Worried about the flaky bits on your shoulder? Dr Shahid Shamsher has remedies to fix the constant itch.Have you been longing to wear that lovely and elegant black dress but can't because of your flaky, itchy scalp? Yes, we are talking about dandruff, which might not be a serious condition but can be embarrassing at times.
Dandruff is a harmless but chronic condition of the scalp which occurs when your scalp becomes oily or dry. The condition is characterised by itching and produces white flakes of dead skin.
This is one condition that is found in people of all ages - from infancy to adulthood. So now you might be wondering what causes dandruff. New skin cells are regularly formed on the scalp. With the formation of new skin cells, the older ones have to be shed. When a person has dandruff, the process of shedding the dead skin happens at a faster rate.
Causes of dandruff
Causes of dandruff vary - it may be due to dry skin, harsh skin products or skin diseases such as eczema. Sometimes, even the overgrowth of yeast can cause dandruff.
Ever wondered what causes overgrowth of yeast? It is stress, excess oil on the scalp or it could even be problems with your immune system. Which is why keeping your scalp clean is very important. Not shampooing often enough can also lead to dandruff.
Weather is yet another factor. During the monsoon, while your hair turns dirty faster, the scalp becomes sticky. This leads to dandruff. So make sure you wash your hair at least once in two days to remove the oil and dirt. Rinse your hair with cold water and try not to use hair dryers as this might dry your scalp, leading to more dandruff.
Symptoms of dandruff
Doctors and dermatologists refer to dandruff as seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis. The signs and symptoms of dandruff include:
*White flakes of dead skin
*Itchy, scaling scalp
*Facial skin with dry scalp
*Chest rash with dry flakes
*Yellowish or reddish scaling on the hairline
*Recurrent ear eczema
The most common symptom of dandruff would be white flakes from dead skin on your clothes. And when we say dandruff, it need not be located just on the scalp. It is typically found in areas where there are hair follicles and therefore, dandruff is mostly found on the scalp, ear, eyebrow and chest regions.
In most cases, regular shampooing with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos and keeping your scalp clean can keep the dandruff at bay. However, if it is spreading or if you are losing hair or there is increased redness/itching, it's time to visit your dermatologist. Most doctors can diagnose and confirm the condition by just looking at your scalp.
Who is at risk?
Men are more at risk. Doctors and researchers believe that men have more dandruff as the male hormone plays a role in creating dandruff. Researchers also suggest that men are more prone to get dandruff as they have larger oil-producing glands on their scalps.
What you eat also matters. If you do not include foods which contain zinc or Vitamin B, you might end up with a flaky scalp and never be able to wear that little black dress.
A fungus called malassezia, a microbe found on the scalp, causes irritation related to dandruff and feeds on the oil in the scalp. If you are a person who believes that your hair should be always oiled in order for it to be healthy, you are in trouble, as excess oil means more dandruff.
Treatment and prevention
Though dandruff is a chronic condition, with proper treatment, it can be kept under control. Cleanliness is the key.
Here's a routine to follow: Begin by using a non-medicated shampoo while bathing. Massage your scalp firmly and rinse thoroughly. Use it as frequently as required as this removes the oiliness, reduces the flakes and prevents the buildup of dead skin cells.
If this does not work, it's time for the anti-dandruff shampoo.
Follow the instructions on the pack. Instructions for use may vary from one shampoo to another. You might not be able to find the shampoo that suits you the very first time. However, after a few trials, you will have found what your hair likes and the tell-tale flakes will disappear.
This season, stay away from styling and styling products such as hair sprays, hair gels or waxes, as this might definitely bring in more grime and dirt on to the scalp or skin surface. In case you get caught in the rain, make sure you dry your hair thoroughly as rainwater can add to your dandruff problem. Use a soft-toothed comb and always brush your hair gently.
Sunlight is said to be good to check dandruff. However, this does not mean you spend hours sunbathing increasing your risk of skin cancer. Spend some time outdoors, letting your body soak up a little sunlight and make sure you've protected yourself with a good quality sunscreen.
(The contributor works at Dr Health Clinics, Bangalore.)