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What is dandruff? -

Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. It's a common disorder that causes the skin on the scalp to flake.

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What causes dandruff? -

The condition is caused by dry skin, or the buildup of oil.

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Dandruff symptoms -

The main symptoms of dandruff are an itchy scalp and flakiness.

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Skin flakes -

Another common symptom is skin flakes on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, and shoulders.

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Darker hair -

The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair.

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Dandruff, or dry scalp? -

Dandruff, or dry scalp: what's the difference? With dry scalp, your skin gets irritated and flakes off. With dandruff, the cause is too much oil on your scalp along with an overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia, a genus of fungi.

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The effects of Malassezia -

Malassezia is already on your skin. But excess oil causes skin cells to build up and then shed. Knowing which of these conditions you have can help you decide on the correct treatment.

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Why do you have dandruff? -

It's important to note that dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. Of course, it may be more obvious if you don't not wash your hair regularly though.

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Stress factor -

The signs and symptoms of dandruff may be more severe if you're stressed. While Malassezia is not introduced to your scalp by nervousness or anxiety, it can thrive if your immune system is compromised.

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Cold weather -

Symptoms tend to flare up in cold, dry seasons. Low temperatures and lack of humidity promotes an abundance of the Malassezia fungus.

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Age differences -

Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. But the elderly are not immune to the condition. In rare incidences, the problem can be lifelong.

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Other possible causes of dandruff -

A condition known as seborrheic dermatitis (SD) can promote the onset of dandruff. SD is a common, noncontagious, easy-to-manage skin condition. It causes a scaly rash on oily areas of the body like the scalp and face.

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Tinea capitis -

Dandruff can also be triggered by tinea capitis. Also known as ringworm, this skin condition is caused by a fungal infection. It's identified as a red or silver rash on the scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss.

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Contact dermatitis -

Contact dermatitis is a skin rash or irritation caused by touching something. Onset of the condition is essentially an allergic reaction after skin is exposed to an allergen, for example products such as hair dye, sprays, gels, or mousses.

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Eczema -

Eczema is a condition that causes inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough skin on areas of the body, including the scalp.

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Psoriasis -

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, scaly patches on the skin due to systemic inflammation. Symptoms of this often distressing condition include red, flaky, crusty, and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

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Cradle cap -

Cradle cap is a harmless skin condition that's common in babies and infants. The condition manifests itself as greasy, yellowish crusts on baby's scalp, eyebrows, and diaper area.

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Other risk factors -

Certain illnesses, including Parkinson's disease and other medical disorders that affect the nervous system, also seem to increase risk of dandruff. So does living with HIV or a weakened immune system.

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The role gender plays -

Being male increases your chances of getting dandruff. One reason for this that that male hormones, namely testosterone, play a big role in the production of sebum—and more sebum can mean more clumping of flakes.

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Dealing with the problem -

And while men are more likely than women to report having dandruff, women are more likely than men to take the problem to the doctor, according to a survey published by The Washington Post.

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Dressing and dandruff -

In the same study, almost one third— 31%—of those surveyed said they chose their clothing based on their dandruff condition.

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Grooming issues -

Interestingly, more men worry that dandruff is a sign of poor grooming than women. It isn't, of course. And dandruff can be controlled.

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Dealing with dandruff -

Even the worst, most unsightly, itchy, and unpleasant cases of dandruff can be treated. But how? Well, the best way to get rid of dandruff is to use anti-dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments.

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Choose the right shampoo -

It may sound obvious, but choosing the right shampoo is the first step in combating dandruff. And to get the best results, always follow the instructions on the bottle.

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Caucasian and Asian -

According to recommendations issued by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), if you are Caucasian or Asian, shampoo daily and use dandruff shampoo twice a week. The AAD suggests African Americans only shampoo once a week using a dandruff shampoo.

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Coal tar shampoo -

Beware of coal tar shampoo. While experts generally agree that it's safe to use, dandruff shampoo that contains coal tar can discolor blond(e), gray, or white hair. Tar shampoo also has the potential to make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight.

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Home remedies -

Besides using branded over-the-counter or prescription anti-dandruff shampoos, you can experiment with home remedies. These include washing your hair with baking soda, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera.

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When to see a healthcare professional -

If after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month symptoms persist or your dandruff condition worsens, make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist. Sometimes the symptoms can indicate other, more serious, conditions.

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Keep your hair beautiful -

The good news is that, for most people, dandruff does not require medical attention. And looking after your hair can boost confidence and reinforce your self-esteem.

See also: How to establish a hair care routine

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