The flaky skin and itchy scalp of dandruff can be frustrating for children, parents and caregivers. Fortunately, dandruff is not contagious and is rarely serious. By understanding the causes of dandruff and the effects of dandruff shampoos, adults can make informed decisions about products for children and help alleviate their dandruff conditions.
Causes
Dandruff may occur because of a struggle between two naturally occurring substances on the scalp: sebum and yeast, notes the National Institutes of Health. Normally, the hair follicles produce sebum, a form of skin oil, which helps lubricate the follicles and the scalp. A yeast called malassezia lives on the scalp and eats the sebum, preventing its accumulation. But in times of stress, hormonal changes and immune complications, yeast production can accelerate. Abundant yeast gobbles the sebum and robs the scalp and hair of moisture, leading to scalp irritation and flaking.
Differentiation
Since dandruff on children is unusual, adults may want to rule out other causes. Skin conditions such as eczema can migrate and instigate dandruff, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. Toddlers with lengthy sun exposure may develop sunburn on the scalp, leading to flaking. Children may also have cradle cap, a scaly rash on the scalp that's common in newborns but can last until a child is 3. Since cradle cap doesn't itch and must be manually removed, it can easily be differentiated from dandruff. The American Academy of Pediatrics also suggests that adults observe children closely to rule out lice or ringworm, contagious but treatable conditions.
Ingredients
Over-the-counter medicated dandruff shampoos have an array of ingredients, including pyrithione and ketoconazole, which reduce scalp fungus; salicylic acid, which limits the build-up of skin cells; and selenium sulfide, which helps maintain moist skin cells, explains the Mayo Clinic. But the effectiveness of these products has not been tested on children, and they may cause additional skin irritation and sensitivity in young people.
How to Use
Brush the hair before washing to loosen dead skin cells. To limit skin irritation, don't use hot water or hot settings on a hair dryer. Regardless of which shampoo you use, wash it out thoroughly. As BabyCenter.com points out, children may not sit still long enough for all the shampoo to be rinsed out; the shampoo then can dry and flake off, imitating dandruff. Alternatively, excess shampoo on the scalp can lead to skin irritation and actual skin-cell flaking. BabyCenter.com suggests using only a dime-size dollop of shampoo and spending twice as much time rinsing as washing.
Red Flags
If over-the-counter products are ineffective or induce irritation, a specially formulated product from a dermatologist might be necessary. Abrupt, severe dandruff may be a sign of a larger health problem.
