What is dandruff?!
Question:
What is dandruff?
how can it be removed?
Answers:
Dandruff is characterized by small, loose flakes of dead skin on the scalp or trapped in the hair.
- Dandruff is not dangerous, does not cause balding and is not contagious.
- Dandruff is a natural process and it can not be eliminated or cured. Dandruff can only be managed and controlled.
Causes of DANDRUFF
- Dandruff may be caused by several different factors, but the exact underlying cause of dandruff is unknown or is at least not agreed upon by the medical establishment.
- One possible cause of dandruff may be sensitivity to, or overgrowth of, a fungus present on the scalp.
- Another possible cause may be overactive oil glands on the scalp which cause an increase of the natural skin shedding process.
- Another possible cause may be clogged oil glands on the scalp. These clogged pores can lead to over-drying and flaking of the skin.
- Poor diet, poor hygiene, genetic disposition, hormonal imbalances and infections may all possibly contribute to dandruff.
- Some external contributors to dandruff may include infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate hair rinsing, improper use of hair-coloring products, cold weather, dry environment and tight fitting hats.
- Dandruff may become worse with stress or if the patient is "run-down".
Symptoms of DANDRUFF
- Unsightly flakes or scales are typically present on the scalp and trapped in the hair.
- Whether or not these flakes are "oily" or "dry" may hint to the underlying cause of the dandruff.
- Dandruff rarely has any symptoms but itching of the scalp may occur.
Treatment and prevention of DANDRUFF
- Dandruff can disappear suddenly without treatment or may take multiple weeks of treatment to improve.
- Prevention of dandruff may be achieved by shampooing regularly with a mild, non-medicated shampoo. The scalp should be massaged gently to loosen flakes and the hair and scalp rinsed thoroughly
- Anti-dandruff shampoos containing coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid or selenium sulfide are available without a prescription. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)