Dandruff is a common skin condition characterized by itchy skin and flaking skin cells, which are most prevalent on the scalp. The condition is not contagious, and can be controlled but not cured. Nonetheless, understanding the ways in which dandruff forms and the lifestyle factors that contribute to dandruff can enable you to easily reduce dandruff outbreaks.
Identification
Both dry and oily skin conditions can lead to dandruff, though the size and color of the flakes may vary. Dry dandruff tends to be white, and the flakes are small; whereas oily dandruff clumps together, and the flakes are yellow due to the presence of excess oil, or sebum. Dandruff may be most noticeable on dark hair or clothing and during the dry, cold weather of winter. The Mayo Clinic notes that dandruff tends to improve during the summer, as a result of increased sun exposure. Moreover, mild cases of dandruff may improve by daily washing with a gentle, non-medicated shampoo.
Hair Follicles and Skin Moisture
Hair follicles in the skin are surrounded by sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. The sebaceous glands are most prominent on the face and scalp, but can be found throughout the body--except for the palms and soles of the feet, which are hairless. Sebum travels up the hair follicles to the outer surface of the skin to keep both the hair and scalp hydrated, waterproof and flexible.
Sebum and Yeast
Sebum is kept in check by malassezia, naturally occurring yeast on the scalp. However, during times of increased stress, decreased immunity, hormonal changes or allergies, the yeast can proliferate, notes the Mayo Clinic. Abundant yeast eats too much sebum, stripping the scalp of moisture and leading to dry skin and flaking. While the skin is constantly regenerating to provide the strongest possible cells to the exterior, this process is hastened when the scalp becomes irritated. Skin cells multiply, accumulate and shed, compounding the dandruff problem.
Risk Factors
Dandruff can begin in young adulthood and last through middle age. However, men tend to have larger sebaceous glands and oilier skin, leading to a prevalence of dandruff due to irritation from skin oil. Men may also have more hair follicles on the chest, back, and legs, resulting in a greater incidence of sebaceous gland activity. Since sebaceous glands cannot be removed or changed in size, if you experience dandruff, you must learn to manage rather than eliminate this problem.
Lifestyle Factors
Regular use of hair care products can lead to product buildup on the scalp, which can both irritate the scalp and flake off, masquerading as dandruff. Chemical processes such as perms and coloring and repeated exposure to hair dryers may also irritate the scalp, leading to flaking.
You may also need to make dietary changes to support skin health. The Mayo Clinic points out that eating less zinc and fewer B vitamins may make you prone to dandruff. Fatty acids are necessary for maintaining scalp and hair moisture. If you are on a low- or no-fat diet, you may need fatty acid supplementation in order to counter dry scalp problems.
Dandruff Products
Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos contain antifungal agents such as zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole; chemicals such as salicylic acid that inhibit the accumulation of skin cells; and selenium sulfide, which helps maintain the moisture level of the skin. Although daily use may be necessary at first, you should taper to two to three times a week once the dandruff is markedly better. You may need to switch shampoos or consult a physician or dermatologist for stronger products, if relief is not obtained within a few weeks.
The website Health911.com suggests applying 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar on the scalp, as the acidic nature of the vinegar can inhibit yeast growth. Leave the vinegar for at least 15 minutes and up to three hours. Shampoo using a gentle cleanser, and follow the recommendations above, avoiding styling products and hot air drying to limit scalp irritation.
