Dandruff: Why You Have It and What You Can Do?
Dandruff: Why You Have It and What You Can Do?
While dandruff is harmless, it is a condition that can be a source of embarrassment for men and women. The white flakes on the scalp that fall on the shoulders of the sufferer can make for socially awkward moments, not to mention the itchy, red scalp and fungal odor that accompanies dandruff. Here is why dandruff occurs and potential ways to reduce it.
Also read: Hair Loss Prevention
Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff occurs when the scalp gets dry or greasy. White flakes of dead skin develop on the scalp, shedding at a quicker rate than is typical. The skin cells bunch together when they combine with oil in the scalp, which makes them appear as flakes as they fall on hair and clothing.
The chronic state can be the result of dry skin, scalp sensitivity to hair products, buildup of hair styling products, or a side effect of skin conditions that include eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. One of the most frequent reasons for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis; it is typically marked by irritated skin, greasy scalp, and yellowish scales. Meanwhile, the presence of silver scales is likely due to psoriasis, which is an inflammatory skin condition.
Alternatively, dandruff may the result of an abundance of a fungus that has yeast-like properties. This fungus, called Malassezia, typically lives on the scalp of adults but may irritate some people and trigger the growth of additional skin cells. The cells then bunch up and fall off the scalp, looking like flakes to the naked eye.
Increased Risks of Dandruff
While anyone can get dandruff, a person is more likely to experience it from about age 10 through middle adulthood. Older people are less likely to get it. Also, males are more likely than females to experience the flaky condition, as are people with oily skin or scalp.
If the body lacks zinc or B vitamins, dandruff may also become an issue. Certain illnesses, such as Parkinson’s disease and problems relating to the immune system, as well as stress, can all associate with dandruff too.
Dandruff: What to Do About It?
To combat dandruff, choose shampoo specifically designed for the chronic condition and that contains anti-dandruff ingredients such as ketoconazole. One such shampoo is Dandrene. This antifungal shampoo features an ultra-quality formula that targets symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, as well as common dandruff, by fusing modern science with botanical extracts.~^
Dandrene helps fight seborrheic dermatitis by impeding infectious Malassezia fungi that produce the scales and controlling the sebum that makes the scalp greasy and feeds these fungi.~^ It also helps provide relief from the itchy, red scalp and odor that most dandruff sufferers experience.~^
Additional Tips
Typically, a doctor can identify dandruff by examining the scalp and skin. If the sufferer has concerns that the shampoo currently in use is causing the chronic condition, bring the bottle along for the appointment. If itchiness, burning, stinging, or redness is experienced when using a shampoo, discontinue use immediately and see the doctor.
While dandruff is not a life-threatening condition, it can be a source of discomfort, irritating, and compromise the individual’s self-esteem. Thus, the use of a gentle antidandruff shampoo backed by science like Dandrene is usually beneficial for looking and feeling great, minus the flaky, itchy scalp.~^
~Results may vary.
^These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease