Most people get dandruff at some point in their lives, but it is more frequent between adolescence and middle age. But what are the reasons for dandruff? Why does dandruff occur in hair? How to get rid of it? Let’s see this in detail.
Causes
It is not always evident why dandruff appears, however here are some plausible causes:
Seborrheic dermatitis
People who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis have itchy, greasy skin and are more prone to dandruff. The skin will be red and greasy, with flaky white or yellow scales covering it.
It can impact the scalp, the backs of the ears, the brows, the chest, and other areas of the body.
Medical illnesses that are frequently associated with seborrheic dermatitis are:
- Acne
- HIV
- Rosacea
- Epilepsy
- Obesity
- Alcoholism
- Depression
- Parkinson’s disease (PD)
- Eating disorders
- Recovery following a stroke or heart attack
- Weariness due to a weakened immune system
According to one study, 30–83 percent of HIV patients had seborrheic dermatitis, compared to 3–5 percent of the general population. In addition, the symptoms may be more severe. A person living with HIV who is experiencing significant scalp difficulties should consult their doctor to offer appropriate treatment.
Several Skin Conditions
Aside from psoriasis, the following disorders can cause peeling skin on the scalp:
- Ringworm (a fungal condition distinct from Malassezia)
- Eczema
- contact dermatitis
Yeast
Dandruff is frequently caused by Malassezia, a fungus that dwells on the scalp and feeds on the oils released by hair follicles.
Malassezia is usually not an issue, but the immune system overreacts to certain people. This might irritate the scalp and lead it to create other skin cells.
As these dead skin cells fall off, they combine with the oil in the hair and scalp to generate dandruff.
Shampoos and Skincare Items
According to Marham, Certain hair care products might cause scalp irritation and dandruff. If an effect irritates, the user should try switching to a soft, non-medicated shampoo.
Some argue that not shampooing frequently leads to an accumulation of oil and dead skin cells, resulting in dandruff. Others say that excessive cleaning will remove the natural oils.
There is no proof that any of such statements is correct. The frequency with which a person’s hair has to be washed varies from person to person.
While certain products can cause discomfort and response in some people, regular shampooing is usually beneficial.
Other Causes
Other variables that may enhance your chances of getting dandruff include:
- Stress
- Infrequent hair brushing, as brushing helps eliminate dead skin cells
- Winter temperature extremes, and maybe a combination of cold weather and overheated rooms
- Age is a factor to consider, as dandruff is more common between the ages of adolescence and middle age (though a type of dandruff known as cradle cap is also common with babies)
- Hormonal variables, as it is more prevalent in men.
Treatment
If your dandruff and itching are extreme and persistent, or if your symptoms worsen, you should consult a doctor. They may discover an underlying issue that responds to a specific treatment.
Various over-the-counter treatments can help manage flaking and irritation in mild dandruff without a specific cause.
Before using an anti-dandruff shampoo, individuals should carefully attempt to eliminate as many scaly or crusty spots on the scalp as possible. This will increase the effectiveness of the shampoo. Gently remove loose scales or flakes with a comb or brush before washing with a medicated shampoo. Don’t irritate the issue by removing patches or plaques too vigorously.
Ingredients to Notice
Most anti-dandruff or antifungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
- Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that is safe for people of all ages.
- Selenium sulfide reduces the synthesis of natural oils by scalp glands, which aids in the management of dandruff. It has antifungal properties as well.
- Yeast growth is slowed by zinc pyrithione.
- Coal tar is a natural antifungal element that can help to prevent different skin cell formation. It may increase the scalp’s sensitivity to sunlight, so users should wear a hat when going outside. In excessive doses, coal tar may potentially be carcinogenic.
- Salicylic acid aids in eliminating dead skin cells.
How to Apply Shampoo?
Their hair type may determine the frequency with which a person should use a medicated shampoo.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests:
- Shampoo with a dandruff shampoo once a week for black folks.
- Shampoo your hair regularly and use dandruff shampoo twice a week if you are white or Asian.
- If one shampoo does not work, try a different one.
- Some experts recommend trying shampoo for a month to see if it helps.
A particular shampoo’s effectiveness may deteriorate over time. If people believe their current shampoo is losing its effectiveness, they should try a different shampoo with a different component. The time a person should leave a product on their scalp varies, and the user should follow the instructions on the container.
You should consult a Dermatologist before trying anything new, mainly a medicated product. If you cannot find an experienced dermatologist, you can visit Marham. You will get a list of the Best Dermatologist there; book an appointment with the one you found the most suitable for you.
FAQs
1. Is it true that dandruff is caused by filthy hair?
Dirty hair does not cause dandruff, but the oily accumulation can add to flakes if you do not wash your hair frequently enough.
2. Does curd help with dandruff?
While curd can be incorporated into a well-balanced diet to provide the nutrients required for good hair, some people prefer to apply curd straight to the scalp. This is done to treat scalp issues, including dandruff, and soften and reinforce the cuticle.
3. Is oiling suitable for dandruff?
When it comes to treating dandruff, numerous home treatments can be used to say goodbye to those flakes, and the most popular therapy of all time is oiling your hair. Oiling your hair is beneficial, but it is not helpful to dandruff.
