Dandruff

Malassezia: A very common fungus called Malassezia may contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most healthy adults without causing any problems. It feeds on the oils on the scalp, breaking it down and leaving oleic acid in its place.

Oily Scalp: Most people assume that people with dry scalp alone suffer from dandruff. But it is not so. An oily scalp results from increased production of sebum, the natural oil on the scalp. This can lead to dandruff-producing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, which is the name of eczema on the scalp. Professional consultation is needed.

Dry Skin: If dry skin causes your dandruff, it can be easy to tell because other parts of your body will likely be dry as well. Dry skin can worsen throughout the year due to temperature, and the same goes for your scalp as well. However, a dry scalp that causes dandruff is treatable, similar to dry skin anywhere else. You simply need to moisturize, especially as you are shampooing more often.

Shampoo: Some people believe that dandruff becomes worse the more often it is shampooed, but that is not the case. In fact, not shampooing enough can make dandruff worse. It causes more oil and dead skin to sit on top of the scalp, worsening dandruff. A medicated shampoo will be of help.

Hair Care Products: Contact dermatitis can develop on the scalp if the scalp is sensitive to any haircare products. This is the skin’s reaction to direct contact with an irritant, and it will likely result in dandruff. It is crucial to stop using the product immediately when the scalp becomes irritated or sore after using certain products.

Dandruff may get worse when you’re stressed or sick. Cold, dry winters can trigger dandruff or make it worse, too.

Although there is no cure for dandruff, there are many treatments available in most drug stores and online stores. Finding a treatment that works best may include a lot of trial and error, but the result may or may not be worth it. Look for shampoo containing one of the following ingredients:

• Zinc pyrithione
• Salicylic acid
• Selenium sulfide (or selenium sulfide)
• Ketoconazole
• Coal tar

And if one decided to try a shampoo that has coal tar in it, it needs to be used carefully. Coal tar treats dandruff by making the skin cells on the scalp die and flakes off more slowly, but there are things you should know:

• Some people have an allergic reaction to it.
• It can change the color of lighter-colored hair, fingernails, skin, and clothes.
• Avoid it if there are any cuts, broken skin, or infections, as well as in the eyes.
• It can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight – one should stay out of the sun for 24 to 72 hours after using it.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use it.

Make sure to read the instructions that come with the shampoo before using it to check whether it’s suitable and see how often it should be applied. A few important steps to follow while washing the hair.

• It’s particularly important to leave the shampoo in the hair for at least five minutes before washing it out.
• Try anti-dandruff shampoos for a month to see if dandruff improves. These shampoos are to be used only twice a week not daily. It can aggravate dandruff if overused.
• One might be able to use the shampoo less often once the symptoms improve, but dandruff will probably come back when the product is stopped completely.

Natural remedies are always a go-to these days. But it’s very important to know how the ingredients would react since not all skin types are the same. Before going ahead and trying out the suggestions found online, it is always best to consult a dermatologist before starting or taking any treatment/medication. A consultation is crucial to determine the definite diagnosis and recommendations will be done based on one’s medical history, life style, etc. It is vital that this step to not be skipped.

ANTI-DANDRUFF TREATMENT AT KLARA SKIN & HAIR CLINIC

At KLARA, our dandruff treatment aims to overcome itchy and flaky scalp, tackle the core problem of dry scalp, and thereby increase the hair follicles through combination treatment.

Do you feel constant itching on your scalp? Are there flakes of dry skin every time your touch your head?

Book an appointment today, and you can rest assured that you will be provided with an effective treatment for dandruff.