| Dandruff | |||||
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- What is dandruff?
- Symptoms of dandruff
- Causes of dandruff
- Treatment of dandruff
- Important dandruff facts
Dandruff is a condition which affects the scalp (of the head), which produces white flakes that are shed and fall from the scalp.
Dandruff causes the normal scalp cell renewal rate to be hastened, so more scalp cells are renewed than are produced, so more dead scalp cells are shed and fall from the scalp.
The tell-tale signs of dandruff are:
- Lots of small, white (or greyish) flakes on the shoulders, hiar and back of tops/jackets/shirts
- Lots of flakes coming from the head when it is scratched
- Scalp itching or soreness
There are few different causes of dandruff:
- Having certain diseases - people with disease such as HIV and Parkinson's are more prone to getting dandruff
- High GI (or simple sugar) diet - high intake of proessed and refined foods seems to make dandruff worse in some people
- Lack of sunlight - dandruff may get worse in winter than in summer because the ultraviolet light kills the pityrosporum ovale
- Not brushing the hair regularly (every day) - lack of brushing can cause a build-up of dead skin cells on the scalp which need to be shed
- Nutritional deficiencies - certain nutrient deficiencies can cause dandruff such as the essential fatty acids and B vitamins, especially vitamin B6 and vitamin B12
- Overgrowth of yeast (pityrosporum ovale) - this yeast is known to cause dandruff (or at least make it worse)
- Stress - high levels or long, excessive levels of stress appear to make dandruff worse
Diagnosis and testing
Diagnosis of dandruff is normally by viewing the scalp for flakes by a doctor at a normal consultation.
Conventional treatment
Conventional treatment consists of the following:
- Antibiotics - are used to treat the yeast infection of the scalp, especially if the condition is widespread
- Anti-fungal creams and tablets - are used in the case of the yeast causing the dandruff, especially if the infection is widespread
- Cortisone lotion - are used in conjunction with the medicated shampoo to really get rid of the dandruff
- Medicated shampoo - can usually be purchased without the need for a prescription
- Prescription medications - if the over-the-counter treatments do not work, a doctor can prescribe stronger medicated shampoos and creams to relieve symptoms and get rid of dandruff
If any of the treaments above causes an allergic reaction, it's use must be ceased and medical care sought. Your doctor will try a different treatment approach.
Alternative / completementary treatment
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
- Nutritional - high intake of sugar and processed foods are thought to contribute to the development dandruff so these must be eliminated from the diet (or at least greatly reduced)
- Supplements - nutritional deficiencies in certain vitamins are thought to cause (or aggravate dandruff)
- Apple cider vinegar - this treatment works well for dandruff when it is used as a final rinse after shampooing the hair with either normal shampoo or one with tea tree oil; it reduces flakiness and scalp sensitivit and itchiness; dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water to rinse the hair
- B vitamin complex - supplementation with all the B vitamins may be required to help clear up symptoms and prevent recurrence; especially required are vitamin B6 and vitamin B12
- Betacarotene - supplementation with this vitamin is helpful as it is essential for proper hair and scalp growth and maintenance
- Essential fatty acids - the essential fatty acids (especially the omega 3 fatty acids) reduce inflammation and keep the scalp healthy
- Green tea - a recent study has shown that green tea may be a useful remedy for dandruff
- Selenium - supplementation with this mineral is recommended as it helps the body combat the symptoms of dandruff and prevent it from developing in the first place (it is also an ingredient in conventional medicated shampoos)
- Zinc - supplementation with this mineral may help a lowered immune system to work better and reduce scalp sensitivity and flakiness
- Tea tree oil - medicated shampoos and soaps with tea tree oil are a recommended alternative treatment for dandruff as the tea tree oil has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and usually helps to clear up dandruff
- Dandruff is the most common scalp condition in adults
- The medicated shampoo (either the conventional or alternative ones) usually clear up the dandruff after a few weeks of treatment
- Brushing the hair thoroughly every day prevents dandruff by allowing normal dead skin cells to be shed
- Wash hair a few times a week to prevent build-up of dead sin cells
- The use of medicated shampoo on a regular basis is recommended to prevent recurrence
- Treat nutritional deficiencies with more intake in the diet or through supplementation (this should be done in conjunction with a naturopath and your doctor)
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 16 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Piérard-Franchimont C, Goffin V, Decroix J, Piérard GE . A multicenter randomized trial of ketoconazole 2% and zinc pyrithione 1% shampoos in severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Skin Pharmacol. Appl. Skin Physiol. 2002; 15 (6): 434-41
- Rapaport M. "A randomized, controlled clinical trial of four anti-dandruff shampoos". J. Int. Med. Res. 9 (2): 152-6, 1981
- Sawleshwarkar SN, Salgaonkar V, Oberai C. Multicenter, open-label, non-comparative study of a combination of polytar and zinc pyrithione shampoo in the management of dandruff. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2004 Jan-Feb;70(1):25-8
- Trueb RM. Shampoos: ingredients, efficacy and adverse effects. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2007 May;5(5):356-65
To learn more, go to the Australasian College of Dermatologists web site.
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
