Dandruff Overview

Many are familiar with the itchy feeling that accompanies one of the most prevalent scalp conditions around, dandruff.  Also called Pityriasis simplex capillitii, this condition sort of happens to everybody in a lesser degree.  The scalp sheds dead skin cells every so often, and minor flaking is quite unavoidable, albeit very manageable at the same time.  The real problem lies when this flaking occurs rapidly and more noticeably.  When larger grayish or white scales start to show on hair and clothing, this may be a sign of another condition, with dandruff merely being a symptom.  To better understand the situation as a whole, it’s good to be knowledgeable of all possible causes of dandruff.

As was mentioned, everybody experiences flaking when the scalp’s first layer, the epidermis, grows new skin cells and pushes old ones outward.  This flaking is just too small to be obvious and it takes at least a month before it occurs.  One reason for this flaking to occur much sooner though, is excessive intake of saturated fats and sugar.  Eating food rich in these substances causes the sebum excreted in the scalp to be richer in fatty acids called triglycerides.  These acids are then metabolized by fungi called Mallasezia globosa, something naturally present in the scalp.  For susceptible people, the resulting by-product, called oleic acid then permeates the scalp, disturbing the natural order of things.  Inflammation will occur followed by highly irregular shedding of dead skin cells.  In this regard, there has also been a researched connection between excessive sebum production, perspiration and dandruff.  Other causes include stress, extreme climate, lack of specific vitamins and poor hygiene, although that last one has been contested.

Dandruff can also be a sign of something a little more serious, like Seborrheic dermatitis.  Sometimes mistaken as dandruff itself, this skin condition also comes with redness and itchiness, and usually afflicts areas of the skin with high sebum production. So this means it’s not only the scalp that is affected, but also areas like the eyebrows, folds of the nose and the chest.  The true cause of the disease is currently unclear, but several factors are said to contribute, such as yeast (Malassezia), the environment, genes, hormones and the immune system.  Seborrheic dermatitis is also common amongst babies, but in that case it is called cradle cap.  Other symptoms include a tingly and sore feeling on the scalp and oily looking flakes.  If one suspects the presence of this condition, a trip to the doctor is recommended, as seborrhea can also be a sign of immunodeficiency or neurological disorder.

Temporary hair loss can also happen with seborrhea, although some report that intense outbreaks left unchecked can cause permanent damage to follicles.  So whether it is a regular bout of dandruff or caused by a disease, it is good to seek advice on how to maintain your condition.  No permanent cure has been discovered, but regularly using over the counter or prescription anti dandruff medication helps.  The dandruff may recur, but it’s better than leaving your scalp irritated and unkempt.

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