Dandruff is a condition that is annoying, but not life threatening. There are many different causes for dandruff, as well as several different treatment choices, but extra care must be taken when treating dandruff in hair that is already damaged by coloring or other processes. It may be impossible to prevent dandruff entirely, but the condition usually responds to continuous treatment and some preventive measures.
Identification
Dandruff is the flaking off of dead skin on the scalp. The scalp may be red, itchy and occasionally form scabs according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Additionally, the flakes can be either white or yellowish. Dandruff differs from simple dry skin because it will improve with frequent shampooing with specialty products and is usually limited to the scalp. Dry skin often attacks the skin in other parts of the body too.
Causes
If you color your hair, you may not wash it as frequently to keep the color vibrant, which is a risk factor for dandruff. The condition can be caused from infrequent hair-washing and overly oily skin called seborrheic dermatitis, which can also affect the eyebrows.
If you are prone to eczema or psoriasis, the condition may be aggravated on the scalp after color-treating hair. Additionally, dandruff is sometimes exacerbated by the yeast malassezia, which feeds on the oils on your skin and hair, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for dandruff is shampooing with products containing medications such as selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole. Use tar and sulfur products for more stubborn dandruff. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends alternating two or three different dandruff shampoos, with different medications, for best results. You may need prescription shampoo if your dandruff is caused by seborrheic dermatitis or eczema. You will need to check the label to see if it is safe for processed hair, but many claim to be safe.
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent dandruff is to wash your hair often with a mild shampoo. Keeping your scalp oil-free will keep dandruff and the malassezia at bay. Styling products and equipment can also aggravate dandruff. So, if you're coloring your hair, try to use as little product as possible.
Warning
Not all dandruff shampoos are safe for children under the age of of 12. Check the label before purchasing. Additionally, if your dandruff worsens, have it checked out by a health care provider as it may be psoriasis or another medical condition that will have to be treated differently.
Member Comments