Causes of Dandruff and Treatment

Dandruff is very common problem. It may be due to any underlying disease or many times it is present with out any exact cause. But many studies say Dandruff is not related to scalp hygienic condition. In this article I will discuss its causes and treatments. 

WHAT IS DANDRUFF ?

There is shedding of dead layer from scalp skin in the form of flakes. In dandruff shedding of skin has increased due to any disease like seborrhea, fungal, psoriasis or may be just with out any cause too. Some times itching is also associated with dandruff if it is due to fungal or dryness of scalp.

CAUSE  OF DANDRUFF ?

Dandruff is caused by many factors. It could be infection, auto immune disease, any internal local factor or many times with out any cause. I have tried to sum up all important factors here

1.DRYNESS

Dryness is most cause of dandruff. In dryness dandruff is rough and wash away after taking head wash But comes back in 1-2 days. Adequate oiling of scalp and daily shampooing is enough. Although it remains on and off depending on season.

2. FUNGAL INFECTION

Fungal infection is another very common cause of dandruff. Itching is also associated with it some times. Dandruff is bit adherent to scalp and moist in nature. Anti-fungal shampoo and oral antifungal medicines are the main treatment.

3.  SEBORRHOEIC CAPITIS

It is a disease in which scalp and central part of body is affected. Moist dandruff is common. It is difficult to treat and recurrent in nature. Steroidal shampoo, antifungal both should be given.

4. PSORIASIS

Another disease which increases shedding of skin and form thick layer of dandruff. Although it is a separate condition but one of the leading cause of dandruff. Salicylic acid, steroid, oral methotrxate are main treatment options.

5. Not WASHING ,SHAMPOOING SCALP

Scalp naturally form dandruff  which should be washed once in 2-3 days. Normal cleaning is enough.

 TREATMENT

Ketoconazole shampoo

KZ Shampoo, Nizoral shampoo etc are there in market which can be used twice in a day for fungal related dandruff. Initially if suspected all patients should use this to rule out fungal infection.

SALICYLIC ACID SHAMPOO

Salicylic acid removes upper dead layer of skin and reduce scalp dandruff production. This can be used in all type of dandruff along with ketoconazole. Salicia KT etc are available in market.

TAR

It is bit strong chemical and used in resistant , psoriasis cases. IONAX T SCALP, Salitar etc are available in market . Should be used twice in a week.

ZINC PYRITHION

It is antifungal , antinflammtory  , anti dandruff chemical . Comes mixed with other medicines. Should be used twice in a week.

CLEAN, WASH SCALP EVERYDAY

Washing scalp itself is enough many cases. It cleans off natural dandruff.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ?

If you have a general dandruff and there is no underlying disease like psoriasis or seborrhoeic etc then a shampoo with ketoconazole and salisylic acid mixed is good option. Salicia KT shampoo and many other are available in market which can be used twice in a week for 2-3 month. If dandruff persists then should visit to the doctor.