Dandruf: Causes and Treatments

Dandruff is a very common disease that many people experience. Despite trying many treatments, dandruff persists, making you feel self-conscious and tired. With 👩‍⚕️ THS.BS. Nguyen Doan Quynh learns the cause of dandruff and how to treat the root of the disease.

1. What is Dandruff?

When dead skin cells on the scalp accumulate enough, it will form small patches of dead skin on the hair or scalp. These flakes or flakes of skin are also known as dandruff. In people with oily skin, sometimes these flakes clump together with excess oil to form thick, yellow, greasy patches that stick to the skin's surface.

An itchy sensation can accompany dandruff. Dandruff is one of the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis (also known as seborrheic dermatitis). It is a non-infectious, non-dangerous inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects the aesthetics and confidence of the patient, people with symptoms.

2. Cause

Dandruff is considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not completely understood. Many studies have shown that the disease may be related to an immune system's abnormal response to a harmless, resident fungus on the skin called Malassezia.

3. Disease progression

Dandruff can persist, heal, and recur in episodes. Symptoms can be worse during the cold, dry season, or when you are under stress.

4. Prevention

There is no cure for dandruff. However, maintaining regular use of anti-dandruff shampoos can control symptoms, helping to prolong the dandruff-free period.

5. Treatment

For mild cases, dandruff can improve with anti-dandruff shampoos without the need to see a doctor. Anti-dandruff shampoos typically contain selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione. For best results, anti-dandruff shampoo should be left on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing with water.

In addition to seborrheic dermatitis, several other conditions can also cause scaling and itchy scalps, such as psoriasis, eczema, or scalp fungus. Suppose dandruff still does not improve after a period of use of anti-dandruff shampoo or worsens with symptoms of excessive flaking, redness, discharge, or itching affecting daily activities. In that case, you should see a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment.

6. Prognosis

Dandruff tends to recur. To limit recurrence, it is necessary to use maintenance shampoo for dandruff with a frequency of 1 or 2 times per week. On other days of the week, you can use other shampoos of your choice.