Dandruff is a silent attacker. It sticks on your scalp and harmless until it starts feeding bacteria in it with the help of sweat secreted by our scalp. The basic symptoms of dandruff are an itchy scalp and flakiness. Red and greasy patches of skin and a tingly feeling on the skin are also symptoms. Sometimes, sticky flakes are falling off your head throughout the day, but, this symptom comes in the advanced stages of Dandruff.
According to a recent study, bacteria called Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus are major causes of dandruff formation. The bacterial formation is influenced by water and the sebum amount present on the scalp. But, majorly, the infection starts due to lack of hygiene, the bacteria and fungi get enough moisture, sweat and dirt to multiply and feed.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis In Humans
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis occurs around the folds of the nose and eyebrow areas, not just the scalp. Dry, thick, well-defined lesions consisting of large, silvery scales start to appear. Inflammation along with redness and itching is characterized by heat, pain, swelling and sensitivity. Seasonal changes like monsoon, winters etc, stress, and immunosuppression seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis.
Facts About Dandruff
Here are some facts about Dandruff:-
– Dandruff is a common condition, but it is very embarrassing and difficult to treat.
– It is not purely related to hygiene, but washing and brushing the hair can help remove old skin flakes and also control the making of new ones.
– Risk factors during this disease include having certain skin or medical conditions and the use of inappropriate hair products.
– Various treatments are available over the counter, but more severe cases should be seen by a Dermatologist.
Treatment Of Dandruff
A wide variety of shampoos, conditioners and scalp products are available over the counter at most stores and pharmacies. These can control seborrheic dermatitis, but they cannot cure it. To cure the disease permanently, you need to consult a Dermatologist at priority.
Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
Ketoconazole:
An effective anti-fungal component. Shampoos containing this ingredient can be used at any age, it helps in controlling the spread of the disease.
Selenium Sulfide:
It controls the production of natural oils secreted by the glands in the scalp. It is also very effective
Zinc Pyrithione:
This component slows down the growth of yeast. The Yeast is somewhere responsible for the growth of Dandruff.
Coal Tar:
This has a natural anti-fungal agent. Coloured hair may become stained by long-term usage. Tar soaps may also make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight, so users should wear a hat when outside.
Salicylic Acids:
These help the scalp get rid of dead skin cells. They do not stop the reproduction of skin cells. Many “scalp scrubs” contain salicylic acids. This hair treatment can sometimes leave the scalp dry and make skin flaking even worse.
Tea-Tree oil:
This natural oil is also used to treat Acne, it is derived from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia), many shampoos now include this ingredient. It has long been used as an anti-fungal, an antibiotic, and an antiseptic. Some people are allergic to it but most can use it.
Antifungal Treatments:
Antifungal treatments including ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione and selenium disulphide are effective
Home Remedies To Fight Dandruff
All remedies, precautions and treatments aim to stop dandruff by slowing down the reproduction of skin cells or counteracting the yeast production that might be the cause.
The strategy will depend on the patient’s age and the severity of the condition. There are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you control the spreading of Dandruff. These include:
Managing Stress:
Stress triggers dandruff in some people, so managing it better can reduce symptoms.
Shampoo Regularly People with oily hair and scalp, washing daily can help to control Dandruff.
Sunlight::
Regular exposure to sunlight can be helpful in the control of the disease.
Tea-Tree oil:
Some people believe that preparations that include tea tree oil help reduce symptoms of dandruff. It can cause allergic reactions in some people, but several people suggest it as a powerful oil to control acne and dandruff.
