Hair Dandruff
On this page, you will find answers to your questions about dandruff.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a skin condition that causes the appearance of white or yellow flakes on the scalp. It may be accompanied by itching and can extend to other areas such as the hairline, eyebrows, and behind the ears. Dandruff is considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, which usually appears in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp. Common symptoms include:
The appearance of white or yellow flakes on the scalp.
Itching of the scalp.
Falling of flakes onto clothing or mixing with the hair.
Types of Dandruff?
Dandruff in children:
A cradle cap appears on the scalp during the first three months of a baby’s life. Dandruff can be removed by washing the baby’s hair daily with a shampoo designed for children and gently massaging the scalp. In some severe cases, the doctor may recommend using a special cream or shampoo to treat the dandruff.
Beard dandruff:
It appears in areas of facial hair and can be prevented by using an anti-dandruff shampoo and moisturizing the skin with products designed for the face, especially in winter.
Dry dandruff:
It occurs as a result of loss of moisture or oils in the scalp due to dry weather or hair products, and is characterized by small, white flakes that fall off easily.
Oily and fungal dandruff:
It results from the accumulation of oils and the increased growth of the Malassezia fungus. Using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week helps reduce oils and limit fungal overgrowth.
What Causes Dandruff?
Researchers do not know the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis, but they believe that several factors play a role, including:
A type of fungus called Malassezia that exists on everyone’s skin but grows excessively in some people.
High levels of androgen hormones.
Increased levels of skin lipids (oils).
An inflammatory reaction.
Family history.
Stress.
Cold and dry weather.
Oily skin.
Use of products that contain alcohol.
A history of other skin diseases such as rosacea, psoriasis, and acne.
What are the Risk Factors for Dandruff?
Dandruff may be associated with discomfort, but it is not harmful. The potential complication of dandruff is bacterial infection, as itching may lead to scratching and breaking the skin, allowing bacteria on the scalp to enter these breaks and cause infection.
What are the Ways to Prevent Dandruff?
Tips to reduce dandruff include:
Getting enough rest.
Controlling emotional stress.
Daily exposure to sunlight for short periods (minutes), while avoiding midday sunlight.
What are the Common Misconceptions about Dandruff?
Dandruff is caused by poor personal hygiene
Reality: Dandruff is not the result of poor hygiene; it is a skin condition and is considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis.
Dandruff can be contagious
Reality: Dandruff is not a contagious condition and does not spread from one person to another.
How can Dandruff be Managed?
Simple home treatments:
If dandruff is mild, you can try changing the type of shampoo or increasing the frequency of hair washing. If that does not help, you can use an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo.
Types of anti-dandruff shampoos:
Pyrithione zinc shampoos, which contain an antimicrobial agent that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Coal tar shampoos, which reduce the speed of skin cell turnover and control fungi. They may cause sensitivity when exposed to sunlight or change color in light hair.
Salicylic acid shampoos, which help prevent skin scaling.
Selenium sulfide shampoos, which balance fungi on the scalp, but may cause hair discoloration if not rinsed well.
Ketoconazole shampoos, which help control fungi.
Fluocinolone shampoos, which contain a corticosteroid to relieve itching and inflammation.
Once dandruff is controlled, the medicated shampoo can be used once a week or a few times a month for prevention.
Prescription medicines for treating dandruff:
If dandruff is moderate to severe and does not respond to shampoos, the doctor may recommend:
Stronger shampoos.
Creams and ointments, such as corticosteroid-containing creams.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you see a specialist?
It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if the condition does not respond to self-care, if the affected area becomes painful, develops crusts, oozes fluid or pus, or if hair loss persists to evaluate the condition and determine the appropriate treatment.
Does dandruff cause hair loss?
Dandruff usually does not cause hair loss. However, the accumulation of sebum (skin oils) on the scalp may cause irritation that can lead to temporary hair loss.
Is dandruff a contagious disease?
Sharing personal items with people who have dandruff does not transmit from one person to another, and dandruff is a non-contagious condition.
Does bathing with hot water cause dandruff?
Bathing with hot water is not the main cause of dandruff, but it may lead to skin dryness, which stimulates the secretion of oils and thus contributes to the formation of dandruff.
