Health Tips

Imagine this, you’re getting ready for your date, and as you try to fix your hair, dandruff starts falling off from your hair to your shoulders and shirt. Yikes! What should I do with my dandruff?

What is dandruff?

DECIPHERING MEDICAL JARGON Dandruff: is a chronic condition that occurs when the scalp becomes greasy, producing scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin on the scalp or on the shoulders. 

Though it is a common condition, it can be embarassing and uncomrtable for one.

Facts about dandruff:

• IT IS FUNGUS.

Wait, what? Dandruff is associated with a buildup of Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that grows on oily scalp.

• IT IS NOT CAUSED BY DRYNESS.

Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is actually a result of greasy scalp. The irritants produced by Malassezia feeds on the excess oil, causing skin cells to shed faster than usual, thus resulting in itchiness and dandruff flakes. 

• IT CAN'T BE CURED, BUT CAN BE CONTROLLED.

Frequent washing your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner containing salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione is the easiest and most effective way to control dandruff. This will not only invigorates the hair follicles, but also removes flakes, reduces excess oil, and prevents dead skin cell buildup. 

• SCRATCHING YOUR SCALP MAKES IT WORSE.

This is due to the dead skin being clumped together, which then falls off more easily and in bigger chunks. If the itchiness is bothersome, try a sensitive shampoo which helps to soothe the irritated skin. See a doctor if the itching doesn’t resolve or worsen. This may be due to another culprit, like psoriasis or a skin inflammation that requires a different kind of treatment.

• DIET PLAYS A ROLE.

Avoid food that are high in saturated and trans fats as they cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which worsens dandruff. Instead, add fruits and vegetables that are high in zinc and B vitamins to your diet to keep the flakes at bay.

• STRESS CAN WORSEN IT.

Stress weakens the body's natural defenses, so the body will find it difficult to deal with the presence of Malassezia. This will then trigger a dandruff outbreak. So, lower your stress level to relax your scalp.

• REGULAR EXERCISE HELPS.

Being physically active helps to remove dandruff as it improves blood circulation, leading to healthier skin and healthier hair. But remember, shower immediately after a workout, as sweat can irritate the scalp

• IT CAUSES HAIR FALL.

Shedding hair is normal. Hair fall may also be induced by the constant need to scratch an itchy scalp. The action of scratching our heads may cause damage to the hair fibers, thus making it more prone to breakage.   

• IT IS NOT RESTRICTED TO YOUR SCALP.

Dandruff may be present on the eyebrows, along the nose, around the ears, at the chest, armpits and groin — anywhere that the skin can over-produce oil. So, don't be surprised if you discover 'white snows' on these areas.

Get control over your dandruff. You've got this!

References:

1. 10 Who-Knew Facts About Dandruff | Good Housekeeping
2. Dandruff | Mayo Clinic

Image credit:

1. https://static.fashionbeans.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/flaky-scalp.jpg
2. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Dandruff01.jpg/300px-Dandruff01.jpg

Written by

Dr Amirah Ekhsan