Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that causes flakes
of skin to appear. Dandruff is a common condition, which is marked by itching.
In some cases it can be embarrassing and not easy to treat.
Fortunately,
dandruff can be controlled. In mild cases, the person need only find a suitable
shampoo which contains a gentle cleanser. When the dandruff is severe, a
medicated shampoo will be required.
Human skin cells are forever renewing
themselves. As skin cells in the scalp are renewed, the old (dead) ones are
pushed to the surface and then out of the scalp; they are literally
expelled.
For people with dandruff, the new cells are produced at a
faster rate than they die, resulting in more skin being shed, making dandruff
more noticeable.
If the skin is exposed to extreme temperatures, the risk of
developing dandruff is greater.
Dandruff can be chronic (long-term) or
the result of certain triggers. People with dandruff may also experience
irritation and redness on the scalp.
Excessive flaking may be caused by
an underlying illness or condition, such as psoriasis, a fungal infection
(Malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice.
Some individuals
with severe dandruff may have social or self-esteem problems. Therefore,
treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons.
The word dandruff comes from (most likely) dand (origin unknown)
and E. Anglian (England) dialect huff, hurf, meaning "scab". This is
probably linked to the Old Norse word hrufa, meaning "scab". The Old High
German word hruf means "scurf".
According to MediLexicon's medical
dictionary, dandruff is:
The presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to excessive or normal branny exfoliation of the epidermis.
A flake of dandruff seen through an electron
microscope
A dry scalp does not cause dandruff
A myth - some people think their dandruff is caused
by their scalp being too dry. They try to deal with this by not washing their
hair with shampoo, or wash it less often, believing that washing worsens the
problem. This is a myth (not true). Dandruff differs from a dry scalp in that it
usually gets better when you shampoo more frequently (with the right shampoos).
A significant number of people with dandruff find it improves as they
get older.
It is estimated that about 50% of people in Western Europe
and North America suffer from dandruff.
Dandruff is more common in men
than in women, and in people with oily skin.
Some studies have suggested
that diets that are too salty, sugary or spicy and accompanied by excessive
alcohol may exacerbate dandruff.
Dandruff does not contribute to hair
loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis
This is a skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed
or flaky. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a severe form of dandruff. When
it affects the scalp most people refer to it as dandruff. When babies have it,
it is referred to as cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis causes larger, greasier
flakes than most other types of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects not only
the scalp, but the skin in other parts of the body too.
Dandruff is
known as:
- Caspa (in Spanish or Portuguese)
- ??????? ???? ????? (in Arabic)
- Pellicules (in French)
- Schuppen (in German)
- Forfora (in Italian)
- ?? (in Japanese)
- ??????? (in Russian)
- ?? (in Chinese)
What are the signs and symptoms of dandruff?
The hallmark sign of dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis
of the scalp, is white flakes on the scalp and in the hair. If the person is
wearing dark clothes, the flakes will be more noticeable when they fall on their
shoulders. The scalp may also feel itchy, tight or sore.
Adult
individuals with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp may have red, flaky, greasy
patches of skin.
- There are while flakes of skin on the scalp, and in the person's hair
- Flakes may be oily looking
- Head may feel tight and itchy
- Head may feel tingly
- Head may feel sore
- Red, flaky, greasy patches of skin (adults, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults)
- Crusting and scaling rash on scalp (babies with Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap)
Most cases of dandruff do not require a visit to the doctor.
However, those who still find themselves scratching their scalp, if parts of the
scalp become red or swollen, after a few weeks of self-treatment should see
their doctor. The person may have severe seborrheic dermatitis or another
condition that has dandruff symptoms.
Signs and symptoms in babies
and children
Often referred to as cradle cap, signs and
symptoms may appear when the baby is between 2 weeks and 6 months of age,
especially between the ages of 3 to 8 weeks - this usually disappears after a
few weeks; in some cases it may take months. Although cradle cap may be alarming
to parents, it is not dangerous.
A symptom is something the patient
senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor
notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a
sign.
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