Dandruff is a common condition, and although harmless, it is bothersome. It is the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis and manifests as fine, scattered flakes in hairy areas of the scalp. These are, in fact, thin, whitish epidermal layers that detach from the scalp.
The problem is caused by skin cells that grow and die too quickly. The exact reason why this happens is unclear. A very common fungus, called Malassezia, can contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most adults without causing problems. It is assumed that the immune system may overreact to this fungus, leading to dandruff, but research is not conclusive regarding the exact cause of this dermatological problem.
In this article, we will explore what dandruff is, its types and symptoms, the main causes leading to its appearance, and the most effective treatment methods to maintain a healthy and clean scalp.
Table of Contents
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a common condition that causes flaking of the skin on the scalp. It resembles snowflakes and is usually only noticed when it falls from the scalp: in the hair, on the shoulders, neck, or eyebrows. It is not contagious or serious, but it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat.
Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes, dandruff causes pruritus (itching). It is so common that it affects about half of the adult population worldwide.
Types of dandruff
There are two types of dandruff:
Oily – excessive sebum (oil) production can cause dandruff. This type of dandruff appears as larger, yellowish, oily flakes.
Dry – dry skin on the scalp can lead to flaking. This type of dandruff often appears as small, white or grey flakes and is more visible in cold months when the skin is prone to dehydration.
Symptoms of dandruff
Symptoms of dandruff include:
flakes that vary in size and color: from small and white to large and yellowish;
itchy flakes, which predominantly appear on the scalp and eyebrows;
erythema, i.e., red patches on the scalp and sometimes on the face.
Dandruff symptoms can be more severe during periods of high stress and tend to worsen in cold and dry seasons.
Causes of dandruff
Many factors can contribute to dandruff, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of flaking and itching.
It is important to emphasize that dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more noticeable if hair is not washed regularly. Overactive sebaceous glands leading to a buildup of oil and dead cells, dry skin, certain neurological disorders, and a weakened immune system can all lead to dandruff. Additionally, diet, stress, and cold weather can worsen dandruff.
Malassezia fungus
The most common cause of dandruff is the excessive growth of the Malassezia fungus, which is naturally found on the scalp. This fungus feeds on the natural oils on the scalp, causing irritation and excessive shedding of skin cells. Some people's bodies perceive this breakdown of sebum as an irritant, so the scalp reacts by increasing the rate of skin cell renewal, causing dandruff.
Generally, it takes a month for new skin cells on the scalp to mature, die, and shed. However, for those with dandruff, this process occurs in a maximum of seven days.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Dandruff is the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a type of eczema affecting areas of the body that secrete the most sebum. People with oily skin are often more prone to dandruff.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin irritation caused by either an allergen or an irritant, resulting in an itchy, potentially painful rash. In the case of dandruff, this reaction manifests on the scalp and generally occurs due to hair care products or dyes.
People with reactive (sensitive) skin may notice the appearance of dandruff after using certain hair care products. Additionally, environmental factors can cause dandruff in those with sensitive skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin can lead to dandruff, especially in cold seasons. When the skin on the scalp becomes too dry, it can flake.
Incorrect shampooing
The less frequently one shampoos, the more oil and dead cells accumulate on the scalp, leading to dandruff.
On the other hand, excessive shampooing can strip the skin's natural oils, causing excessive dryness of the scalp.
Scalp and hair care habits should take into account skin type (dry, oily, with or without certain sensitivities).
Diet and stress
A poor diet and high stress levels can weaken the immune system, making the scalp more susceptible to dandruff. Excessive consumption of fatty foods, sugar, or processed products can promote scalp inflammation and sebum production, increasing the risk of flaking. In contrast, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain scalp health.
Neurological and psychiatric conditions
Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries are among the conditions that increase the risk of dandruff.
Dandruff affects approximately 50% of the adult population worldwide and is more prevalent in men than in women. There are, therefore, several risk factors for dandruff:
Age. Dandruff most commonly appears at puberty and peaks around age 20. It is less common among people over 50, so young adults are in the risk category. For some people, the problem can persist throughout life.
Sex. Androgen hormones, such as testosterone, stimulate sebaceous gland activity. More sebum means an increased risk of inflammatory reaction and, implicitly, dandruff. Therefore, men are more often affected by dandruff than women.
Weakened immune system. Dandruff is more prevalent in people who have undergone organ transplants and those suffering from AIDS, hepatitis C, or alcoholic pancreatitis.
Dandruff treatment
Usually, a dermatologist can diagnose dandruff by simply examining the scalp. If dandruff does not respond to treatment, the doctor may perform a skin biopsy to rule out other possible problems.
Dandruff associated with seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic problem, which usually requires repeated or long-term treatment. As for dandruff caused by contact dermatitis, dry skin, or shampooing technique, a change in habits should eliminate the flakes fairly quickly.
Dandruff treatments help remove flakes, as well as control flaking and itching.
There are several methods by which dandruff can be controlled and even eliminated.
Using an anti-dandruff shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos, with or without a prescription, contain various active ingredients that help remove flakes and prevent flaking.
Ingredients that help eliminate flakes and reduce the growth of Malassezia fungus include:
exfoliants for dead scalp cells;
antifungal agents targeting the Malassezia fungus;
anti-inflammatory agents;
repairing, soothing, and moisturizing agents;
zinc pyrithione (effective against the fungus responsible for dandruff) or its natural alternatives.
To reduce oil and skin cell buildup, it is good to wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo, gently massaging the scalp. This can help increase blood circulation and reduce dandruff.
Ivadermaseb Intensive Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – regulates flaking, redness, excess sebum, and itching on the scalp, has repairing, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturizing effects. Texture adapted for scalp and hair care.
Ivadermaseb Intensive Anti-Dandruff Serum for Irritated Scalp – restores scalp microbiome balance, eliminates dandruff and flakes, reduces itching, deeply nourishes and hydrates the scalp, has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and soothing action.
Ivadermaseb K Kerato-Regulating Shampoo with 2% Salicylic Acid – thanks to 2% salicylic acid, it has a keratolytic effect, and the active ingredients Climbazole and Piroctone Olamine provide antifungal and antibacterial action. Bisabolol and moisturizing agents reduce irritation, itching, and redness, restoring scalp balance and providing comfort.
Frequent hair brushing
Brushing hair from the scalp downwards, with constant and firm strokes, removes oil from the scalp, where its accumulation and dead skin cells can cause dandruff. Spreading sebum along the hair strands helps keep hair shiny and healthy.
Stress management
Reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help improve overall scalp health.
Avoiding harsh hair products
It is good to eliminate cosmetic products containing harsh chemicals from your hair care routine, as these can exacerbate dandruff in people with sensitive skin.
Also, excessive use of hair care products with a high content of synthetic ingredients can lead to dandruff.
For people who have had dandruff, their care routine and lifestyle play an important role in preventing flaking.
Daily shampooing. People with oily skin should use a gentle shampoo daily and gently massage the scalp to prevent dandruff. However, if hair tends to be dry and the scalp is sensitive, less frequent washing is more beneficial.
Good hygiene. A balance is needed regarding scalp washing. It is good to shampoo the scalp often enough to keep oils at bay, but without using too many cosmetic products, as this can irritate the scalp. Also, if itching occurs, it is good to ignore the urge to scratch the skin, as the problem can be aggravated.
Reducing stress levels. Stress can worsen dandruff for some people. The Malassezia fungus can grow at an accelerated rate if the immune system is compromised, which is exactly what stress does to the body.
Eating healthy foods. A diet rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can support scalp health. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Avoiding styling products. Hair styling products can accumulate on hair and scalp, making them oilier and more prone to dandruff.
Dandruff is bothersome and, in some cases, can affect self-esteem. Usually, it does not indicate a more serious health problem, and with the right treatments, it can be eliminated. However, it is important that the care products used are appropriate for the skin type, so that the results are favorable.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Dandruff: causes, risk factors, treatment
Dandruff is a common condition, and although harmless, it is bothersome. It is the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis and manifests as fine, scattered flakes in hairy areas of the scalp. These are, in fact, thin, whitish epidermal layers that detach from the scalp.
The problem is caused by skin cells that grow and die too quickly. The exact reason why this happens is unclear. A very common fungus, called Malassezia, can contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most adults without causing problems. It is assumed that the immune system may overreact to this fungus, leading to dandruff, but research is not conclusive regarding the exact cause of this dermatological problem.
In this article, we will explore what dandruff is, its types and symptoms, the main causes leading to its appearance, and the most effective treatment methods to maintain a healthy and clean scalp.
Table of Contents
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a common condition that causes flaking of the skin on the scalp. It resembles snowflakes and is usually only noticed when it falls from the scalp: in the hair, on the shoulders, neck, or eyebrows. It is not contagious or serious, but it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat.
Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes, dandruff causes pruritus (itching). It is so common that it affects about half of the adult population worldwide.
Types of dandruff
There are two types of dandruff:
Symptoms of dandruff
Symptoms of dandruff include:
Dandruff symptoms can be more severe during periods of high stress and tend to worsen in cold and dry seasons.
Causes of dandruff
Many factors can contribute to dandruff, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of flaking and itching.
It is important to emphasize that dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more noticeable if hair is not washed regularly. Overactive sebaceous glands leading to a buildup of oil and dead cells, dry skin, certain neurological disorders, and a weakened immune system can all lead to dandruff. Additionally, diet, stress, and cold weather can worsen dandruff.
Malassezia fungus
The most common cause of dandruff is the excessive growth of the Malassezia fungus, which is naturally found on the scalp. This fungus feeds on the natural oils on the scalp, causing irritation and excessive shedding of skin cells. Some people's bodies perceive this breakdown of sebum as an irritant, so the scalp reacts by increasing the rate of skin cell renewal, causing dandruff.
Generally, it takes a month for new skin cells on the scalp to mature, die, and shed. However, for those with dandruff, this process occurs in a maximum of seven days.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Dandruff is the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a type of eczema affecting areas of the body that secrete the most sebum. People with oily skin are often more prone to dandruff.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin irritation caused by either an allergen or an irritant, resulting in an itchy, potentially painful rash. In the case of dandruff, this reaction manifests on the scalp and generally occurs due to hair care products or dyes.
People with reactive (sensitive) skin may notice the appearance of dandruff after using certain hair care products. Additionally, environmental factors can cause dandruff in those with sensitive skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin can lead to dandruff, especially in cold seasons. When the skin on the scalp becomes too dry, it can flake.
Incorrect shampooing
The less frequently one shampoos, the more oil and dead cells accumulate on the scalp, leading to dandruff.
On the other hand, excessive shampooing can strip the skin's natural oils, causing excessive dryness of the scalp.
Scalp and hair care habits should take into account skin type (dry, oily, with or without certain sensitivities).
Diet and stress
A poor diet and high stress levels can weaken the immune system, making the scalp more susceptible to dandruff. Excessive consumption of fatty foods, sugar, or processed products can promote scalp inflammation and sebum production, increasing the risk of flaking. In contrast, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain scalp health.
Neurological and psychiatric conditions
Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries are among the conditions that increase the risk of dandruff.
Dandruff affects approximately 50% of the adult population worldwide and is more prevalent in men than in women. There are, therefore, several risk factors for dandruff:
Dandruff treatment
Usually, a dermatologist can diagnose dandruff by simply examining the scalp. If dandruff does not respond to treatment, the doctor may perform a skin biopsy to rule out other possible problems.
Dandruff associated with seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic problem, which usually requires repeated or long-term treatment. As for dandruff caused by contact dermatitis, dry skin, or shampooing technique, a change in habits should eliminate the flakes fairly quickly.
Dandruff treatments help remove flakes, as well as control flaking and itching.
There are several methods by which dandruff can be controlled and even eliminated.
Using an anti-dandruff shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos, with or without a prescription, contain various active ingredients that help remove flakes and prevent flaking.
Ingredients that help eliminate flakes and reduce the growth of Malassezia fungus include:
To reduce oil and skin cell buildup, it is good to wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo, gently massaging the scalp. This can help increase blood circulation and reduce dandruff.
Frequent hair brushing
Brushing hair from the scalp downwards, with constant and firm strokes, removes oil from the scalp, where its accumulation and dead skin cells can cause dandruff. Spreading sebum along the hair strands helps keep hair shiny and healthy.
Stress management
Reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help improve overall scalp health.
Avoiding harsh hair products
It is good to eliminate cosmetic products containing harsh chemicals from your hair care routine, as these can exacerbate dandruff in people with sensitive skin.
Also, excessive use of hair care products with a high content of synthetic ingredients can lead to dandruff.
For people who have had dandruff, their care routine and lifestyle play an important role in preventing flaking.
Dandruff is bothersome and, in some cases, can affect self-esteem. Usually, it does not indicate a more serious health problem, and with the right treatments, it can be eliminated. However, it is important that the care products used are appropriate for the skin type, so that the results are favorable.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.