yeast and slows skin cell regeneration.

They also contain salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin cells, and ketoconazole, a stronger antifungal ingredient that may be helpful in treating severe dandruff.

The shampoo also contains coal tar, which may slow skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation, but it can also discolor hair and have a strong odor.

2. Mix the shampoo into a lather well

It is very important to follow the instructions on the skin bottle.

Some shampoos need to be well mixed into a lather and left for a few minutes.

Follow the directions on the bottle for best results.

3. Choose the right shampoo

You should choose the appropriate shampoo for your hair type; If you have curly hair, you only need to wash your hair when needed. If your hair is straight, it may need to be washed every day.

Using the right shampoo can do wonders.

If you have curly hair, apply shampoo only to your scalp.

4. Protect hair from the sun

Do not expose your scalp to too much sunlight. Dandruff shampoo contains coal tar, which can cause flakes when exposed to sunlight.

You can wear a hat or put sunscreen on your scalp if you have thin hair.

5. Manage stress levels and a healthy diet

Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can be helpful. According to Dr. Currie, “Although there is no specific diet that treats dandruff, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins may be beneficial. “

6. Medical treatment

If over-the-counter options and lifestyle changes don’t provide relief, your doctor may recommend stronger shampoos or medications.

These products may contain stronger antifungal or steroid ingredients to target chronic dandruff or underlying skin conditions.

When do you see a doctor?

Although an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo is a good first step, a visit to your doctor is necessary if you have the following symptoms:

If your dandruff lasts for more than four weeks

If you use medical shampoo on your skin regularly and you still suffer from the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor:

Severe illness or inflammation

Hair loss with cracking

Weakness in the immune system.

In some extreme cases, the bark can fall on the face and eyes and cause itching or irritation, especially around the eyelids and eyebrows; (This may be uncomfortable and cause redness or even temporary blurred vision if the crabs get into your eyes. In this case, it is important to see a dermatologist immediately) says Corey.

Should you scrub the dandruff before you wash your hair?

Scratching can damage your skin and make dandruff worse.

Your nails can also cause cuts on your skin; So you should stop scratching your hair.

Is dandruff bad for your hair?

Dandruff itself does not damage the hair but scratching the dandruff can damage the scalp. Also, frequent itching can lead to hair loss.

How can I get rid of white clusters on my skin?

The buildup will disappear if you use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.

Try a dandruff shampoo that contains ingredients such as zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide.

What kills dandruff faster?

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to killing dandruff quickly, medicated shampoos that contain special ingredients are usually the most effective for rapid improvement.

Dandruff shampoos that contain ingredients such as zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide and ketoconazole can help manage dandruff.

How often should I wash my hair if I suffer from dandruff?

How to treat dandruff using dandruff shampoo How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type and scalp condition, but aim for a balance that removes flakes without drying out your skin.

Is dandruff contagious?

No, dandruff is not contagious, and it does not spread from one person to another. Everyone already has a cause for dandruff, namely Malassezia; Allergy to this causes dandruff.