Overview
Dandruff is a chronic condition that causes skin to flake from the scalp. It can occur at any age and is common in adolescents, adults and even infants. This disorder, while unsightly and sometimes embarrassing, is not serious or contagious. While no cure exists, dandruff can be controlled with medication, although it can be difficult to treat.
Symptoms
While seborrheic dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body, the term dandruff is reserved to define the shedding of the excess skin cells from the scalp due to seborrheic dermatitis. The skin flakes are white, dry and scaly in appearance. Flaking might be slight, fine and almost invisible or heavy and very visible in both the scalp and hair as well as on the shoulders, particularly when wearing dark clothes. Dandruff in infants is known as cradle cap.
Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
There is no known definitive cause for dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis. The condition could be hereditary. It can also be hormone related as the disorder often occurs during infancy and puberty, disappearing afterward. An infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus called mallassezia may also be responsible for causing dandruff.
Other Illnesses
Dandruff has also been linked to certain neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. The reason for this relationship is not understood. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, can cause dandruff.
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors may make a person more prone to having dandruff. Males and adolescents are more likely to suffer from the disorder. Excessively oily hair or an oily scalp can provide a growth medium for the mallassezia fungus. A diet low in zinc or B vitamins can also contribute to dandruff. Other pre-existing illnesses may cause dandruff and physically stressful situations might make the condition worse.
Treatment
In adolescents and adults, dandruff can be controlled by using a medicated shampoo two or three times a week. The active ingredient is typically salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione. Drugstores carry many varieties of dandruff shampoos and conditioners. These products are applied to the scalp, worked in and allowed to stay in contact with the scalp for a short period of time, usually around three to five minutes, before rinsing to allow the medication to work. Special, less-strong shampoos are available for treating infant dandruff. If over-the-counter products don’t help control your dandruff, a dermatologist can prescribe more potent medicated shampoo or topical steroids or both.
