Dandruff is a common scalp condition that is not contagious and is rarely serious, notes the Mayo Clinic. It is characterized by an itchy scalp and flakes that are more noticeable on dark clothing or dark hair. Teenagers may be particularly susceptible to dandruff because of hormonal changes that can increase oil production on the scalp.
Identification
Dandruff flakes may be dry, small and white, or clumped and more yellow in hue because of the presence of excess skin oil. Although dandruff can occur on facial hair and between the folds of the skin, it is most common on the scalp.
Oil and Yeast
The hair follicles on the scalp produce sebum, an oil-like substance. The scalp also hosts a yeast called malassezia, which eats the sebum. On a healthy head of hair with a normal sebum level, the scalp is moist and flexible and the hair is shiny and elastic. However, hormonal changes can spur the yeast to proliferate, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the yeast becomes overactive, the sebum is stripped from the scalp and the dry skin begins to flake off. While the skin regularly produces new cells, this process speeds up when the scalp is irritated, leading to skin build-up and more flaking.
Hygiene
Shampooing regularly tends to help dandruff, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Teens may also find relief from dandruff by using fewer hair care products like gels and waxes, notes Great Ormond Street Hospital. Products can accumulate and then flake from the scalp, resembling dandruff, or irritate the scalp, leading to actual skin cell dandruff.
Diet
Eating a balanced diet can enable the skin to generate strong and healthy skin cells. By contrast, individuals lacking zinc, B vitamins or certain types of fats may be more likely to have dandruff, warns the Mayo Clinic. Individuals on low- or no-fat diets may need to take fatty acid supplements to restore elasticity to the hair and scalp, notes health911.com.
Gender
Males have larger sebaceous glands on their scalp and thereby produce more sebum, which may contribute to dandruff problems, notes the Mayo Clinic. The Clinic notes that more men than women tend to have dandruff, leading researchers to question whether male hormones play a role in dandruff formation.
Strategies
Teens may only need to travel to the nearest drugstore to obtain over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. The Mayo Clinic recommends looking for such ingredients as zinc pyrithione, which reduces fungus on the scalp; salicylic acid, which eliminates skin cell build-up on the scalp; selenium sulfide, which slows the rate at which skin cells dry out; and ketoconazole; an antifungal agent.
The Clinic recommends using shampoos daily until the dandruff is under control, then reducing their use to two to three times per week to avoid irritating the scalp. Dandruff shampoos must remain on the scalp at least five minutes to be effective, warns the Mayo Clinic.
In the event a dandruff condition does not resolve with medicated shampoos, teens may need to see their primary care physician for a referral to a dermatologist, to obtain prescription-strength shampoos or topical lotions. For teens more inclined toward home remedies, apply diluted apple cider vinegar on the scalp, recommends health911.com. The vinegar is acidic and can control yeast growth.
