Dandruff is a scalp condition that results in the appearance of skin flakes and scales on your scalp. It is a common condition that almost every adult has experienced at some point in their life. While the condition itself is not contagious or serious, it can lead to embarrassing situations. For example, severe itching due to dandruff can make you uncomfortable in social gatherings.
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
Some common symptoms of dandruff include:
- Itchy scalp
- Erythema
- Hair fall
- Dry flakes (sometimes on the face as well)
If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms it is better to consult a dermatologist in your town by logging on to oladoc.com.
What are the Causes of Dandruff?
Some common causes of dandruff are:
- Seborrheic Dermatitis:
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a medical condition that can cause dandruff. What this disease does is it makes the skin of your scalp greasy by affecting its oil glands which results in yellow or white flakes on the scalp.
The symptoms of this disease look similar to an allergic reaction or eczema. It can also affect other parts of your body like the back of your ears, eyebrows and chest.
- Yeast or fungus:
Malassezia is a fungus that resides on the scalp. Under normal circumstances, Malassezia does not cause any problems. However, in some situations, this fungus can cause overgrowth of skin cells. Thus, when these dead skin cells fall off and mix with natural oil from the scalp or hair, it results in dandruff.
- Skin Conditions:
Other than Malassezia, some other skin conditions like eczema or ringworm can also cause dandruff.
- Hair Care Products:
Sometimes, poor hygiene and not shampooing frequently can cause dead skin cell buildup and oil accumulation on the scalp which may lead to dandruff.
Other than that some hair products may not suit your scalp and cause dandruff too.
- Dry Skin:
Dry skin is another major cause of dandruff. Thus, it is common for people to experience an aggravation in dandruff during winters or in a less humid atmosphere.
- Diet:
Whatever you eat has a direct impact on your body. So if your diet lacks basic nutrients, it can worsen your dandruff.
How can Dandruff be treated?
A Dermatologist in Karachi will recommend a treatment for your dandruff after ruling out the cause behind your dandruff. Some common treatment methods that they recommend for dandruff are:
- Medicated Shampoo and Hair Care Products
In most conditions, over-the-counter shampoos can help in treating dandruff. For example if dry skin is the culprit behind your dandruff, they will suggest a shampoo that can keep your scalp moisturized.
Medicated shampoos usually contain ingredients like:
- Salicylic acid to treat oily scalp
- Pyrithione zinc to treat fungus or bacteria
- Coal tar to slow down the production of dead skin cells
- Ketoconazole to treat fungus
Your dermatologist may also prescribe medicated lotions, sprays, or gel for topical application on scalp if the need be.
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes
If you have dandruff due to a lack of nutrients, taking a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, zinc, and vitamin B can help in getting rid of dandruff. Moreover, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle and avoiding stress can also help fight off dandruff.
- Removing the Culprit Product
Some people experience dandruff due to a reaction to hair care products. In that case, removing the product from your hair care routine can help in calming your scalp down. You can identify the product by elimination method or by checking if you have recently incorporated a new product that resulted in dandruff.