Most of us may have seen advertisements for anti-dandruff shampoo. In the advertisements, dandruff is portrayed as a social problem. However, in addition to dandruff being a social embarrassment, it is also a medical problem as it can lead to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or even psoriasis.

What is dandruff? Regeneration of dead cells is an ongoing process all over the body. However, when the process of shedding of dead cells overtakes regeneration, it leads to formation of dandruff.

Therefore, dandruff is a lay term describing excessive scaling. Although the causes for dandruff are not known, it is believed to be aggravated by stress, inadequate sleep, improper dietary habits, family history and excessive scalp dryness. Some scientists have also suggested that a fungus called pityrosporum may be a causative factor while others suggest that the accumulated debris of dandruff encourage the growth of the fungus.

What problems does it cause: Dandruff causes excessive scalp itching probably due to inflammation of the scalp; hair loss due to weakening of hair follicles; and baldness in severe cases. Occasionally, excessive itching can lead to breaks in the skin that may become infected with bacteria. It can also lead to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or even psoriasis.

How is dandruff treated?

• Home remedies like sour curd application to hair before shampooing seems to reduce dandruff.

• Adequate sleep, healthy diet and stress relieving activities

• Vitamin supplements like Vitamin A and B complex.

• Regular oiling of hair and use of shampoos containing zinc, salicylic acid, keratinizing agents or selenium. For a medicated shampoo to be effective it is necessary for it to remain on the scalp for at least ten to fifteen minutes and then, it must be washed of thoroughly as any residue can aggravate dandruff.

If you avoid wearing dark colors because of your dandruff, you’re not alone. To cure it, you’d have to stop new cell growth on your scalp, which just isn’t possible. But you can control the flaking and even slow down the rate at which old scalp cells fall away as they are replaced by new ones.

The first line of defense against the white stuff is shampooing daily and using an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. If you notice no improvement after three or four weeks of home treatment, you could be dealing with a condition such as seborrheic dermatitis, which flakes like dandruff but has accompanying scalp inflammation that can weep or crust over. Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes be helped by dandruff shampoos but often requires a prescription of a hydrocortisone-containing cream or lotion to make a real difference.

Symptoms

• Itchy scalp.

• White or gray flakes that is obvious on hair and clothing.

Consult your doctor if:

• Heavy dandruff does not improve after a few weeks of home treatment

• You have very stubborn dandruff accompanied by scaly patches of skin on the sides of your nose, in your eyebrows, or on your chest.

Home care ideas

Try different over-the-counter dandruff shampoos until you find one that works for you, then use as needed. Preparations containing selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione work quickly and slow down the flaking process. Those with salicylic acid and sulfur loosen flakes so they can be washed away more easily. Coal-tar shampoos retard cell growth.

Caution

• Don’t use dandruff-treatment products containing coal tar for prolonged periods without consulting your doctor.

• Be aware that coal-tar products make your scalp more sensitive to the sun and may tint light-colored hair light-brown or orange.

• If you’re using a prescription scalp lotion or shampoo, or if you are using an over-the-counter coal-tar preparation, wear a hat to protect your scalp.

• For heavy, stubborn dandruff, ask your doctor to recommend a prescription dandruff shampoo.

• Shampoo every day, or at least five times a week. Use a mild, non-medicated shampoo to control scalp oil without irritating scalp.

• If you don’t see results, switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo. Use a conditioner to keep hair from drying out. Always rinse well.