Dandruff is a general term for the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. To an extent, this happens with everyone. The rate of skin shedding becomes a problem when it is excessive. High levels of skin cells being shed from the scalp is often accompanied by redness of the skin and irritation of the scalp.
The trigger for dandruff is though to be related to the immune system and inflammation. There are multiple causes for this, relating to both internal biochemistry or fungal infections (specifically Malassezia yeasts.) In most cases there is no cure for dandruff, only treatment. And some treatments are more effective than others.
Despite the various causes of dandruff, there is one big, prevailing myth. According to Adam J. Friedman, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology and director of dermatologic research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine: “Many people believe dandruff is caused by poor hygiene, but this simply isn’t true.”
According to Dr, Friedman, “Rather than try to remedy dandruff by over-shampooing or over-brushing your hair, which can both be damaging to the hair, use dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments instead.”
Dr. Friedman is a dermatologist associated with the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy). He provides Digital Journal readers with some useful advice in relation to the condition. These top tips are:
Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle. Importantly, there are many different dandruff shampoos with different types of active ingredients for controlling symptoms. Some dandruff shampoos require the user to lather the shampoo into the hair and onto the scalp and leave on for about five minutes before rinsing. However, other shampoos should not be left on the scalp.
If using one dandruff shampoo does not bring relief, try alternating between dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients.
If you are using a dandruff shampoo that contains coal tar, be warned that tar shampoo can discolor blonde, grey or white hair. Also, tar shampoo can make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight.. Here you may need to wear a hat when outdoors during the summer.
More information is contained in the video below, produced by the American Academy of Dermatology.
