Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, etc.
Definition of dandruff
Dandruff is a scalp disease in the form of dead skin flakes that come from the scalp. These flakes are usually visible when they fall over the shoulders, eyebrows, or along the side of the nose. Generally, dandruff is also accompanied by itching on the scalp.
This condition does not endanger health. However, its existence can affect a person’s self-confidence.
In severe cases, dandruff can cause hair loss if not treated immediately. Keep in mind that this condition is not related to how to treat hair. However, the number of dead skin flakes can be reduced by regular shampooing.
How common is dandruff?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition. That is, this condition can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, and race. Even so, this scalp disease is more common in men.
Not only that, babies and children too can experience this problem which is referred to as cradle crap. This disorder usually appears in babies born to two months of age, but may also be seen in older babies.
Dandruff can be overcome by reducing risk factors. Please consult your doctor to find out how to treat this disease appropriately.
Dandruff signs and symptoms
Dandruff is one of the most visible scalp problems. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- white or pale yellow flakes of dead skin,
- itching in the affected area,
- skin looks scaly,
- there is a rash on the itchy area, as well
- skin feels oily.
The above symptoms can worsen if you are in cold weather for too long or are under severe stress. In addition, other symptoms and signs may not be listed above, you should consult a doctor.
When to see a doctor for dandruff?
Most cases of dandruff problems do not require treatment from a doctor. If it doesn’t get better and the symptoms below appear after being treated with anti-dandruff shampoo, you should consult a dermatologist.
- The shampoo did not have any effect after one month of use.
- More and more dead skin flakes were seen.
- The scalp itches more and more.
- Red scalp until it swells.
- Have a weak immune system.
Causes of dandruff
So far it is not certain what causes dandruff. Experts believe that this condition can occur due to an increase in oil production, secretion, and the amount of fungus on the skin.
Unlike the problem of head lice, dandruff is not a contagious disease. It is possible that this problem is triggered by a dry scalp and an allergic reaction to hair care products.
The presence of fungus on the scalp is generally the most common cause of dandruff on the surface of the scalp. When protecting the skin from bacteria and moisturizing the skin, the sebaceous glands produce sweat or sebum.
Unfortunately, the fungus that is on the human scalp called Malassezia is a typical fungus that feeds on the fatty substances present in sebum. As a result, these mushrooms produce digestive waste in the form of fatty acids.
These fatty acids can later irritate the scalp and inhibit metabolism and the growth of new scalp cells. This interferes with the growth of scalp cells which causes the scalp to peel off.
The flaking of the scalp is characterized by flakes of dead white skin and causes itching sensation or is called dandruff. Uniquely, this condition is also influenced by the durability of the scalp.
Complications that cause this condition
Each scalp can produce oil and fungus on the surface of the scalp. However, this does not trigger dandruff on your entire scalp. The reason is, everyone has different sensitivity and resistance to the fatty acids produced by Malassezia.
In fact, there are certain scalp diseases that can produce flakes that cause dandruff, including:
Risk factors for dandruff
Basically, everyone is at risk for dandruff. However, there are several factors that can increase a person’s potential to experience this condition, including the following.
Dandruff is affected by age
Dandruff tends to appear from pre-puberty to middle age. However, it does not mean that older people do not experience this condition. In fact, this problem can last a lifetime.
Gender
In fact, men are more prone to dandruff than women. This may happen because male hormones can trigger excess oil production which is a factor in dandruff.
History of disease
For people with Parkinson’s disease or have a weak immune system, they are more at risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. This also applies to people with HIV because their immune system is weakened.
Dry skin
Dry skin owners are more at risk of dandruff hair. Dry skin can also be triggered by various things, such as changes in temperature that are too drastic, then entering an air-conditioned room.
Dandruff on dry skin is usually small and does not contain oil.
Oily scalp and hair types
Having excessive skin and hair oil makes you more prone to dandruff as Malassezia feeds on the oil on the scalp.
Use of hair care products
In some cases, certain salon care products for hair and skin can trigger skin sensitivity. Symptoms that appear are red, itchy, and scaly skin.
Products that usually cause dandruff are shampoos and hair dyes. However, this happens depending on the condition of the scalp of each person.
Diagnosis and treatment of this condition
Dandruff is a condition that is easily identified through a physical examination. That is why, a dermatologist will easily diagnose this condition by looking directly at your hair and scalp.
How to get rid of dandruff?
There are many ways that can be done to treat dandruff, from using anti-dandruff shampoo to changing shampooing techniques. Here are some ways to treat dandruff that you can try.
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo
One of the most common ways to get rid of dandruff is to use a special dandruff shampoo. This is so that the skin flakes and crusts can be lost and are not too visible.
Try to choose a dandruff shampoo product with the active ingredients listed below.
- Pyrithione zinc because it contains antibacterial and antifungal compounds.
- Coal tar to reduce the amount of dead skin cell buildup on the scalp.
- Salicylic acid to help remove dandruff skin scales.
- Selenium sulfide to slow down the buildup of dead skin cells.
- Ketoconazole usually used in prescription anti-dandruff shampoos.
Sometimes any of the shampoos above work temporarily and will lose their effectiveness over time. If so, try using two types of dandruff shampoos alternately.
Try to always follow the rules for using every shampoo bottle you try. This is because some products may need to sit for a few minutes, while others need to be rinsed quickly.
If you have been using medicated shampoo regularly for several weeks and it does not work, please consult a dermatologist. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid shampoo or lotion to treat dandruff.
Use certain washing techniques
Anti-dandruff shampoo is not enough to treat dandruff on the scalp. How to wash your hair also plays an important role in getting rid of dandruff.
How often someone shampooes to treat dandruff may vary from person to person. Some of you may need to wash your hair twice a week, while others more or every day. It all depends on your hair type.
Also, try not to scratch the itchy scalp. The reason is, scratching the area will actually worsen the condition of dandruff hair.
Home remedies
Apart from using dandruff shampoo, shampooing with the right technique, and using steroid creams, there are natural ways to help treat dandruff, namely as follows.
1. Manage stress to prevent dandruff
One of the factors that make the dandruff problem worse is stress. Some people who are stressed tend to get in the habit of scratching their heads, which can lead to flaking of scalp. As a result, the number of skin scales that fell off has increased.
Therefore, you can reduce this risk by managing stress, such as doing things you enjoy or exercising regularly. By controlling stress the body also experiences an increase in the immune system which affects skin health.
2. Limit the use of hair styling products
Hair styling products, such as gels and hairspray turns out to trigger excess oil production on your scalp. As a result, dandruff is easier to appear.
Meanwhile, use hair dryer and hair straighteners also cause dry scalp. Therefore, when you are experiencing severe dandruff, avoid using hair styling tools and products.
3. Do a healthier diet
Apart from being good for your health, adjusting your diet to be healthy also affects the health of your scalp. What should be consumed to help reduce the amount of dandruff on the scalp?
You can also control what food menus for a healthier scalp with the help of nutritionists and skin specialists.
4. Take advantage of natural ingredients
Dandruff hair can also be overcome by utilizing several natural ingredients. Here are some ingredients that are often used to treat dandruff naturally.
- Tea tree oil believed to be effective in eradicating the fungus that causes seborrheic dermatitis.
- Coconut oil to help increase the moisture of the scalp.
- Aloe vera helps relieve inflammation in the skin, including scalp psoriasis.
If you have further questions, please consult a dermatologist or dermatologist.
Hello Health Group and Hello Sehat do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check our editorial policy page for more detailed information.
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