Where does dandruff come from and how to get rid of it

Where does dandruff come from?

The medical name for dandruff, pityriasis, is Latin for "bran." A whitish, bran-like flaking on the scalp can occur for one of the following Dandruff causes. Symptoms and Causes.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This is the name of an inflammatory skin disease, the origin of which scientists have not yet fully figured out Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics). It is known that seborrheic dermatitis develops on those areas of the skin where there are many sebaceous glands: on the head, face (under the eyebrows, mustache, beard), upper back and chest.

The amount of dandruff associated with seborrheic dermatitis tends to increase during the cold season or under stress.

Doctors suggest that the main cause of this type of dermatitis is an increased sensitivity of the immune system to the yeast species Malassezia. These microorganisms are harmless and live on the skin of all people, especially the hairy areas. But if specifically your immunity does not like Malassezia, the body tries to "reset" them, starting active peeling.

Too oily scalp

Malassezia fungi feed on sebum. If there is too much fat, it creates ideal conditions for the yeast to reproduce. Your body may not be overly sensitive to these fungi, but when their numbers increase significantly, it starts to react with dandruff.

Too dry scalp

The epidermis, which lacks moisture, peels off more actively.

Contact dermatitis

To put it simply, an allergy to some product that has gotten on the skin. It can be shampoo, balm, hair dye. As a rule, in such cases, dandruff is not the only symptom: the scalp can itch and even ache.

Other skin conditions

For example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or ringworm. Diseases can be identified by concomitant symptoms: the affected skin itches, round spots of different shades of red appear on it.

How to get rid of dandruff

In most cases, this can be done by Dandruff. Symptoms and Causes at home. Start by purchasing an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo and apply it as directed.

The UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends that Dandruff use products that include one of the following ingredients:

Zinc pyrithione. This substance is possessed by Dandruff. Diagnosis and Treatment with antifungal and antibacterial effect.
Salicylic acid. It will be a mild exfoliator that can relieve the scalp from flaking.
Selenium sulfide. Also fights fungi. Side effect - it can change hair color. For example, to add yellowness to a blonde.
Ketoconazole. Another antifungal agent.
Coal tar. It slows down the rate of death and flaking of skin cells and thus reduces flaking. If you have light or gray hair, this ingredient can dye your hair.

Buy shampoos in sample or small quantities. You may have to try several remedies before you find one that works for you.

If one type of shampoo works for a while and then seems to lose its effectiveness, try alternating HOW TO TREAT DANDRUFF with another.

In addition, doctors advise Dandruff. Diagnosis and Treatment make a little lifestyle change: it will also help fight dandruff.

Make sure you eat right. You should get enough zinc, B vitamins and fats from your diet.
Wash your hair regularly. If your hair gets dirty quickly, use shampoo every day. While washing, gently massage the scalp with your fingers, then the dead particles of the epidermis will exfoliate and are easily washed off with water.
Skip styling products for a while. Gels, mousses, wax can build up on the scalp and make it oily.
Go outside during daylight hours. Small amounts of sunlight (a 10-15 minute walk is enough) helps the skin to regenerate. However, avoid direct sunlight.
Learn to deal with stress. Nobody canceled psychosomatics: experiences affect the state of health and can worsen the situation with dandruff.

But the effectiveness of various "grandmother's" means - oil masks, gargling with vinegar or, for example, a decoction of calendula - has not been scientifically confirmed. There is only one small study on tea tree oil.

Scientists have found Treatment of Dandruff With 5% Tea Tree Oil Shampoo that if you add 5% tea tree oil to the shampoo and wash your hair regularly for four weeks, there is less dandruff (41% vs. 11% improvement with regular shampooing). means). But this experiment was carried out with the participation of only 126 people, its results have not been rechecked, so it is too early to draw any conclusions.

When to see a doctor

Be sure to consult a dermatologist if Dandruff:

The dandruff does not disappear within four weeks, although you regularly use the appropriate shampoo and strictly follow the instructions.
The dandruff is very profuse or accompanied by severe itching.
The scalp looks red, inflamed, and has red spots or itchy crusts.

In such cases, we can talk about a chronic or acute skin disease. Your doctor will be able to diagnose it accurately and possibly prescribe a more effective prescription shampoo or steroid lotion for you.

This material was first published in July 2015. In July 2020, we updated the text.