Understanding What Dandruff Is

The more technical name for common dandruff is seborrhea. This problem was thought of at one time to derive from an excess of oil on the scalp or from having a dry scalp. Almost all people get dandruff at one time or another and there is no special age group. Folks also contend that stress, certain hair treatments, and unbalanced dieting can cause dandruff. Now, all the above mentioned causes add to the condition of dandruff but the underlying cause is thought to be a fungus. Malassezia or pityrosporum (p. ovale) fungus is linked by research to be the primary cause of dandruff. Whenever this fungus exceeds its normal amount—cells start to die and new cells begin to form. The dead cells flake off the scalp and the result is the white flaky appearance that everyone calls dandruff.

You need to realize that people with dandruff need not be ashamed—it is a normal condition. it does not mean you are dirty or nasty. Everyone’s skin sheds on different areas of their body. Dandruff tends to be worse during the winter than the summer.

What dandruff looks like on the scalp is small patches of flaked skin. The color is usually white—sometimes grayish. Also, note that dandruff doesn’t always occur on the head. It can be found on the eyebrows, or in a person’s beard. Beard dandruff can cause a person to have dandruff on his shoulders or neck. Dandruff is not contagious, but it is very bothersome and embarrassing, because people will talk about you if you have it. Dandruff can be relieved fairly simply. There are particular medications that contain an active element which kills the fungus (p. ovale) that causes dandruff. Shampoos such as Nizoral contain ketoconazole—a proven killer of the p. ovale fungus. Multiple research has been done concerning Nizoral shampoo. Other shampoos such as Selsun Blue contain the element selenium. This is another anti- fungus ingredient that has proven to be very effective.

As far as an actual dandruff cure, there is none because it will reoccur. You can get relief from the itchiness and flaky dead cells that attract so much attention. Whatever dandruff shampoo you choose will have to be used faithfully. You must make certain you use the appropriate shampoo for the appropriate problem—sometimes the hair is oily and sometimes it is very dry. There are other methods of treatment ad prevention, but the most widely used for common dandruff is a trusted dandruff shampoo.

 

Privacy Policy