Dandruff is a very common condition that results in flaking of the dead skin cells on your scalp. Dandruff occurs in both men and women, Aside from the flakes and a possible itchy scalp, dandruff is a relatively harmless condition. In addition, washing your hair regularly can cure most cases.
Definition
Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common scalp condition characterized by flaking of the skin on your scalp. These flakes are scales of dead skin that form on oily areas of the skin. While dandruff can be embarrassing, it is not contagious and is rarely a serious condition.
Symptoms
Dandruff is usually easy to spot because of the white flakes of dead skin that can cover your hair and shoulders. Dandruff also causes an itchy and scaling scalp. In babies, dandruff can cause a condition known as cradle cap. Cradle cap causes a scaling, crusty scalp in infants, but usually clears up by the time the baby is 1 year old. Most cases of dandruff are not severe and can be alleviated with daily shampooing.
Causes
Several factors can cause dandruff. The most common cause is dry skin. Dandruff from dry skin results in flakes that are smaller and less oily than other types of dandruff. Irritated and oily skin can cause red, greasy skin with white or yellow flakes. You also can get dandruff from not shampooing enough. If you do not wash your hair on a regular basis, dead skin can accumulate and create dandruff. There are many other causes, including psoriasis, a disorder that causes dead skin cells to build up, and sensitivity to hair products, which can result in an itchy, scaling scalp.
Risk Factors
While anyone can suffer from dandruff, certain factors can put you at greater risk for the condition. Dandruff usually begins in early adulthood and lasts through middle age. In addition, men are more likely to have dandruff than women. A lack of zinc, B vitamins and certain fats can increase the likelihood of getting dandruff, as can having oily skin.
Treatment
Dandruff is a very common condition. In most cases, you can treat it with regular shampooing. For more stubborn cases, try over-the-counter or prescription dandruff shampoos. These shampoos include zinc pyrithione shampoos, which reduce the fungus on your scalp that can cause dandruff; tar-based shampoos, which slow the death rate of skin cells on your scalp; and salicylic acid shampoos, which help rid the scalp of flakes. These shampoos are not all the same, and it can take time to figure out which is best for you. Use these shampoos regularly until the dandruff is controlled, then cut back to two or three times a week.
