Small particles of dry dead skin (flaky skin) that look like grey or white flakes are known as dandruff. This is something that even some kindergarten kid might be aware about. But researchers are still working to find out the list of reasons that can cause dandruff on scalp and hair.
Dandruff is not dangerous for health, and may not create medical emergency, but it can definitely bring embarrassment and unpleasant experience.
Girls find it embarrassing when they notice flaky skin particles falling from their scalp on their shoulder. Plus, itchy and dry scalp can also force individuals to scratch their head while in public.
Is dandruff caused due to natural process?
There can be several reasons behind dandruff, says Michele Green, who is considered one of New York's best dermatologists.
Flaky skin is created as body gets rid of dead cells and replaces them with new one. The process remains unnoticed until the amount of dandruff released is small, and starts creating problems when a large amount of flaky skin particles start appearing due to other problems.
Speed of body's natural process of creating dandruff can be triggered due to some skin diseases, and also due to stress, overuse of hair oil, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, etc. Washing your hair too many times or washing it just once in a week can also create dead skin particles on your scalp.
Out of all the conditions, Seborrheic dermatitis causes a lot of issues. According to stats, dermatologists treat around three million patients suffering from Seborrheic dermatitis every year. Red skin, scaly patches, and itching of skin are its main symptoms. Most of the patients report symptoms on their face, scalp, area around ears, armpits and inner thighs.
Besides rashes, and red skin, people suffering from Seborrheic dermatitis may also show widespread thick layers of skin and pink patches on some parts of their body. If ignored, these patches can further get infected and may become painful. Infected areas may also start discharging fluid and pus after few days.
While reading the side-effects of dandruff, your mind may ask one question, does dandruff cause hair loss? Yes, you might lose considerable amount of hair along with flaky skin while you scratch your scalp. Along with discomfort, hair fall, and embarrassment, dandruff can result in thin hair, and reduce hair growth. If untreated, dandruff can cause loss of around 100 hairs per day. Sounds weird, doesn't it?
Shampoo is the best option
Anti-dandruff shampoos are the first and most widely recommended options by dermatologists around the world. There are several types of shampoos; you can choose them depending on your hair type and the amount of flaky skin particles that you see on your scalp. If the problem is severe, you can visit a dermatologist's clinic and he/she would recommend the best option possible for your hair.
Washing your hair every day is the most recommended step to take care of the issue. While washing, make sure that you massage your scalp with shampoo and not "scratch" it. Experts also suggest individuals suffering from dandruff related issues to stop using hair gel and hair sprays for a few months.
Depending on the amount of flaky skin particles discharged on a daily basis, specialist may also recommend steroid lotion, prescription medicines, hair oil, and other medicines to you. Unfortunately, if your dandruff is recurring, you might need to use anti-dandruff shampoo on a daily basis.
Usually, dermatologists advise individuals to use one brand of shampoo for two weeks, and if it fails to show good results, your expert might ask you to change the treatment. If your dermatologist is doubtful about symptoms, and suspects fungal infection, he may also ask you to get skin samples tested for various infections.
Most commonly recommended shampoos contain salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, tea tree oil, and zinc pyrithione. Your specialist may also recommend coal tar shampoo, or ketoconazole shampoo. If you are looking for reviews and information about various hair issues, hair care products, you should definitely visit Shampoo Truth.
Dandruff is not life-threatening, but it can reduce your hair and make you bald within few months. So, treat dandruff trouble right when it is in the initial stages.
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