Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases

Dandruff

Dandruff Related Pictures: (Opens New Window)

Definition: Dandruff is a form of dermatitis in which the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp flake and fall off at faster than normal rate. Although a small amount of flaking and shedding of epidermis skin cells is normal and common, approximately 1/3 of the population experiences this condition in chronic or excessive amounts due to certain triggers and/or conditions. It is important to note that dry scalp and dandruff are not the same condition

This interaction between malassezia and sebum causes irritation in the scalp and leads to increased cell turnover. In people with oily hair, this turnover can be exacerbated.

According to the Mayo Clinic, all skin cells die and are subsquently replaced by new skin cells in a never-ending cycle. In normal people this cycle takes about about 1 month and is usually not noticable. "But on scalps were malassezia thrives, the whole process can take as little as 11 days. The result is that is a lage number of dead skin cells."

Exacerbating Factors for Dandruff

For decades, before researchers identified the yeast-like fungus malassezia as the main culprit, it was thought that a number of other factors were the main cause of dandruff. It is now known that these factors or problems only tend to exacerbate dandruff or contribute to it's development. A list of these factors include:

• Increased oil (sebum) production (oily hair)
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Stress
• Illness
• Infrequent shampooing
• Food allergies
• Vitamin B deficiency
• Yeast infection
• Hair curlers and blow dryers
• Cold weather (winter)
• Use of hair sprays, gels and hair coloring chemicals,

Treatment: Unfortunately, a "miracle cure" that ends dandruff once and for all does not exist and it must be continuously treated and managed throughout one's life. The most common form of treatment are shampoos that contain a number of different ingredients that are effective in minimizing dandruff.

The most common ingredient in shampoos are selenium sulfide (Head & Shoulders) and zinc pyrithione (Selsun Blue, Pantene Pro-V and Redkin anti-dandruff shampoos, look on the lable for 1 percent zinc pyrithione). These ingredients are cytostatic agents that slow the growth and formation of the top skin layer (epidermis) on the scalp. These shampoos should not necessarily be used like other shampoos and one should follow the directions on the bottle carefully.

For more stubborn dandruff, shampoos and products containing salicylic acid and sulfur are recommended. Salicylic acid loosens the dead skin cells so that they can removed or washed out more easily. Shampoos containing these ingredients include: DCL Salicylic Acid Shampoo, and Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo with 3% Salicylic Acid.

An anti-fungal shampoo (remember that malassezia is a yeast-like fungus) now made available over the counter in 1 percent solution is Nizoral. Nizoral (ketoconazole) reduces the growth of the malassezia fungus. Stronger versions of these anti-fungal shampoos are available by prescription.

And finally, if all else fails or if your dermatologist recommends it, one can try using coal tar shampoos. Tar shampoos reduce the growth of skin cells on top of the scalp. They are messy and can discolor blond or white hair. Like other dandruff shampoos, coal tar shampoo is not your normal shampoo and one should very carefully follow the directions on the bottle before using. If you are apprehensive about using coal tar based shampoos, consult with your dermatologist first.

Rotating shampoos for maximum effectiveness: One of the problems with dandruff is that it can build up a short-term resistance to an ingredient based shampoo (mentioned above) within a few months. To prevent this from happening, one can try rotating a main ingredient shampoo after the completion of each bottle. For instance, you may start with a selenium based Head & Shoulders, and when finished with the bottle, rotate to a Zinc based Selsun Blue, and then onto an anti-fungal based shampoo like Nizoral and then, back to Head & Shoulders when you are done with the Nizoral.

Natural Treatment: Some propopents of alternative or natural based medicines claim that Apple Cider Vinegar can decrease dandruff by balancing the skin's PH. Use 1/4 cup of vinegar to 1/4 cup of water. Apply to the hair and massage it into the scalp, leave it in for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse. Do not try this method if your scalp is irritated

Dandruff Related Pictures: (Opens New Window)

Article by Jason Morrow,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

Tag: Dandruff is sometimes misspelled as: dandruf, dandrif, and dandriff.