Dandruff
No one wants to have white flakes on their shoulders, but how do you get rid of dandruff and what causes those pesky flakes?
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is one of the most common conditions affecting the scalp. It happens when the skin cells on your scalp renew twice as fast as they are supposed to. This means that more dead cells are shed and your scalp becomes scaly, which often builds up into clumps. This is often quite noticeable and can be hard to disguise, not to mention very embarrassing - especially if black is your favourite colour. Your scalp may itch and be red or inflamed, and it can also feel tight.
Dandruff is also believed to be caused by an overgrowth of a fungus commonly found on the skin and scalp, called Pityrosporum ovale. The condition may be worse in the winter because UVA light from the sun works against the fungus. Too much sebum, which is the natural oil that's secreted from glands in the skin, also fuels the growth of this fungus. This may be why dandruff often starts in puberty because of all the hormone changes, or if you happen to have an oily scalp.
How can you get it?
You're more likely to get dandruff between the ages of 20 to 30 and you've also got a higher chance of having it if you're a bloke. A common myth is that you may have it because of poor hygiene, but you can tell anyone who asks you to go and wash your hair that they don't know what they're talking about! It's also a myth that using styling products causes dandruff, and you definitely can't catch it off anyone. So how do you get rid of it?
Treatments
If you want to help prevent dandruff or improve the condition of your scalp the natural way, try and cut down on salty, sugary and spicy foods, alcohol and cigarettes, and increase your intake of vitamin B, B6, E, selenium and zinc. You may also want to stay away from colouring or bleaching your hair as the chemicals could irritate your scalp.
If you need a fast fix, then try these over-the-counter remedies:
- Anti-dandruff shampoos should be used two to three times a week. Massage your scalp with the shampoo and make sure you don't scratch it, however tempting it may be. Sometimes you may have to leave the shampoo in for a couple of minutes, but always check the label first;
- Anti-fungal shampoos contain a chemical that works well to get rid of dandruff, but they also need to be used a few times a week and can take up to six weeks to work. Whatever shampoo you use, make sure you brush your hair gently and make sure you've rinsed everything off your hair before you get out of the shower.
Dandruff shampoos come in various forms, but the most common ingredients are:
- Zinc pyrithione - reduces the production of yeast;
- Selenium sulphide - suppresses the natural oils produced from your scalp glands;
- Coal tar - contains a natural anti-fungal agent, but it's rarely recommended as it can discolour your hair and doesn't smell all that great;
- Ketoconazole - works to reduce and shed the scalp of cells;
- Salicylic acids - will also help shed your scalp of excess cells rather than slow the reproduction down, however it can make your scalp dryer than before you used the treatment.
When it still won't go...
If your dandruff doesn't shift after using special shampoos, or if it gets worse or affects other parts of your skin, it may help to go and see your doctor (GP). It could be that you need to take prescribed medication, or be referred to a skin specialist, especially if you have a more serious skin condition such as Seborrhoeic eczema or Seborrhoeic dermatitis. This is a more severe form of dandruff that will also affect the skin around your eyebrows, nose, ears, face and forehead. Psoriasis also affects the scalp, and the skin around your ears, knees and elbows.
