Dandruff: a mini-guide

Dandruff is a condition that causes the inflammation, and intense scaling and flaking of the scalp. The area becomes dry and irritated, which in itself causes scaling, but coupled with the urge to scratch the area, numerous scales detach from the scalp and appear on the hair and on clothing. While dandruff is not contagious, it can cause aesthetic discomfort and, if it appears alongside symptoms of dermatitis, it is important to seek the opinion of a dermatologist.

Description

Dandruff consists of whitish flakes of dead skin that shed from the scalp. It generally affects men more than women, possibly due to hormonal factors. Although dandruff can appear at any age, it occurs more frequently in adulthood.

Causes

There can be several causes of dandruff, some of which could occur simultaneously:

• the malassezia furfur (pityrosporum) fungus feeds on sebum, which is the oily, fatty substance on the scalp. It can contribute to the formation of dandruff because it is an irritant and can increase the production of new skin layers which, in turn, amplifies the shedding of dandruff flakes;
• a poor diet high in fat and low in zinc, vitamin B and healthy fats can worsen dandruff, as can excessive alcohol consumption;
• stress can trigger dandruff formation or exacerbate existing dandruff. Stress is sometimes linked to seasonal transitions, a time during which dandruff is more frequent;
• dry or oily skin can provide the perfect environment for dandruff to form. Skin exposed to dry environments can become irritated and flaky. Instead, for people with oilier skin, dandruff appears as a form of seborrheic dermatitis, a problem that extends beyond the scalp to all areas of the body where sebaceous glands are present (e.g. eyebrows, the corners around the nose, groin and armpits).
• when found on the scalp, psoriasis can cause dandruff;
• irritation or sensitivity caused by hair care products, such shampoos or other cosmetics. These can cause irritative contact dermatitis, triggering the mechanisms behind dandruff.

Symptoms

Dandruff is a non-contagious, painless condition. It can, however, cause psychological discomfort due to the presence of visible white flakes in the hair and on clothes.
Dandruff often causes itching, which can be worsened further by scratching the area. In addition to increasing flakes shedding, vigorous scratching can cause abrasions on the skin which increases the risk of infection.

Diagnosis

Dandruff is both a disorder and a symptom. A dermatologic examination is usually enough to establish the causes of dandruff. If dandruff is due to seborrheic or contact dermatitis, the dermatologist may prescribe specific examinations, such as allergological tests (e.g. the patch test), through which the substances that caused the reaction can be identified.

Treatment

To combat the appearance of dandruff and to relieve itching, use specific shampoos and lotions that have a soothing, anti-itching effect. 2S Cream (containing sulfur and salicylic acid) or Glicosal Lotion (containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid) are suitable treatment options, as both contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. To clean the hair and prevent dandruff, Dermictiol Shampoo is a non-foaming medicated shampoo with ichthyol sulfonate to reduce inflammation.
As dandruff is usually chronic, it may be useful, however, to refer to a specialist to identify the most appropriate treatment depending on the cause of the dandruff and an individual’s hair type.

Prevention

To prevent dandruff, it is important to: maintain a balanced, low-fat diet; exercise regularly; reduce smoking and alcohol intake; avoid prolonged psychophysical stress; use anti-inflammatory medicated shampoos and, responsibly enjoy the sun.