Dandruff is a skin condition that most commonly affects adults and teenagers, although it is seen in some children, as well. Your body naturally sheds some of its cells from your skin, including the skin that is found on your scalp. When this natural process begins to leave flakes on your skin and clothing, it can lead to embarrassment. Luckily, there are a number of treatments available.
Causes
Dry skin is the most common cause of dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com. This dry skin usually occurs during the winter months when it is cold outside and the heater is running in your home and car. Irritated or oily skin is another common cause of dandruff. Other potential causes include psoriasis, eczema, not washing your hair frequently enough or sensitivity to ingredients in your hair care products.
Identification
The most common symptoms of dandruff include an itchy scalp and the appearance of dead skin as white, oily flakes. This dead skin often appears on your hair and shoulders. The flakes vary in size, depending on the cause of the dandruff. Flakes that are the result of dry skin appear to be less oily and smaller than other types, while irritated or oily skin produces larger flakes that appear as yellow or white scales.
Effects
If your dandruff is the result of dry skin, it is common to experience a severe itchiness on your scalp. You are also likely to experience dry skin and itchiness elsewhere on your body, specifically your arms and legs, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition to the flakes, irritated skin will also appear to be red and greasy and may affect other areas, such as the sides of your nose, eyebrows, backs of your ears and other areas that are rich in oil glands. Psoriasis may cause the skin cells to form scales that are thick and silver in color. In addition to your scalp, psoriasis may affect your elbows, knees and other areas. It can also crust, if scratched often enough, which can result in scarring. Scarring can lead to permanent hair loss, as the hair cannot grow back due to scar tissue covering the scalp.
Prevention/Solution
Dandruff is most commonly treated using a shampoo that includes zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid or coal tar. According to FamilyDoctor.org, a website from the American Academy of Family Physicians, you can use these shampoos on a daily basis until you have your dandruff under control. At that point, reduce your use of the shampoos with coal tar to three times a week and the others twice weekly. Follow the product insert or physician orders if your health care provider has recommended using an over-the-counter medication.
Warning
Certain ingredients used in dandruff shampoos, such as coal tar, can cause your scalp to become drier if the shampoo is overused. To avoid excessive dry skin on your scalp, ensure that you use conditioner after each application. The conditioner will help restore moisture back into your scalp and hair.
