Dandruff is the catch-all term for a variety of different conditions that can affect your scalp. This condition usually manifests itself in the form of white flakes that form on the skin and fall away when you brush your hair or scratch your head. In addition to the scalp, the conditions that cause dandruff can affect other parts of the body, leaving a scaly residue on your skin.
Symptoms
In addition to the characteristic white flakes, the most common symptom of dandruff is an itching sensation in the affected area. If it occurs on a visible area of skin, that area may become red and inflamed. Repeated scratching can break the skin and cause bleeding, and in extreme cases this can lead to a skin infection in the affected area.
Causes
The type of dandruff you encounter may give clues to its cause. Dry skin is one common cause of dandruff, producing small white flakes that are dry to the touch. An allergy to hair care products can also cause flakes to appear, and in this case they usually accompany a red, inflamed scalp. Another common cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a conditioned marked by irritated, greasy skin that produces oily flakes. Seborrhea usually comes from a fungal infection of an organism called malassezia, which causes the overproduction of skin cells on the scalp.
Other Conditions
In addition to dandruff, several other conditions can cause dandruff-like symptoms. Psoriasis is most common on the body, but it can affect the scalp and produces flakes of skin cells that resemble dandruff. Eczema is another skin condition that can manifest itself above the hairline. Any of these conditions may worsen because of other factors such as poor hygiene or stress.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
In most cases, dandruff can be treated by any one of the many over-the-counter shampoos and treatments available at drugstores. Common treatments utilize antifungal medications such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole, all of which are effective against malassezia. Coal tar is another ingredient that can aid dandruff sufferers by slowing the production of skin cells on the scalp. In the case of dandruff on the body, there are lotions that incorporate these and other ingredients for topical use.
See Your Doctor
There is no cure for dandruff, although most cases are easy to control with treatment. If over-the-counter medications are ineffective over a period of weeks, you may wish to consult with a physician for a prescription-strength remedy that may alleviate your symptoms. If your scalp becomes extremely painful, swollen or inflamed, or if your scalp begins to form crusts or leak pus, this may be a sign of an infection, and you should see your doctor immediately.
