Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that causes flakes of pores and skin to fall off the scalp. It may be embarrassing and itchy, and it will possibly generally result in hair loss. Whereas there is no such thing as a remedy for dandruff, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle it.
Dandruff is brought on by a fungus referred to as Malassezia. This fungus lives on the scalp of most individuals, however it solely causes dandruff in some folks. When Malassezia breaks down the oils on the scalp, it produces oleic acid, which may irritate the scalp and trigger it to flake. Dandruff may also be brought on by different elements, comparable to dry pores and skin, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
When you’ve got dandruff, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle it. You may strive utilizing a shampoo that incorporates an antifungal agent, comparable to ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. You can too strive utilizing a medicated scalp therapy or a dandruff shampoo that incorporates salicylic acid or coal tar.
What Causes Dandruff
Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that causes flakes of pores and skin to fall off the scalp. It may be brought on by a variety of elements, together with:
- Malassezia fungus
- Dry pores and skin
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Hormonal adjustments
- Sure drugs
- Stress
- Poor hygiene
- Food plan
Dandruff may be embarrassing and itchy, however it’s normally not a severe situation. There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle dandruff, together with utilizing medicated shampoos and scalp remedies, and making adjustments to your food plan and life-style.
Malassezia Fungus
Malassezia is a sort of fungus that lives on the scalp of most individuals. It’s a regular a part of the scalp’s microbiome, and it normally doesn’t trigger any issues. Nevertheless, in some folks, Malassezia could cause dandruff.
Malassezia feeds on the oils which are produced by the scalp’s sebaceous glands. When Malassezia breaks down these oils, it produces oleic acid, which may irritate the scalp and trigger it to flake. This flaking is what we generally know as dandruff.
There are a selection of things that may trigger Malassezia to overgrow and trigger dandruff, together with:
- Oily pores and skin
- Hormonal adjustments
- Stress
- Sure drugs
- Poor hygiene
- Food plan
Dandruff brought on by Malassezia is normally not a severe situation, however it may be embarrassing and itchy. There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle dandruff, together with utilizing medicated shampoos and scalp remedies, and making adjustments to your food plan and life-style.
When you’ve got dandruff, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Dry Pores and skin
Dry pores and skin is one other widespread reason behind dandruff. When the scalp is dry, it’s extra more likely to flake. This flaking may be mistaken for dandruff, however it’s really simply dry pores and skin cells.
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Not ingesting sufficient water
When you do not drink sufficient water, your pores and skin can change into dry and flaky, together with the pores and skin in your scalp.
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Utilizing harsh shampoos and styling merchandise
Harsh shampoos and styling merchandise can strip the scalp of its pure oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
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Residing in a dry local weather
If you happen to stay in a dry local weather, the air can draw moisture out of your pores and skin, together with the pores and skin in your scalp.
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Sure medical situations
Some medical situations, comparable to eczema and psoriasis, could cause dry pores and skin and dandruff.
When you’ve got dry pores and skin dandruff, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle it. You may strive utilizing a mild shampoo and conditioner, and avoiding harsh styling merchandise. You can too strive utilizing a humidifier so as to add moisture to the air in your house.
Eczema
Eczema is a power pores and skin situation that causes dry, itchy, and infected pores and skin. It may well have an effect on any a part of the physique, together with the scalp. When eczema impacts the scalp, it will possibly trigger dandruff.
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Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most typical sort of eczema. It’s a power situation that causes dry, itchy, and infected pores and skin. It may well have an effect on the scalp, inflicting dandruff.
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Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a sort of eczema that causes pink, scaly patches of pores and skin. It may well have an effect on the scalp, inflicting dandruff.
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Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a sort of eczema that’s brought on by an allergic response to one thing that touches the pores and skin. In case you are allergic to a shampoo or different hair care product, it will possibly trigger contact dermatitis on the scalp, resulting in dandruff.
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Irritant dermatitis
Irritant dermatitis is a sort of eczema that’s brought on by publicity to an irritant, comparable to harsh chemical substances or excessive temperatures. If you happen to use harsh shampoos or styling merchandise, or if you happen to expose your scalp to excessive warmth or chilly, it will possibly trigger irritant dermatitis, resulting in dandruff.
When you’ve got eczema in your scalp, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a power pores and skin situation that causes pink, scaly patches of pores and skin. It may well have an effect on any a part of the physique, together with the scalp. When psoriasis impacts the scalp, it will possibly trigger dandruff.
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Plaque psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most typical sort of psoriasis. It causes pink, scaly patches of pores and skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp. Scalp psoriasis could cause dandruff and different signs, comparable to itching, burning, and bleeding.
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Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a sort of psoriasis that causes small, pink spots on the pores and skin. It may be triggered by a streptococcal an infection, comparable to strep throat. Guttate psoriasis can have an effect on the scalp, inflicting dandruff and different signs, comparable to itching and burning.
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Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis causes pink, infected patches of pores and skin within the folds of the physique, such because the armpits, groin, and underneath the breasts. Inverse psoriasis may also have an effect on the scalp, inflicting dandruff and different signs, comparable to itching and burning.
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Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is a uncommon and extreme sort of psoriasis that causes white pustules to kind on the pores and skin. It may well have an effect on the scalp, inflicting dandruff and different signs, comparable to itching, burning, and ache.
When you’ve got psoriasis in your scalp, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a standard pores and skin situation that causes pink, scaly patches of pores and skin. It may well have an effect on the scalp, face, and different elements of the physique. When seborrheic dermatitis impacts the scalp, it will possibly trigger dandruff.
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Overproduction of oil
Individuals with seborrheic dermatitis are inclined to have oily pores and skin. It is because their sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of oil. The surplus oil can clog the hair follicles and trigger irritation, resulting in dandruff.
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Malassezia fungus
The Malassezia fungus is a sort of yeast that lives on the pores and skin. In folks with seborrheic dermatitis, the Malassezia fungus can overgrow and trigger irritation. This irritation can result in dandruff.
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Immune system dysfunction
Individuals with seborrheic dermatitis might have a dysfunctional immune system. This could result in irritation and the overproduction of pores and skin cells, which may contribute to dandruff.
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Genetic elements
Seborrheic dermatitis is believed to have a genetic element. Which means that individuals who have a household historical past of the situation usually tend to develop it.
When you’ve got seborrheic dermatitis in your scalp, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Hormonal adjustments
hormonally pushed adjustments within the physique could cause pores and skin to change into oilier and extra vulnerable to irritation, resulting in
- Puberty Throughout puberty, the sudden surge in hormones could cause the sebaceous glands to provide extra oil, resulting in dandruff.
- Menstrual cycle The hormonal fluctuations in the course of the menstrual cycle may also trigger adjustments within the manufacturing of sebum, resulting in dandruff.
- Being pregnant Hormonal adjustments throughout being pregnant may also trigger a rise in sebum manufacturing, resulting in dandruff.
- Menopause The drop in estrogen ranges throughout menopause could cause the pores and skin to change into drier and extra vulnerable to flaking, resulting in dandruff.
In case you are experiencing hormonally associated dandruff, there are a number of issues you are able to do to handle it. First, strive utilizing a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for greasy hair. You can too strive utilizing a medicated shampoo that incorporates an antifungal agent, comparable to ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. If these remedies don’t work, you might must see a physician or dermatologist for additional therapy choices.
Sure Drugs
Sure drugs could cause dandruff as a facet impact. These drugs embrace:
- Antidepressants Some antidepressants, comparable to lithium and tricyclic antidepressants, could cause dandruff.
- Anticonvulsants Some anticonvulsants, comparable to valproic acid and phenytoin, could cause dandruff.
- Beta-blockers Some beta-blockers, comparable to propranolol and metoprolol, could cause dandruff.
- Chemotherapy medication Some chemotherapy medication, comparable to methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, could cause dandruff.
In case you are experiencing dandruff as a facet impact of a medicine, you must speak to your physician about different therapy choices. In some instances, your physician could possibly prescribe a distinct remedy that doesn’t trigger dandruff. In different instances, you might want to make use of a medicated shampoo or different therapy to handle the dandruff.
Stress
Stress is a standard set off for dandruff. When you’re confused, your physique produces extra of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can enhance the manufacturing of sebum, which is an oily substance that may clog hair follicles and result in dandruff. Stress may also weaken the immune system, making it harder for the physique to combat off the Malassezia fungus, which is one other widespread reason behind dandruff.
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Elevated sebum manufacturing
When you’re confused, your physique produces extra of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can enhance the manufacturing of sebum, which is an oily substance that may clog hair follicles and result in dandruff.
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Weakened immune system
Stress may also weaken the immune system, making it harder for the physique to combat off the Malassezia fungus, which is one other widespread reason behind dandruff.
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Scratching
When you’re confused, you might be extra more likely to scratch your scalp. Scratching can irritate the scalp and make dandruff worse.
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Poor food plan
Stress may also result in poor food plan decisions, which may contribute to dandruff. For instance, consuming a variety of sugary meals can enhance irritation, which may make dandruff worse.
In case you are experiencing stress-related dandruff, there are a number of issues you are able to do to handle it. First, attempt to discover methods to scale back stress in your life. This may increasingly embrace train, meditation, or spending time with family members. You can too strive utilizing a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for delicate pores and skin. If these remedies don’t work, you might must see a physician or dermatologist for additional therapy choices.
Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene may also contribute to dandruff. When you do not wash your hair commonly, the scalp can construct up a layer of oil, filth, and useless pores and skin cells. This could clog hair follicles and result in dandruff. Moreover, if you happen to do not rinse your hair completely after shampooing, shampoo residue can construct up on the scalp and trigger irritation, which may additionally result in dandruff.
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Not washing hair commonly
If you happen to do not wash your hair commonly, the scalp can construct up a layer of oil, filth, and useless pores and skin cells. This could clog hair follicles and result in dandruff.
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Not rinsing hair completely
If you happen to do not rinse your hair completely after shampooing, shampoo residue can construct up on the scalp and trigger irritation, which may additionally result in dandruff.
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Utilizing harsh shampoos and styling merchandise
Harsh shampoos and styling merchandise can strip the scalp of its pure oils, leaving it dry and irritated. This could result in dandruff.
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Not brushing hair commonly
Brushing your hair commonly helps to take away useless pores and skin cells and filth from the scalp. If you happen to do not brush your hair commonly, these can construct up and contribute to dandruff.
When you’ve got poor hygiene-related dandruff, one of the simplest ways to handle it’s to clean your hair commonly with a mild shampoo and conditioner. You also needs to keep away from utilizing harsh shampoos and styling merchandise, and brush your hair commonly. If these remedies don’t work, you might must see a physician or dermatologist for additional therapy choices.
Food plan
Food plan may also play a job in dandruff. Consuming a nutritious diet that’s wealthy in fruits, greens, and complete grains can assist to maintain the scalp wholesome and scale back the chance of dandruff. Then again, consuming a food plan that’s excessive in processed meals, sugar, and unhealthy fat can contribute to dandruff.
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Zinc deficiency
Zinc is an important mineral that’s concerned in lots of essential bodily capabilities, together with the manufacturing of latest pores and skin cells. A deficiency in zinc can result in a dry, flaky scalp and dandruff.
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Vitamin B deficiency
B nutritional vitamins are additionally important for scalp well being. A deficiency in B nutritional vitamins can result in a dry, irritated scalp and dandruff.
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Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency
Omega-3 fatty acids are present in oily fish, comparable to salmon and tuna. These fatty acids assist to maintain the pores and skin wholesome and moisturized. A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can result in a dry, flaky scalp and dandruff.
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Consuming a variety of processed meals, sugar, and unhealthy fat
Consuming a food plan that’s excessive in processed meals, sugar, and unhealthy fat can contribute to dandruff. These meals could cause irritation within the physique, which may result in a dry, irritated scalp and dandruff.
When you’ve got diet-related dandruff, one of the simplest ways to handle it’s to eat a nutritious diet that’s wealthy in fruits, greens, and complete grains. You also needs to restrict your consumption of processed meals, sugar, and unhealthy fat. If these remedies don’t work, you might must see a physician or dermatologist for additional therapy choices.
FAQ
Do you may have questions on dandruff? Listed below are some steadily requested questions and solutions:
Query 1: What’s dandruff?
Reply: Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that causes flakes of pores and skin to fall off the scalp. It may be brought on by a variety of elements, together with Malassezia fungus, dry pores and skin, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, hormonal adjustments, sure drugs, stress, and poor hygiene.
Query 2: What are the signs of dandruff?
Reply: The commonest symptom of dandruff is flakes of pores and skin falling off the scalp. Different signs can embrace an itchy scalp, a dry scalp, and redness and irritation of the scalp.
Query 3: How can I stop dandruff?
Reply: There are a selection of issues you are able to do to forestall dandruff, together with washing your hair commonly with a mild shampoo, avoiding harsh shampoos and styling merchandise, brushing your hair commonly, and consuming a nutritious diet.
Query 4: How can I deal with dandruff?
Reply: There are a selection of remedies accessible for dandruff, together with medicated shampoos, scalp remedies, and residential cures. When you’ve got dandruff, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Query 5: Is dandruff contagious?
Reply: No, dandruff will not be contagious. You can’t catch dandruff from another person.
Query 6: Can dandruff be cured?
Reply: There isn’t a remedy for dandruff, however it may be managed. With correct therapy, you may scale back the signs of dandruff and preserve your scalp wholesome.
Query 7: What are some dwelling cures for dandruff?
Reply: There are a selection of dwelling cures that you would be able to attempt to deal with dandruff, together with utilizing tea tree oil, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and apple cider vinegar. Nevertheless, it is very important be aware that these cures should not an alternative choice to medical therapy.
When you’ve got dandruff, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Ideas
Listed below are some suggestions for managing dandruff:
Tip 1: Wash your hair commonly
Among the finest methods to forestall and deal with dandruff is to clean your hair commonly. This can assist to take away extra oil, filth, and useless pores and skin cells from the scalp. When washing your hair, use a mild shampoo and conditioner. Keep away from harsh shampoos and styling merchandise, as these can irritate the scalp and make dandruff worse.
Tip 2: Brush your hair commonly
Brushing your hair commonly may also assist to forestall and deal with dandruff. Brushing helps to take away useless pores and skin cells and filth from the scalp, and it additionally helps to distribute the scalp’s pure oils. When brushing your hair, use a soft-bristled brush and be light. Keep away from brushing your hair too usually, as this may irritate the scalp.
Tip 3: Use a medicated shampoo or scalp therapy
When you’ve got dandruff, you might want to make use of a medicated shampoo or scalp therapy. Medicated shampoos and scalp remedies comprise substances that may assist to kill the Malassezia fungus and scale back irritation. There are a selection of various medicated shampoos and scalp remedies accessible, so speak to your physician or dermatologist about which one is best for you.
Tip 4: Make adjustments to your food plan
Consuming a nutritious diet may also assist to scale back dandruff. Consuming loads of fruits, greens, and complete grains can assist to maintain the scalp wholesome and scale back irritation. You also needs to restrict your consumption of processed meals, sugar, and unhealthy fat.
Tip 5: Handle stress
Stress may also set off dandruff. In case you are experiencing stress, attempt to discover methods to handle it. This may increasingly embrace train, meditation, or spending time with family members.
When you’ve got tried the information above and you might be nonetheless experiencing dandruff, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Conclusion
Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that may be brought on by a variety of elements, together with Malassezia fungus, dry pores and skin, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, hormonal adjustments, sure drugs, stress, and poor hygiene. Dandruff may be embarrassing and itchy, however it’s normally not a severe situation. There are a selection of issues you are able to do to forestall and deal with dandruff, together with washing your hair commonly, brushing your hair commonly, utilizing a medicated shampoo or scalp therapy, making adjustments to your food plan, and managing stress.
When you’ve got tried the information above and you might be nonetheless experiencing dandruff, it is very important see a physician or dermatologist to get a prognosis and to rule out some other underlying medical situations that could be inflicting the dandruff.
Bear in mind, dandruff is a standard situation and it’s normally not an indication of a severe well being drawback. With correct therapy, you may handle dandruff and preserve your scalp wholesome.
