Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds flakes of dead skin. The condition is common, but women with dandruff may feel embarrassed or self-conscious, and worry that others will notice the flaking. Dandruff is a chronic condition, but it is rarely serious, and it can usually be controlled with over-the-counter treatments.
Symptoms
White flakes of skin may be visible in your hair and on your shoulders if you have dandruff. Your scalp may appear scaly and oily, or it may be overly dry. Dandruff can also cause your scalp to itch, according to MayoClinic.com.
Causes
Dry or oily skin, infrequent shampooing and sensitivity to styling products can all lead to dandruff. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, may also cause flaking on the scalp. In some cases, malassezia, a yeast-like organism that normally lives on the human scalp, can grow out of control and cause dandruff, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Treatment
If your scalp is oily, daily shampooing can reduce dandruff. Shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione, tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole are available over the counter and can frequently bring dandruff under control. You may need to experiment with different shampoos until you find one that works for you, and you may have to switch to another type later if the shampoo seems to lose its effectiveness, according to MayoClinic.com. If your dandruff does not respond to over-the-counter shampoos, you can talk to your doctor about a prescription-strength shampoo or lotion. A healthy diet, well-controlled stress, infrequent use of styling products and small amounts of sun exposure can also reduce dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
If your scalp tends to get red and you have severe dandruff, or if redness and flaking extends to the face, eyebrows or other areas of the body, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. This condition causes dandruff, and the terms are often used interchangeably, but seborrheic dermatitis is more severe, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Prescription creams or shampoos can improve the condition.
Warning
Most cases of dandruff can be treated at home, but an underlying condition occasionally contributes to the development of dandruff. If you suddenly develop dandruff and have other symptoms that concern you, see your doctor.
