Why Dandruff Appears and How to Effectively Deal With It

Dandruff is more common than you might think, in fact it affects about 50% of adults worldwide. It can develop into a significant concern impacting one’s self-image and appearance, even though it’s not that dangerous overall.

The definition of dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the skin on the scalp sheds off in the form of white flakes, which are highly visible on dark hair and may cause itching at times.

The reason behind the occurrence of dandruff is the speedy renewal of skin cells. In general, healthy skin cells follow a specific life cycle where they grow, age, and die, making way for new cells. However, in individuals with dandruff, the life cycle of skin cells accelerates, leading to the quicker birth and death of cells.

While dandruff is not harmful in itself, certain types of dandruff may require prolonged treatment. Eliminating this skin condition could be quite challenging.

The cause of dandruff

Dandruff has various causes and triggers.

• One common cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which occurs due to the presence of Malassezia globosa. This microorganism is a natural part of the scalp’s flora and usually poses no problems. However, when there is an increase in sebum production, the fungi that feed on it can quickly reproduce, causing the byproducts to clump together and result in dandruff.
• Other common cause is improper hair care.
• Dry scalp can lead to flaking, particularly during the winter season.
• Infrequent washing of oily skin can lead to the accumulation of sebum, which can result in the formation of dandruff.
• Hormonal imbalances, a compromised immune system, and certain skin conditions can contribute to the development of dandruff.

While dandruff resulting from poor hair care can be easily treated, cases of seborrhea-induced flaking require longer treatment.

What can help you get rid of dandruff

❗ It is recommended to consult a dermatologist for proper treatment of dandruff. If you observe initial symptoms of flaking, it is advisable to seek medical attention without delay.

• To reduce the occurrence of dandruff, it’s recommended to wash your scalp regularly with a soft shampoo. This can help eliminate excess sebum and dead skin cells.
• In more complicated cases, medicated shampoos can be useful. To achieve optimal results, a combination of 2-3 shampoos with different active ingredients can be used. These shampoos may include zinc, tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, and other components.
• You can obtain stronger anti-dandruff shampoos by getting a prescription from your physician.

• You can apply tea tree oil to enhance the health of your scalp.
• Refrain from using hair styling products as they may accumulate on the scalp and stimulate sebum production. It is advisable to consume healthy foods that contain sufficient amounts of zinc and vitamin B as this can help prevent dandruff.