Hair loss and dandruff are 2 typical hair issues that can trigger substantial tension and stress and anxiety. Nevertheless, comprehending the hidden aspects can assist relieve unneeded concern. Dandruff is not straight responsible for hair loss; it is triggered by the overgrowth of a fungi called Malassezia on the scalp, which results in flaking and itching. Medicated shampoos consisting of antifungal components can efficiently deal with dandruff.
Hair loss, on the other hand, can have numerous causes such as genes, hormone modifications, dietary shortages, tension, or particular medical conditions like alopecia location. While dandruff itself does not trigger hair loss, extreme scratching due to irritation might deteriorate hair strands and result in damage. Preserving a healthy scalp through routine shampooing and correct treatment for dandruff signs can assist to avoid more damage and promote general scalp health.
Dandruff symptoms often improve during warmer summer months when there’s increased hydration. Stress management and diet may also play a part in decreasing symptoms.
Causes
As itchy flakes fall from your scalp like snow, it is hard to ignore that something is amiss with it. Dandruff is more than skin deep; its effects can extend into other aspects of life such as making your hair fall out (Trueb et al., 2018). Therefore it’s crucial that you learn what causes dandruff so you can prevent any further damage to both scalp and hair.
Dandruff is a condition in which tiny white flakes of dead skin appear on the scalp and shoulders, typically as itchy white flakes of dead skin. This condition is usually due to excess oil buildup on your scalp that feeds Malassezia fungi that feed off of it for sustenance; when present at high levels however, they lead to overproduction of skin cells which lead to an outbreak of dandruff symptoms.
Although very widespread, dandruff has not been adequately researched.
Being male can have a higher chance of developing dandruff than women; though why this occurs is unknown. One theory suggests that androgen hormones stimulate sebaceous gland activity which leads to more oil being produced and an inflammatory reaction, leading to increased sebaceous gland activity which in turn produces more sebum and could cause an outbreak (Mayo Clinic, 2016). Being sick increases one’s likelihood of getting dandruff; though why it happens remains unknown.
Stressful situations can also contribute to an outbreak of fungus and itchy scalps, since stress causes your body to release chemicals that suppress the immune system, making you susceptible to infections like fungal dandruff. You can help avoid further damage by washing more frequently with anti-dandruff shampoo; Caucasians should wash daily while African American should shampoo once every week or every other week; try not scratching as this could further physical damage and lead to temporary hair loss.
Symptoms
Dandruff symptoms include itchy, flaky skin on the scalp that may result in hair loss. Individuals’ reactions vary regarding its intensity; dull or oily hair could also be affected. When scratching becomes intense enough, individuals may damage their scalp inflicting irreparable damage that leads to hair fall.
Dandruff is not contagious and most often does not indicate serious medical conditions, however if flakes become larger or itching becomes severe and over-the-counter shampoos do not help, it may be wise to see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and advice on treatments options suited to your particular circumstances.
A dermatologist will likely test you for several skin conditions that cause dandruff, such as seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis causes excess sebum (oil) production which in turn produces itchy, red, flaky skin characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, flakiness and flaking; other possible causes for dandruff are psoriasis which results in itchy red raised patches with silvery flaking; and ringworm which often appears as itchy red bald patches on the head.
If dandruff is the sole condition you’ve been diagnosed with, the doctor may suggest using prescription strength shampoos or creams to alleviate its symptoms. They may also advise avoiding products containing harsh chemicals or other irritants while moisturizing regularly with shampoo, conditioner or hair masks.
Stress can contribute to itchy, flaky scalps; therefore it is recommended that you find ways to alleviate your stress levels. Furthermore, regularly brush your hair and use an antidandruff treatment or oil can improve the health of both scalp and hair. For infants or young children with cradle cap dandruff this may be treatable by gently cleansing and applying baby oil on affected areas.
Treatment
Dandruff can usually be treated using over-the-counter medications or specialized shampoo. Medication-containing dandruff shampoos contain special ingredients designed to remove the flakes and reduce itching; such shampoos are usually recommended by dermatologists or hair care experts. Dandruff treatments may be applied directly to your scalp or mixed into regular shampoo for ease of application.
Some treatments also come equipped with conditioners designed to soften flaky patches and relieve further itching, while the type of shampoo used depends on your hair type. If you have dark hair, consider choosing a shampoo designed specifically for its hue. Darker-toned individuals may benefit from shampoos containing tea tree oil which has antifungal properties; newer dandruff treatments contain ketoconazole which targets the fungi that cause dandruff – these medications can often be found in prescription-strength shampoos.
Over-the-counter treatments for dandruff may include using tar-based shampoo specifically formulated to treat dry skin conditions. It may be applied directly onto the scalp, ears, sides of face and other hair-bearing areas; generally safe use will help address both dandruff as well as other forms of dryer type skin parts of your body.
Many people also find that regular, gentle hair brushing and adding tea-tree oil to their shampoo helps control dandruff issues; however, even with these treatments in place it may return or get worse at times.
If your dandruff does not improve as promised or becomes painful, red, swollen, infected or spreads to other parts of the head or body, medical assistance should be sought immediately from either a family doctor, nurse practitioner or dermatologist.
Dandruff itching can lead to damage of hair follicles, hindering or slowing their ability to produce new hair growth. Furthermore, infection and inflammation may lead to scar tissue formation which obstructs their movement leading to permanent or semi-permanent hair loss. Furthermore, due to this itching you may scratch more vigorously than necessary and risk further damaging both scalp and hair.
Prevention
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent dandruff from leading to hair loss is using products designed specifically to combat it. Consider shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and zinc as these ingredients help prevent oil build-up on the scalp that leads to dandruff. You might also consider investing in dandruff conditioner which adds moisture back into the scalp and decreases flaking or dryness (Oklahoma, n.d.).
Avoid irritating activities that contribute to dandruff, such as excessive brushing or twisting of the hair, which can scratch and inflame the scalp and increase chances of flaking. Incorporating moisturizers such as coconut and olive oils into your routine to not only combat dandruff but also slow hair loss over time by keeping the scalp hydrated.
Certain medical conditions can contribute to dandruff. Eczema, scalp psoriasis and scalp ringworm can trigger or worsen dandruff by creating oily patches on the scalp, while neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease and HIV increase your risk for developing it.
Malassezia, a fungal infection of the scalp that normally is harmless but may cause irritation to it so severely that additional skin cells form, die and then clump together into dandruff flakes. For effective treatment of this condition it’s essential that patients visit their dermatologist.
Hair washing should also be done regularly if your locks are oily or greasy; otherwise, buildups of oil, dead skin cells and itching/irritation could develop quickly. According to research recommendations, Caucasians/Asians/Asian should use products targeted towards fighting dandruff on a daily basis while African-Americans only should do it once every two weeks; when shampooing make sure you follow instructions closely as some antidandruff treatments need time on your scalp to work effectively (Borda & Wikramanayake, 2015).
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by hair loss or dandruff, bear in mind that these prevail issues that can be quickly handled with the right tools and strategies. Do not let them get you down or trigger unneeded tension and stress and anxiety. Look after your hair and yourself, and bear in mind that your worth extends beyond your hairdo. You are more than simply your hair, so remain positive and own your special appearance.
References
Borda, L. J., & Wikramanayake, T. C. (2015). Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology, 3(2). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852869/
Mayo Clinic. (2016). Dandruff – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850
Oklahoma, W. S. P., PhD, DPh Bernhardt Professor, Nonprescription Products and Devices College of Pharmacy Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma Gabriel E. Pray, PharmD Candidate College of Pharmacy Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford. (n.d.). Is It Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis? Www.uspharmacist.com. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/is-it-dandruff-or-seborrheic-dermatitis
Trueb, R., Henry, J., Davis, M., & Schwartz, J. (2018). Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress. International Journal of Trichology, 10(6), 262. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18
