Dandruff most commonly occurs from the teen years through middle age, notes the Mayo Clinic. The condition is characterized by an itchy scalp and flakes that may be particularly noticeable on dark hair or clothing. Although dandruff cannot be cured, it can be controlled and prevented. Understanding the causes of dandruff can help create personal strategies for prevention.
Cause
According to the National Institutes of Health, dandruff is caused by an imbalance between two natural residents of the scalp: sebum, an oil-like substance produced by the sebaceous glands that surround hair follicles, and malassezia, a form of yeast.
In optimal balance, the yeast controls the accumulation of oil, such that the hair follicles and scalp are moist without being overly oily. However, when the yeast proliferates, it raids the sebum, leading to dry and irritated skin, which flakes. Skin regeneration speeds up to replace the injured skin cells, leading to more skin accumulation and flaking.
Identification
Since dandruff can occur anywhere there are hair follicles and sebaceous glands, it may be present on the back, chest, legs, face, or scalp, where it is most common. Dry dandruff may appear white and small, whereas oilier dandruff is more yellow and the clumps are larger, due to the presence of more sebum.
The severity of dandruff outbreaks can fluctuate, and mild cases may benefit from regular shampooing, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. More severe cases of dandruff may include scalp redness or scaling, for which the College recommends prescription shampoos and topical solutions.
Stress, Hormones, Diet
Dandruff can be exacerbated or even triggered by stress, warns the Mayo Clinic. Learning stress management strategies can offer a broad array of personal and health-related benefits. Stress management can also help individuals cope with hormonal changes, which are another cause of dandruff and one reason why dandruff tends to begin during the teenage years.
Stress can also be minimized by eating a healthy diet and providing the body with an even and consistent source of energy. In particular, the Mayo Clinic suggests eating zinc, B vitamins and essential fatty acids to help prevent dandruff.
Sun, Heat, Moisture
Prolonged, unprotected sun exposure can lead to sunburn on the scalp and face, irritating skin and triggering skin flaking, warns the website babycenter.com. Protective hats and non-comodogenic sunscreen may provide protection from the rays of the sun without clogging skin pores. However, individuals should still consider the drying effects of hot climates or overly heated interiors during the winter months. Using humidifiers and maintaining lower indoor temperatures may help reduce scalp dryness and irritation.
Hair Care Products
Reducing or eliminating hair care products such as sprays, gels, and mousses can also minimize dandruff outbreaks. Product accumulation on the hair and scalp can lead to increased oiliness, which can irritate the scalp, cautions the Mayo Clinic.
Moreover, products that are not rinsed out may actually flake off, mimicking skin cells and creating unnecessary cause for alarm, notes babycenter.com. The website encourages people to spend twice as much time rinsing as washing with shampoo to ensure that both shampoo and any hair care products are thoroughly removed.
Medicated Shampoos
Over-the-counter (OTC) dandruff shampoos may help with mild cases of dandruff. According to the Mayo Clinic, products may include zinc pyrithione, which reduces scalp fungus; salicylic acid, which eliminates skin cell build-up; selenium sulfide, which maintains the moisture levels of cells; and ketoconazole, an antifungal agent.
Use medicated shampoos daily until the dandruff problem is under control, recommends the Mayo Clinic, then reduce their use to several times per week to avoid inducing further scalp irritation. However, dandruff problems not resolved within several weeks of using OTC products may warrant a visit to a primary care provider or dermatologist to get a professional assessment and prescription products.
