Over 12 million Americans have severe dandruff, according to "Senior Magazine Online," and one in three adults gets it at some point in their lives. It usually starts around adolescence and peaks when you are in your 40s. There are several causes and contributing factors, including stress. Your chance of beating dandruff is best when you attack these factors.
Definition
Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects the scalp. The National Institutes of Health explains it causes inflammation and noticeable white or yellow flakes. It cannot be spread to other people and won't cause any medical problems, but it often resists treatment.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic states there are many dandruff causes. It can be triggered by a fungus normally present on the human scalp. The fungus sometimes gets out of control and irritates the scalp, resulting in accelerated skin cell growth. The cells die and combine with natural skin oils. The resulting clumps appear as white flakes in your hair and on your clothing when they fall off your head.
Excessively dry or oily skin as well as dirty hair contribute to the problem, Mayo Clinic explains. Dandruff can also be triggered by shampooing too often or using irritating hair products.
Effects
Stress does not directly cause dandruff but it may play a role. The Mayo Clinic warns that a suppressed immune system contributes to the problem. Immune system impairment is one of the symptoms of severe stress. This affects the body's ability to fight the fungus and lets dandruff gain and maintain a foothold. Dandruff itself can cause stress if it makes you concerned about your appearance and how others perceive you. This makes it harder to get rid of the problem.
Medical Treatment
The National Institutes of Health recommends medicated shampoo to treat dandruff. There are many over-the-counter shampoos with active ingredients like selenium, salicylic acid, zinc, ketoconazole, resorcin and coal tar. Doctors can prescribe stronger shampoos if these products are not effective. Dandruff is difficult to cure, but medical treatments should be able to control it.
Home Care
The Mayo Clinic recommends stress management as a home treatment technique for dandruff. There are many ways to reduce stress levels. Helpguide.org, a psychology website, recommends regular exercise, yoga, meditation, tai chi and massage. MayoClinic.com also advises shampooing regularly, getting enough vitamins and zinc in your diet, avoiding styling products and spending some time out in the sun. The National Institutes of Health states dandruff often improves in the summer because most people get more sun exposure.
