Dandruff characterizes a condition, not the problem which causes it. The condition involves flaky skin shedding from the scalp in an abnormal manner, and is usually associated with seborrheic dermatitis, a whole-body skin condition. The affected person's skin cells shed are overproduced and shed faster than normal, and in the oily areas of the body such as the scalp and face, a specific yeast grows. The resulting flakes are dandruff.
Most cases of seborrheic dermatitis run in families. People who have the genes for excessive skin cell production may turn over their scalp cells at a rate of four to ten times faster than normal. These skin cells build up, along with oil from the scalp and yeast cells, and flake off as dandruff. Certain triggers can cause flare ups of the issue, including weather conditions and stress, which are hard to control. Avoiding alcohol in your skin cleansers, and washing your scalp regularly are controllable, though, and equally important.
Some less susceptible people may also experience dandruff in response to certain events, such as particularly extreme weather or allergic reactions. When the trigger is removed, most of these cases resolve themselves. For both people with genetic susceptibility and those without, excessive perspiration can be a trigger, which means that it's a good idea to wash your scalp after sweating a lot.
The well-know white flakes that characterize the condition are made of dead skin cells, yeast cells, and skin oils. In those with seborrheic dermatitis, the plaques that are shed may also be yellow, and may stick to the scalp rather than shedding. Lesions appear in particularly bad cases, and some people experience inflammation and redness, or itching.
Over the counter treatments for the condition are all that is needed in most cases. Combined with regular shampooing of the scalp and gentle but thorough scrubbing with fingers for several minutes, these treatments usually provide control of the symptoms. They contain many different active ingredients including salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, ketoconazole, resorcin and selenium.
More severe cases may need a medication that is stronger or not sold over the counter. Doctors can prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include short-term corticosteroid use. Steroids reduce inflammation, often helping to resolve the problem, but can only be used in the short-term as their long-term side effects can be severe.
Treating seborrheic dermatitis for the rest of your life isn't what most people want to hear about their prognosis, but the treatments are quite effective and the condition often has flares and rest phases. Keeping your scalp clean and using a medicated shampoo helps many people who are susceptible to dandruff maintain long periods of time between flare ups.
In most situations, home treatment with over the counter shampoos, combined with regular and frequent washing, are enough to relive the symptoms of the problem. Stronger medications are available from your doctor for stubborn cases. If your scalp itches, get treatment right away, because scratching can cause bacterial infections, the major secondary problem involved in dandruff. Even without completely understanding the causes of the issue, the treatment of dandruff is very effective.
Most cases of seborrheic dermatitis run in families. People who have the genes for excessive skin cell production may turn over their scalp cells at a rate of four to ten times faster than normal. These skin cells build up, along with oil from the scalp and yeast cells, and flake off as dandruff. Certain triggers can cause flare ups of the issue, including weather conditions and stress, which are hard to control. Avoiding alcohol in your skin cleansers, and washing your scalp regularly are controllable, though, and equally important.
Some less susceptible people may also experience dandruff in response to certain events, such as particularly extreme weather or allergic reactions. When the trigger is removed, most of these cases resolve themselves. For both people with genetic susceptibility and those without, excessive perspiration can be a trigger, which means that it's a good idea to wash your scalp after sweating a lot.
The well-know white flakes that characterize the condition are made of dead skin cells, yeast cells, and skin oils. In those with seborrheic dermatitis, the plaques that are shed may also be yellow, and may stick to the scalp rather than shedding. Lesions appear in particularly bad cases, and some people experience inflammation and redness, or itching.
Over the counter treatments for the condition are all that is needed in most cases. Combined with regular shampooing of the scalp and gentle but thorough scrubbing with fingers for several minutes, these treatments usually provide control of the symptoms. They contain many different active ingredients including salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, ketoconazole, resorcin and selenium.
More severe cases may need a medication that is stronger or not sold over the counter. Doctors can prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include short-term corticosteroid use. Steroids reduce inflammation, often helping to resolve the problem, but can only be used in the short-term as their long-term side effects can be severe.
Treating seborrheic dermatitis for the rest of your life isn't what most people want to hear about their prognosis, but the treatments are quite effective and the condition often has flares and rest phases. Keeping your scalp clean and using a medicated shampoo helps many people who are susceptible to dandruff maintain long periods of time between flare ups.
In most situations, home treatment with over the counter shampoos, combined with regular and frequent washing, are enough to relive the symptoms of the problem. Stronger medications are available from your doctor for stubborn cases. If your scalp itches, get treatment right away, because scratching can cause bacterial infections, the major secondary problem involved in dandruff. Even without completely understanding the causes of the issue, the treatment of dandruff is very effective.
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