The skin on your scalp is constantly shedding dead skin cells. But this normal biological process becomes noticeable to the eye when the rate of shedding increases and cells slough off in large, noticeable scales known as dandruff. Mayo Clinic experts indicate that dandruff has several potential causes. At-home dandruff control treatments--specifically, medicated shampoos formulated to get rid of dandruff--are your first line of ammunition against this embarrassing condition.
What Causes Dandruff
Dandruff is described by the Mayo Clinic as a chronic condition characterized by noticeable flakes of skin and itching. Dandruff can be accompanied by red, swollen patches of skin as well as itching and flaking on the face and other parts of the body, which the Mayo Clinic indicates may be seborrheic dermatitis. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and Mayo Clinic differentiate the white flakes and itchy scalp of dandruff from seborrheic dermatitis, listing this condition as one of the causes of dandruff, along with psoriasis, eczema and dry skin. Yet other medical professionals, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, use the terms "dandruff," "seborrheic dermatitis" and "seborrhea" interchangeably.
Where to Start
Dandruff isn't a serious medical condition, but those white flakes clinging to your hair or cascading down to your black sweater aren't exactly aesthetically attractive. Dandruff control treatment begins very simply in the privacy of your own home. Mayo Clinic experts note that if dandruff is caused by not washing your hair enough, using a gentle shampoo on a daily basis can cause white flakes to disappear. In cases of more resistant dandruff, a medicated over-the-counter shampoo is your next step.
Dandruff Shampoo Guide
Contrary to what you may assume, dandruff is unlikely the result of having a dry scalp. Washing your hair less frequently or conditioning your hair with an oil-based treatment can worsen dandruff, as the dead skin cells on your scalp won't slough off easily. Each dandruff shampoo you see on the shelf contains a different active ingredient, says the University of Michigan University Health Service, which notes that dermatologists often advise alternating plain shampoo with an antifungal dandruff shampoo (such as one that contains ketoconazole) to get dandruff under control. One factor that comes into play in dandruff formation is a yeast-like micro-organism called malassezia, which is normally present on everyone's scalp but which can cause problems when the fungus overgrows. Mayoclinic.com offers a list of how the various active ingredients in dandruff shampoos work.
Getting Dandruff Under Control
Shampooing correctly at the right frequency is necessary to control dandruff, says the UM University Health Service. How frequently you need to use your dandruff shampoo depends on how responsive your scalp is to the treatment--the Mayo Clinic indicates that this may mean shampooing daily and then reducing washings to two or three times a week as improvement is noted. Lathering the hair two times is helpful. During the second wash, leave the dandruff shampoo in for five minutes so the active ingredient can take effect. Massage your scalp when you shampoo to get the blood circulating. Don't scrub with your nails, as this may irritate your skin.
More
Dandruff can affect anyone, but the UM University Health Service states that it usually is more prevalent in adolescence and young adulthood. People who have excessively oily skin and acne may also be prone to dandruff. Dandruff typically is worse during the winter months, improving in the summer. Other things that can cause or exacerbate dandruff include stress, a diet lacking in certain vitamins and nutrients (zinc, B vitamins and certain fat types), using hairstyling products, and neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. If dandruff doesn't resolve after several weeks of using a dandruff-fighting shampoo, Mayo Clinic experts advise seeing a doctor. There are stronger prescription shampoos and topical steroid lotions that treat stubborn dandruff.
