General Info About Dandruff



Dandruff more scientifically called Seborrheic dermatitis is a disease that causes flaking of the skin. It usually affects the scalp. In adolescents and adults, it is commonly called "dandruff." In babies, it is known as "cradle cap."

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated. Dandruff appears as scaling on the scalp without redness. Seborrhea is oiliness of the skin, especially of the scalp and face, without redness or scaling. Patients with seborrhea may later get Seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling.

Know Your Skin

What are the causes of Dandruff ?

The basic underlying disorder is excessive oil production by the skin glands which in turn is acted upon by microorganisms, that might be a fungus, called Pityrosporum ovale. This organism is normally present in the skin in small numbers, but sometimes its numbers increase, resulting in the skin disease.

Dandruff appears as scaling on the scalp without redness. Seborrhea is oiliness of the skin, especially of the scalp and face, without redness or scaling. Patients with seborrhea may later get seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling.

Dandruff causes embarrassment to the patient, in that it manifests clinically as intractable itching and deposition of greasy white scales which are dislocated from the scalp during the process of itching.

Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis) affects the skin of the scalp, face, nose, eyebrows, behind the ears, external ear. Stress, fatigue, extreme weather, oily skin, infrequent shampooing, skin disorders such as dandruff and use of lotions that contain alcohol may increase the risk of seborrheic dermatitis. Neurologic conditions such as Parkinson's disease, head injury and stroke are also associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

How do we prevent Dandruff ?

There is no way to prevent or cure seborrheic dermatitis. However, it can be effectively treated. The tendency to develop this disorder appears to be inherited. The severity can be lessened by:

• Lessening stress.
• Avoid exposure to extreme weather.
• Use an oil balance formula for an oily skin.

How can Dandruff be treated?

The treatment of seborrheic dermatitis depends on its location on the body. Treatment also depends on the person's age.

This skin disorder is treatable but may recur. Gentle shampooing with a mild shampoo is helpful for infants with cradle cap. A low strength corticosteroid cream or lotion may also be applied to the affected areas of skin. Adult patients may need to use a medicated shampoo and a stronger corticosteroid preparation. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently. Loosen scales with the fingers, scrub for at least 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Nonprescription shampoos containing tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and/or salicylic acid may be recommended by a dermatologist or a prescription shampoo may be given. However, patients should follow their dermatologist's advice, excessive use of stronger preparations can cause side effects