Dandruff
Dandruff is an innocuous, interminable condition that happens when the scalp gets dry or oily and produces white chips of dead skin that show up in the hair or on the shoulders. Despite the fact that it is innocuous, dandruff can be humiliating for the individuals who have it.
Cause
The exact cause is unknown, but various factors increase the risk. It is not related to poor hygiene, but it may be more visible if a person does not wash or brush their hair often. Skin cells are framed consistently on the scalp, so the shedding of dead skin cells is an ordinary procedure. In some cases with dandruff, be that as it may, skin cells are shed at a quicker rate than ordinary. Oil from the scalp makes the skin cells bunch together and show up as white drops. Various things, including dry skin, can bring about dandruff; affectability to hair items; and skin conditions, for example, seborrheic dermatitis or skin inflammation. The excess of a yeast-like growth can likewise cause dandruff. Pressure, hormones, a lot of oil on the scalp, or issues with the resistant framework can bring about this abundance.
How to treat dandruff yourself
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets.
Look for shampoo containing one of these ingredients:
- Zinc pyrithione
- Salicylic acid
- Selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
- Ketoconazole
- Coal tar
Your pharmacist can tell you how to use the shampoo.
Use the shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff improves. You might need to try more than one type to find one that works for you.
Symptoms
| Symptoms | Possible Causes |
| Scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the body | seborrheic dermatitis |
| Red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss | tinea capitis (ringworm) |
| Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body | eczema |
| Red, inflamed (irritated) skin; may also have blisters and cracked skin reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses | contact dermatitis |
| Red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales | psoriasis |
| Greasy, yellowish crusts on baby’s scalp, eyebrows and nappy area | cradle cap |
Prevention
Dandruff can regularly be a ceaseless condition, however it very well may be controlled with the best possible treatment. In the first place, take a stab at shampooing with a non-sedated cleanser, rubbing the scalp immovably, and afterward washing admirably. Visit shampooing expels chips, decreases sleekness, and forestalls dead skin cell development. In the event that this neglects to help, uncommon antidandruff shampoos are generally useful. Directions for use rely upon the particular cleanser utilized. Some are utilized every day, while other are utilized just a single time or twice week after week.
While choosing an over-the-counter cleanser, search for antidandruff fixings, for example, ketoconazole*, selenium sulfide, salicylic corrosive, sulfur, coal tar, or zinc pyrithione. You may need to attempt a couple of items before you locate the one that works for you.
On the off chance that non-medicine arrangements are not effective in giving some improvement following fourteen days, or if the condition exacerbates, you ought to think about observing a specialist. A specialist may recommend a corticosteroid cream to be applied to the scalp. Never use corticosteroids for an extensive stretch of time without counsel from a specialist. They can disperse the skin and cause opposite reactions.