The arrival of cold weather signals the joys of snow and the holiday season. Unfortunately, cold weather also can cause dandruff in people who normally have few scalp complaints. Dandruff is common for many adults, and is identified by the characteristic white flakes that appear in hair or on clothes. While not a dangerous condition, dandruff is often embarrassing. However, most cases of cold weather related dandruff are easily and inexpensively treated.
Definition
The top layer of your scalp is skin, just like the rest of your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outside layer of skin is called the epidermis, which is comprised of regenerating skin cells that constantly push toward the skin's surface where they flatten and die. Dandruff occurs when these dead skin cells slough off at a faster rate than normal, creating white flakes that get caught in your hair or drop onto your clothing.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic identifies several causes of dandruff, ranging from environmental factors to skin disorders, but states that cold weather is one of the most common reasons people experience dandruff. Because there is less moisture in the air during cold weather, and because indoor heating is dehydrating, your skin tends to become drier in cold weather. This lack of moisture affects all parts of your body and increases the risk that your skin, including your scalp, will feel itchy and flakes of dry skin will slough off.
Treatment
Milder cases of dandruff, such as that occurring due to cold weather, can often be treated with over-the-counter shampoos. The Mayo Clinic notes that dandruff shampoos contain medications, including coal tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or salicylic acid. You may need to experiment to find the shampoo that works best for you.
Prevention
Dandruff that occurs during cold weather usually resolves itself during the warmer seasons. To prevent dandruff from recurring as cold weather arrives each year, the U.K.'s National Health Service advises using a dandruff-fighting shampoo on a weekly basis. Keep your hair clean by washing it at least three times each week to prevent oil and flakes from building up, and be sure to rinse all the shampoo from your hair. Pay attention to the products you use on your hair, such as hair color, dyes, mousse, gels or hairspray. Each can irritate your scalp and lead to problems with dandruff.
Warning
The causes of dandruff include skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis. If you experience dandruff that cannot be explained due to seasonal changes in the weather, or if your scalp is red and inflamed, contact your doctor to determine if you have a skin condition that requires medical treatment. The Better Health Channel says that most severe forms of dandruff can be treated with medicated shampoos prescribed by a physician or dermatologist.
