What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that causes flakes of pores and skin to fall off the scalp. It’s typically related to itching and irritation. Dandruff might be attributable to quite a few components, together with dry pores and skin, an overactive scalp, and a fungal an infection. Whereas dandruff will not be often a severe situation, it may be embarrassing and tough to deal with.

Dandruff is a standard drawback that impacts individuals of all ages. It isn’t an indication of poor hygiene. In truth, individuals who wash their hair often are simply as more likely to get dandruff as individuals who don’t wash their hair as typically. Dandruff is attributable to a fungus that lives on the scalp. This fungus feeds on the oils which can be produced by the scalp and causes the pores and skin cells to shed extra rapidly than regular. The result’s flakes of pores and skin that fall off the scalp and land on the shoulders and clothes.

There are numerous alternative ways to deal with dandruff. Some individuals discover reduction by utilizing over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners that include components similar to salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. Others discover that prescription shampoos or lotions are simpler. In some circumstances, a mix of remedies could also be crucial to manage dandruff.

What’s Dandruff?

Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that causes flakes of pores and skin to fall off the scalp.

Frequent scalp situation
Causes flakes of pores and skin
May cause itching
Could be attributable to fungus
Not an indication of poor hygiene
Treatable with shampoos
Extreme circumstances might require prescription treatment

Dandruff could be a nuisance, however it’s often not a severe situation. With correct remedy, dandruff might be managed and prevented from coming again.

Frequent scalp situation

Dandruff is a quite common scalp situation. It impacts as much as 50% of individuals in some unspecified time in the future of their lives. Dandruff will not be contagious and it isn’t an indication of poor hygiene. Nevertheless, it may be embarrassing and tough to deal with.

Dandruff is attributable to a fungus that lives on the scalp. This fungus feeds on the oils which can be produced by the scalp and causes the pores and skin cells to shed extra rapidly than regular. The result’s flakes of pores and skin that fall off the scalp and land on the shoulders and clothes.

There are numerous components that may contribute to dandruff, together with:

Dry pores and skin
Oily pores and skin
Hormonal adjustments
Stress
Sure medical circumstances, similar to psoriasis and eczema

Dandruff may also be attributable to sure hair care merchandise, similar to shampoos and conditioners that include harsh chemical substances.

In case you have dandruff, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to deal with it. Over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners that include components similar to salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione might be efficient in treating dandruff. You may additionally want to make use of a prescription shampoo or lotion in case your dandruff is extreme.

Causes flakes of pores and skin

Dry pores and skin

Dry pores and skin is a standard reason for dandruff. When the scalp is dry, it may turn out to be irritated and flaky. This may result in dandruff.
Oily pores and skin

Oily pores and skin may also trigger dandruff. When the scalp produces an excessive amount of oil, it may create a breeding floor for the fungus that causes dandruff.
Hormonal adjustments

Hormonal adjustments, similar to those who happen throughout puberty or being pregnant, may also trigger dandruff.
Stress

Stress may also set off dandruff. When you find yourself harassed, your physique produces extra of the hormone cortisol, which may improve oil manufacturing on the scalp.

Along with these widespread causes, there are a selection of different components that may contribute to dandruff, together with sure medical circumstances, similar to psoriasis and eczema, and sure hair care merchandise, similar to shampoos and conditioners that include harsh chemical substances.

May cause itching

Dandruff can typically trigger itching. It’s because the flakes of pores and skin that fall off the scalp can irritate the pores and skin. Moreover, the fungus that causes dandruff can produce chemical substances that irritate the scalp and trigger itching.

Dry pores and skin

Dry pores and skin is a standard reason for dandruff and itching. When the scalp is dry, it may turn out to be irritated and flaky. This may result in itching.
Oily pores and skin

Oily pores and skin may also trigger dandruff and itching. When the scalp produces an excessive amount of oil, it may create a breeding floor for the fungus that causes dandruff. This may result in itching and irritation.
Hormonal adjustments

Hormonal adjustments, similar to those who happen throughout puberty or being pregnant, may also trigger dandruff and itching.
Stress

Stress may also set off dandruff and itching. When you find yourself harassed, your physique produces extra of the hormone cortisol, which may improve oil manufacturing on the scalp. This may result in dandruff and itching.

In case you have dandruff and itching, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to alleviate the itching. Over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners that include components similar to salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione can assist to cut back itching. You may additionally want to make use of a prescription shampoo or lotion in case your itching is extreme.

Could be attributable to fungus

Dandruff is mostly attributable to a fungus referred to as Malassezia. This fungus lives on the scalp of most individuals and feeds on the oils which can be produced by the scalp. In some individuals, the fungus can overgrow and trigger dandruff. This may occur for quite a few causes, together with:

Hormonal adjustments

Hormonal adjustments, similar to those who happen throughout puberty or being pregnant, could cause the scalp to supply extra oil. This may create a extra favorable setting for the fungus to develop.
Stress

Stress may also set off dandruff. When you find yourself harassed, your physique produces extra of the hormone cortisol, which may improve oil manufacturing on the scalp. This may create a extra favorable setting for the fungus to develop.
Sure medical circumstances

Sure medical circumstances, similar to psoriasis and eczema, may also trigger dandruff. These circumstances could cause the pores and skin on the scalp to turn out to be dry and irritated, which may create a extra favorable setting for the fungus to develop.
Sure hair care merchandise

Sure hair care merchandise, similar to shampoos and conditioners that include harsh chemical substances, may also trigger dandruff. These merchandise can irritate the scalp and create a extra favorable setting for the fungus to develop.

Not an indication of poor hygiene

Dandruff will not be an indication of poor hygiene. In truth, individuals who wash their hair often are simply as more likely to get dandruff as individuals who don’t wash their hair as typically. Dandruff is attributable to a fungus that lives on the scalp. This fungus feeds on the oils which can be produced by the scalp and causes the pores and skin cells to shed extra rapidly than regular. The result’s flakes of pores and skin that fall off the scalp and land on the shoulders and clothes.

There are a selection of things that may contribute to dandruff, together with:

Dry pores and skin
Oily pores and skin
Hormonal adjustments
Stress
Sure medical circumstances, similar to psoriasis and eczema
Sure hair care merchandise, similar to shampoos and conditioners that include harsh chemical substances

In case you have dandruff, it is very important use a shampoo and conditioner that’s designed to deal with dandruff. These shampoos and conditioners include components that may assist to kill the fungus and management oil manufacturing on the scalp. You may additionally want to make use of a prescription shampoo or lotion in case your dandruff is extreme.

Dandruff might be embarrassing, however it is very important keep in mind that it isn’t an indication of poor hygiene. With correct remedy, dandruff might be managed and prevented from coming again.

If you’re involved about dandruff, speak to your physician or a dermatologist. They can assist you to find out the reason for your dandruff and suggest the very best course of remedy.

Treatable with shampoos

Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that may be handled with shampoos. There are a selection of over-the-counter shampoos which can be efficient in treating dandruff. These shampoos include components that may assist to kill the fungus that causes dandruff and management oil manufacturing on the scalp.

Shampoos with salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the scalp and take away lifeless pores and skin cells. It may well additionally assist to cut back irritation and itching.
Shampoos with selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent that helps to kill the fungus that causes dandruff. It may well additionally assist to cut back irritation and itching.
Shampoos with zinc pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial agent that helps to kill the fungus and micro organism that may trigger dandruff. It may well additionally assist to cut back irritation and itching.
Shampoos with ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is a prescription antifungal shampoo that’s used to deal with extreme dandruff. It’s efficient in killing the fungus that causes dandruff and can assist to alleviate itching and irritation.

In case you have dandruff, it is very important use a shampoo that’s designed to deal with dandruff. These shampoos include components that may assist to kill the fungus and management oil manufacturing on the scalp. It’s possible you’ll want to make use of a dandruff shampoo for a number of weeks earlier than you see outcomes. It’s also vital to make use of the shampoo as directed on the label.

Extreme circumstances might require prescription treatment

In some circumstances, dandruff might be extreme and will not reply to over-the-counter shampoos. In case you have extreme dandruff, you could have to see a health care provider or dermatologist. They might prescribe a medicated shampoo or lotion that’s stronger than over-the-counter merchandise. Prescription dandruff medicines might include components similar to:

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is a prescription antifungal shampoo that’s used to deal with extreme dandruff. It’s efficient in killing the fungus that causes dandruff and can assist to alleviate itching and irritation.
Ciclopirox

Ciclopirox is a prescription antifungal shampoo that’s used to deal with extreme dandruff. It’s efficient in killing the fungus that causes dandruff and can assist to alleviate itching and irritation.
Fluconazole

Fluconazole is a prescription antifungal treatment that’s taken by mouth. It’s used to deal with extreme dandruff that doesn’t reply to different remedies.
Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus is a prescription anti-inflammatory treatment that’s used to deal with extreme dandruff. It may well assist to cut back irritation and itching.

If you’re prescribed a medicated shampoo or lotion, it is very important use it as directed by your physician. It’s possible you’ll want to make use of the treatment for a number of weeks or months earlier than you see outcomes. It’s also vital to proceed utilizing the treatment as directed, even after your dandruff has cleared up, to forestall it from coming again.

FAQ

Listed below are some often requested questions on dandruff:

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’s attributable to a fungus that feeds on the oils which can be produced by the scalp.

Query 2: Is dandruff contagious?
Reply: No, dandruff will not be contagious. It can’t be unfold from individual to individual.

Query 3: What causes dandruff?
Reply: Dandruff is attributable to a fungus that lives on the scalp. This fungus feeds on the oils which can be produced by the scalp and causes the pores and skin cells to shed extra rapidly than regular.

Query 4: 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 embody itching, irritation, and redness.

Query 5: How is dandruff handled?
Reply: Dandruff might be handled with over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners that include components similar to salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. In some circumstances, a prescription shampoo or lotion could also be crucial.

Query 6: Can dandruff be prevented?
Reply: There is no such thing as a certain solution to forestall dandruff, however there are issues you are able to do to cut back your danger of getting it, similar to washing your hair usually, utilizing a gentle shampoo, and avoiding harsh hair care merchandise.

Query 7: When ought to I see a health care provider about dandruff?
Reply: It is best to see a health care provider about dandruff whether it is extreme or doesn’t reply to over-the-counter remedies.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ: Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that may be embarrassing, however it’s treatable. With correct remedy, dandruff might be managed and prevented from coming again.

In case you have dandruff, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to assist management it. The following tips embody:

Ideas

Listed below are some ideas for controlling dandruff:

Tip 1: Wash your hair usually.
Washing your hair usually helps to take away extra oil and lifeless pores and skin cells from the scalp. This can assist to forestall dandruff from forming.

Tip 2: Use a gentle shampoo.
Harsh shampoos can irritate the scalp and make dandruff worse. Search for a gentle shampoo that’s designed for on a regular basis use.

Tip 3: Keep away from harsh hair care merchandise.
Hair care merchandise that include harsh chemical substances, similar to sulfates and parabens, can irritate the scalp and make dandruff worse. Search for hair care merchandise which can be freed from harsh chemical substances.

Tip 4: Strive a house treatment.
There are a selection of dwelling cures that may assist to manage dandruff. Some standard dwelling cures embody utilizing apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or coconut oil on the scalp.

Closing Paragraph for Ideas: Following the following tips can assist to manage dandruff and preserve your scalp wholesome.

In case you have tried the following tips and your dandruff continues to be not beneath management, it is best to see a health care provider or dermatologist. They can assist you to find out the reason for your dandruff and suggest the very best course of remedy.

Conclusion

Dandruff is a standard scalp situation that causes flakes of pores and skin to fall off the scalp. It’s attributable to a fungus that feeds on the oils which can be produced by the scalp. Dandruff might be embarrassing, however it isn’t an indication of poor hygiene. It’s also not contagious.

There are a selection of issues that may contribute to dandruff, together with dry pores and skin, oily pores and skin, hormonal adjustments, stress, and sure medical circumstances. Dandruff may also be attributable to sure hair care merchandise, similar to shampoos and conditioners that include harsh chemical substances.

Dandruff might be handled with over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners that include components similar to salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. In some circumstances, a prescription shampoo or lotion could also be crucial.

In case you have dandruff, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to assist management it. These embody washing your hair usually, utilizing a gentle shampoo, avoiding harsh hair care merchandise, and making an attempt a house treatment.

Closing Message: In case you have tried the following tips and your dandruff continues to be not beneath management, it is best to see a health care provider or dermatologist. They can assist you to find out the reason for your dandruff and suggest the very best course of remedy. With correct remedy, dandruff might be managed and prevented from coming again.