Dandruff – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flaking skin. While not serious or contagious, it can cause embarrassment for those affected.
Treatment often helps manage symptoms, though dandruff may return periodically. Many people find relief using gentle daily shampoos. When regular shampoos don’t work, medicated options are available.
Signs and Dandruff Problems
Dandruff can show itself in several ways on your body. You might notice:
- White skin flakes on your scalp and hair
- Flakes on your eyebrows, beard, or mustache
- Flakes that fall onto your shoulders
- Itchy scalp
- Scaly or crusty scalp in babies (called cradle cap)
These problems often get worse when you feel stressed. They also tend to become more noticeable during cold, dry weather.
When You Should Visit a Doctor
Most people can manage dandruff without seeing a doctor. However, if you’ve been using dandruff shampoo regularly and don’t see improvement, it’s time to get professional help.
Schedule an appointment with your regular doctor or a dermatologist for better treatment options.
Causes
Dandruff can develop due to several factors. These include:
- Irritated, oily scalp
- Dry skin conditions
- A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia that lives on the oils found on most adult scalps
- Sensitivity to hair products, causing contact dermatitis
- Underlying skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema
These factors can disturb the normal skin cell turnover process on your scalp, leading to the familiar white flakes.
Risk Factors
Dandruff can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase your chances of developing it:
Age Range: Dandruff typically starts in early adulthood and persists through middle age. Some people experience it throughout their entire lives.
Gender: Men experience dandruff more frequently than women.
Health Conditions: People with neurological disorders, like Parkinson’s disease, tend to have a higher risk of developing dandruff. Individuals with HIV or weakened immune systems also face increased risk.
These factors don’t guarantee you’ll develop dandruff, but they may make you more susceptible to this common scalp condition.
