It's an embarrassing problem: dandruff. Many of us have turned our heads and found those tiny white flakes on our shoulders. In some cases, the best course of action seems to be avoiding dark shirts to help keep the flakes less visible. Luckily, though, dandruff is rarely a serious condition. And with a better of understanding of what it is and why it happens, it becomes easier to treat and deal with when you develop dandruff.
What Is It?
Quite simply, dandruff is dead skin cells that begin peeling and flaking. It's a form of eczema, and the medical name for the condition is seborrhea. Dandruff is common on the scalp, but it can also develop on the face, ears, chest, underarms, under the breasts and in skin folds. Babies often develop a condition similar to dandruff that is called "cradle cap."
Symptoms
The most obvious sign of dandruff is those tell-tale flakes, most often on the shoulder when dandruff is on the scalp. The affected skin can also be itchy, but it is not usually red or inflamed. If you look at the skin, you can often see the white, flaky patches of dead skin cells.
Cause
There are several reasons people develop dandruff. In many cases, it's simply due to dry conditions, which is why it is often seen in fall and winter, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. A fungus called malassezia may also contribute to dandruff. Malassezia is present on most people's skin, but in some cases it grows more heavily and can cause dandruff to develop. Dandruff can also develop in response to skin sensitivities to soaps and shampoos, and infrequent shampooings can allow skin cells and oils to build up and begin to flake.
Risk Factors
Some people are more likely than others to develop dandruff. For example, men get dandruff more often than women, possibly due to male hormones, according to Mayo Clinic. Certain neurological conditions also can increase the likelihood of developing dandruff, although the reason is not clear. Finally, eating a diet that is insufficient in vitamins and minerals such as zinc and the B complex vitamins increases your risk for dandruff.
Treatment
Fortunately, dandruff treatment is quite simple for most people and doesn't usually require a visit to the doctor. In many cases, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos can help clear up the condition. Many types of shampoos are available, including selenium sulfide, tar-based, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid and ketoconazole shampoos. These shampoos work differently, so if you have dandruff you might need to try a couple before finding one that helps you.
The shampoos should be used daily to start clearing the dry skin. Between episodes of dandruff, you should use a normal shampoo. If you have tried several dandruff shampoos and have not seen any improvement, you can talk with your doctor about a prescription shampoo that can help. Patients who do not respond to medicated shampoos may be given a topical steroid to help clear up the dandruff.
