Persistent dandruff plagues millions of people each year. Dandruff occurs when skin cells on the scalp grow and shed at an excessive rate, causing mild to moderate itching. Another annoying symptom of persistent dandruff is the appearance of large, white skin flakes that fall from the scalp and settle on the shoulders. Despite these unpleasant symptoms, persistent dandruff is not considered dangerous or contagious.
Causes
Several factors can cause a person to develop persistent dandruff. One of the main culprits is a fungus called Pityrosporum ovale. This fungus lives on the scalp and feasts on oils that are produced by hair follicles. For unknown reasons, an overgrowth of Pityrosporum ovale can occur in some people. This leads to increased irritation and skin cell shedding on the scalp. Certain skin conditions are also known to cause persistent dandruff. These include eczema, an inflammatory skin disorder, and psoriasis, the buildup of dry, red patches of skin.
At-Risk Groups
Some groups have an increased risk of developing persistent dandruff. These include patients who suffer from certain neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, and patients with weak immune systems. People who have an excessively oily or excessively dry scalp may be more vulnerable to the excessive skin cell growth and shedding that's involved with persistent dandruff.
Treatments
Although there is no permanent cure, it's possible to keep the unpleasant symptoms of persistent dandruff under control. In mild cases, washing the hair regularly with a medicated shampoo is typically enough to bring relief. Common over-the-counter shampoo brands include Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, Neutrogena T-Gel and Nizoral. Some medicated shampoos brands contain ingredients such as zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole that act as antifungal and antibacterial agents. Other brands contain ingredients such as selenium sulfide that reduce the rate of skin cell death, or salicylic acid to scrub away excess scales.
Prevention/Solution
Along with treatment, making a few small lifestyle changes may also help prevent the onset of persistent dandruff symptoms. Shampooing hair regularly can help keep fungus populations under control; especially in people with oily scalps. Keep the scalp clean and free of irritating residues from any harsh hair products. However, people with dry scalps should refrain from shampooing too often to avoid further drying the scalp.
Warning
Some cases of persistent dandruff turn out to be a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Instead of dry, white flakes, seborrheic dermatitis produces flakes that are yellow and greasy in appearance. The scalp may appear red or swollen and may contain lesions. Severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis may also involve some hair loss. Typically, seborrheic dermatitis doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicated shampoos. Instead, it usually requires treatment with a stronger, prescription-strength shampoo.
