Dandruff – All you want to know

Dandruff, a nasty rival of the precious tresses, is a common problem. It is like a heap of white flakes deposited on the scalp creating troublesome itchiness. Layers of dead skin gather on the scalp creating this problem.

 In other words, we can say that it happens due to an extension in scalp scaling. It is an ailment where the dropping of dry flakes generates prickling.

What is it’s medical term?

Dandruff is a non-inflammatory class of Pityriasis capitis, seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic psoriasis, or seborrheic eczema. One familiar reason is seborrheic dermatitis.

It is a fungal illness. This condition transpires in regions intense in sebaceous glands. 

It isn’t infectious or severe but can be awkward. Sometimes it is challenging to heal. Gentle daily shampoo treats the mild stage. In the case of severe cases, a medicated shampoo may be of some benefit. Scalp treatments also treat this illness.

It neither produces baldness nor sheds off all strands. Dandruff may get triggered during dry winters. It may become worse when someone is unwell or is in tension. There are two stages of this problem, primary and secondary.

Does regular shampooing is recommended in dandruff?

Shampooing every day with a regular cleanser is not recommended by dermatologists. Regular hair wash tears the scalp and rips the natural oils present in the shafts. This leads to irritability.

Only a medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc, can be used daily. 

Though, when this problem decreases the usage of anti-dandruff or medicated shampoos should be subdued. An alternative to a regular cleanser can be an antifungal shampoo.

Does it affect the face and body?

The itchiness and dropping off dry dead skin affecting the scalp is called dandruff. However, it can emerge on any part of the body. Face, back of the ears, surrounding the nose, eyebrows, or forehead.

There can be whitish coverings on the skin creating irritation. A skin rash may occur.

Malassezia is a fungus connected with dandruff or any skin-related problems. Due to this fungus infection, swelling, sensitivity, etc are generated.

Does hot water increase the growth of it?

Mainly these are created on a dry scalp. The dead skin present on the surface of the dry skin flakes off creating dandruff. 

Applying hot water on the scalp increases the dryness, which leads to growing these white scales. These infections grow faster on dry skin. 

Can poor nutrition produce dandruff?

There is no specific reason for the creation of this problem. To some extent, a poor diet can be associated with the formulation of this ailment. However, there are other reasons correlated to the production of it.

Diet performs an essential role in managing our scalp well-being. Sugary and processed foods overgrow fungal infections. Gluten, fried, and fatty foods boost flaking.

How can the intake of healthy food be important to restrict dandruff?

• Zinc depresses sebum origination. Our scalp has a bulk of sebaceous glands. This gland produces sebum (skin oils). Extreme creation of sebum builds dandruff. Consumption of zinc regulates excess skin oil composition. 
• Always include Vitamin B6 with the intake of Zinc for its proper digestion. 
• Opt for nuts and grains. Besides add fermented food, probiotics, Curd, walnuts, almonds, sweet potatoes, eggs, flaxseeds, and fish to your meals. Omega-3 fatty acids maintain the hydration of the scalp. Biotin (Vitamin B7) also supports to fight against it. Reduce sugar intake.

How many types of Dandruff are there?

There are different types of this fungal disease. They are as follows 

• Dry Skin
• Oily scalp associated
• Fungal
• Dandruff produced by a product
• Dandruff due to a disease
• Due to Seborrheic Dermatitis.
• Created by Psoriasis

Let’s discuss these in detail.

Dry Skin Dandruff

This kind of Dandruff normally happens in winter and is a very common ailment. Dry and flaky scales emerge due to bathing with hot water. When hot water is poured on the head, the scalp becomes very dry, giving birth to this problem.

More often this type of dandruff occurs on somebody holding curly and dry tresses.

Sometimes an irregularity in shampooing or applying sulfate shampoos intensifies dandruff.

Treatment – Apply a high-grade hair cleanser with a good moisturizer. Avoid the application of any chemicals on the locks.

Frequent oil massage reduces itchiness and animates blood circulation to the scalp. The oil nourishes and moisturizes the roots

Oily scalp associated Dandruff

Oily scalp-associated Dandruff is created on an oily scalp. Excess production of sebum produces this issue. Overactive sebaceous glands happen due to many reasons like applying sulfate shampoos, anxiety, adolescence, etc. Oily hair captures dust particles and dirt. These impurities sit on the scalp generating this problem.

Treatment – Shampooing regularly will diminish excess oil from the hair and will keep it dirt-free. If required can consult a dermatologist.

Fungal Dandruff

Fungal dandruff is generated due to scalp infection. This is composed of Malassezia fungus. This fungus persists on extreme oil available on the scalp. The production of oleic acid by this fungus concedes the skin cell to bump unitedly creating, flakes. Fungal Malassezia is a general element located on the skin and scalp.

This fungus multiplies rapidly on a very oily scalp. It is profoundly contagious. Fungal dandruff spreads quickly with sharing of a comb or towel.

Treatment – Use an anti-fungal hair cleanser. Consult a doctor.

Dandruff produced by a product

The usage of too many serums, gels, sprays, etc on the hair builds up and produced dandruff. These hair-styling commodities stay on the scalp. This accumulated product merges with impurities and dead skin regulating dandruff. 

Treatment – Stop extreme use of hair styling products. Keep your tresses clean.

Dandruff due to a disease

This type of dandruff is generated in people with a decreased immune system, due to some serious ailment. The disease can be neurological disorders, HIV, Cancer, etc. Only 5% of people fall into this category.

Treatment – Only doctors can treat this problem.

Due to Seborrheic Dermatitis

A larger intensity of sebaceous glands causes a skin ailment that can emerge on different parts of the body, specifically on the scalp, neck, face, eyebrows, and behind the ears. This chronic skin disease is termed Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Treatment – A medical specialist can cure this illness.

Created by Psoriasis

Before the old lifeless skin flakes off, fresh skin cells are built above the existing one. This speedy creation of new cells happens due to the invasion of the immune system on wholesome skin membranes. Due to this, thick scaly pieces appear on the scalp, neck, etc.

Treatment – Psoriasis is a chronic skin ailment. A doctor’s consultation is required.

Shampoo formation

There are so many distinctive types of shampoos holding various ingredients. These components may be suitable for some but not for others. Before purchasing any hir cleanser it is sensible to check the ingredients for the betterment of hair health. We should always buy a product according to the necessity of the tresses.

How does an anti-dandruff shampoo help in removing dandruff?

The ingredients present in an anti-dandruff shampoo work as an antimicrobial agent. They diminish the development of flakes and disrupt the cycle of dandruff sensitivity.

The antifungal agents present in it arrests the extension of the fungus. The abundance of skin cells and skin scaling is diminished. These agents destroy Malassezia fungus.

Check these ingredients before buying an anti-dandruff shampoo

Before buying an anti-dandruff shampoo from over the counter, choose the one that comprises any of these components- 

• Zinc pyrithione
• Ketoconazole
• Selenium sulfide
• Coal tar
• Salicylic acid
• Ciclopirox

How do these agents work?

Zinc pyrithione (also acknowledged as ZPT)

This ingredient decreases the extension of yeast. The excess of flakes is controlled, by Zinc pyrithione. It reduces in overproduction of oil. 

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent. This element eliminates the Malassezia fungus. This fungus disturbs the oil glands resulting in dandruff.

Selenium sulfide

Like zinc pyrithione, this ingredient decreases the expansion of yeast. Selenium sulfide is an antimicrobial agent. It prevents skin cell abundance and scaling.

Coal tar

It supports a decrease in skin scaling. Coal tar also reduces the luxuriance of skin cells.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic is a beta-hydroxy acid. This acid retains the skin cells from holding collectively and eliminates flaky skin cells.

Ciclopirox

Ciclopirox is anantifungal agent. It obstructs the extension of the fungus.

Which are the other factors to keep in mind besides the ingredients before picking a dandruff shampoo?

Besides the components present in an anti-dandruff shampoo, there are other factors to be examined before buying them –

For Curly hair

Try a product that contains ZPT. In comparison to ketoconazole shampoo, a ZPT-enriched hair cleanser lessens curls. It also controls flyaway locks.

For Dyed hair

Utilize coal tar shampoos on lighter-shade hair. Coal tar deepens the hair tint.

For Greasy hair

Avoid selenium sulfide-based shampoo. You can choose a hair cleanser with other ingredients. Dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide make oily hair greasier.

Some anti-dandruff shampoos

Based on the ingredients, here are a few anti-dandruff shampoos that might help to keep dandruff away.

Jason Dandruff relief

This shampoo is chemical-free and contains salicylic acid plus sulfur. It subdues dandruff-generating fungus. 

Head & shoulders, clinical strength

Selenium sulfide present in this shampoo helps to fight dandruff. It is labeled that it causes no harm to tinted hair. Safe for textured hair types.

Nizoral A-D

It contains 1% ketoconazole. Nizoral A-D is suitable for all hair varieties. This shampoo is safe on chemically treated locks.

Neutrogena/Gel

Appropriate for reducing itching and scaling. It contains 0.5 % coal tar. Not recommended for lightly shaded hair.

Matrix Biolage Advanced Scalppure Dandruff Shampoo

This shampoo contains Pyrithione Zinc and gives a cooling outcome on the scalp. It is suitable for moderate dandruff.

Conclusion

An effective hair care routine, a healthy lifestyle, and a good anti-dandruff shampoo work together in eradicating dandruff. Hot oil practices and the effective usage of hair masks regularly will keep the scalp clean and healthy. Brush your tresses. Exclude chemical and hair styling products. Add some essential nutrients to your diet. Good maintenance of your overall wellness will furnish you with a dandruff-free scalp.

Disclaimer: Always consult a professional for a medical verdict if required. If any side effect erupts then discontinue applying the product. 

Keep posting your inputs, experience, and opinion in the comments section.