Disclaimers: This post contains graphic images that may be disturbing to viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.Any writings, given or implied by any member of Eternal Skin Care are not to be taken as medical advice. For aesthetic purposes only, these are not a replacement for your physician's direction. Dandruff is a common scalp condition. It is caused by the abnormal shedding of old skin in the form of tiny dead flakes. Dandruff may be mild, moderate, or severe.You could feel quite self-conscious about having dandruff. Dandruff cannot be prevented or treated, however, there are several efficient strategies to manage this skin issue. Hair dandruff is a common problem in adults and can be a particularly difficult one to manage. The condition is characterized by the presence of white flakes on the scalp, which is associated with irritation and itching.The causes of hair dandruff are many and varied, which makes it difficult to manage. Some people find that their dandruff clears up after a month or two of using an anti-dandruff shampoo, but others find that it persists even after using such products for months.It's not a disease and it isn't contagious, so there's no need to worry about contagion when talking about dandruff with friends or family. Dandruff can also be caused by a variety of factors Allergies if you have allergies to food, pollen, or other substances, then these can cause your scalp to become itchy and dry. Cleansing agents if you wash your hair too often with harsh shampoos containing sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate), then this may irritate your scalp and lead to dandruff. Hormonal changes women are more likely than men to experience hormonal changes that affect their hair growth, causing dandruff when they menstruate or are pregnant. Chemical reactions some chemicals that come into contact with your skin can cause irritation or inflammation which leads to dandruff. Caffeine is one example of such a chemical; others include tar derivatives (used in shampoos and hair dyes) and sulfates (used in some soaps). Dandruff tends to improve with age. Dandruff is more common in younger people. However, it also tends to improve with age. For example, people who have oily hair are more likely to develop dandruff and be affected by it than those who have dry hair. Older people often get less severe cases of the condition than younger ones do. Hair styling and washing may trigger dandruff if you have really dry hair and scalp. When your hair is dry and brittle, it's more likely to break off if you touch or brush it too harshly.If you have really dry hair and scalp, try using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Then follow up with a hair mask or oil to lock in the moisture. You can also use a conditioning serum (for added shine), cream, spray or wax daily—any of these will help restore moisture and make your mane soft again. The more often you wash, the worse your dandruff tends to get. This is because washing your hair dries it out by removing the natural oils that keep your scalp moisturized and healthy.If you have dandruff due to dry skin on your head, more frequent washing can make the problem worse. Try to wash as infrequently as possible—once a week should be sufficient for most people with normal hair types and lifestyles (though if you’re working out or sweating excessively on a daily basis, you may need to wash every other day). Clotrimazole can be used to treat dandruff, but it doesn't work for everyone. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication that kills or prevents fungus from growing on the skin. It's available over the counter in cream and gel forms and is used for many fungal infections of the skin, including athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and ringworm (tinea corporis).It is not effective for everyone though—some people develop side effects from this medication. These include burning, itching, or tingling at application sites; redness; swelling; dryness; peeling; blisters and crusts at application sites; headache; dizziness or lightheadedness after rising quickly from sitting down. Other medications that may help include ketoconazole and selenium sulfide. Ketoconazole is a common treatment for dandruff. It works by decreasing the number of fungi on the scalp, which reduces itching and flaking. Ketoconazole is available in two forms: an oral tablet and a topical shampoo or cream (used twice daily). The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, headache, and rash; however, these should go away after you stop using the medication.Selenium sulfide is another common treatment for dandruff caused by fungi but it's less effective than ketoconazole. The most common side effects are skin irritation, burning, and stinging; however, these should go away after you stop using the medication. If you experience severe side effects with either of these treatments or if they don’t work for you, talk with your doctor about other options. Conclusion Hair dandruff is a common, yet embarrassing problem. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to treat it. From over-the-counter options like shampoos and conditioners to prescription treatments that may be available through your doctor or dermatologist, there's something out there for everyone. Video Source: Dr Sam Ellis | Dermatologist Explains Dandruff: What Causes It and Best Dandruff Treatments
