Article: Dandruff

For the album by Ivor Cutler, see Dandruff (album).

Dandruff (also called scurf; its scientific name is Pityriasis capitis) is the excessive flaking of dead skin that forms on the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.

Dandruff can also be a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or head lice. Excessive scratching should be avoided. Scratching to the point of causing breaks in the skin can increase the risk for infections, particularly from staph and strep bacteria. While these infections are the biggest risk from dandruff, many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem issues, so treatment can be very important for purely social reasons.

Causes

As skin grows, epidermal cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off the head. In most people, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. However, certain conditions cause cell turnover to be unusually rapid, especially common in the scalp. In people with dandruff, skin cells may die and be replaced about once every two weeks, as opposed to around once a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large clumps, which appear as small, white or grayish patches on the scalp.

Dandruff is believed to be the result of a combination of factors. Some of these factors are well studied, whereas others have not been thoroughly investigated.

The most common cause of dandruff is the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. The fungus metabolizes human fat, resulting in a lipid byproduct that is antigenic. Hence, the dermatitis in areas where sebum is found, areas with many sebaceous glands (on the scalp, face and upper part of the body). When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching. Other fungi may have a similar role in causing dandruff, as may certain bacteria.

Dandruff is not in fact caused by a dry scalp.

Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Other causative factors include family history, food allergies, excessive perspiration, use of alkaline soaps, yeast infections, and stress. Even the season of the year can contribute to the problem: Cold, dry winters are notorious for bringing on dandruff or making it worse. Symptoms of dandruff can also be aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh shampoos, and hair dyes. In rare cases, dandruff may be caused by over use of hair gel or spray.

The current drug of choice is Nizoral (Ketoconazole), though coal tar and other less expensive shampoo choices may be made as a first attempt for milder forms. Coal tar has been in increasing disfavor in the United States due to suspected carcinogenic properties.

Dandruff is sometimes the symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. Joseph Bark notes that "Redness and itching is actually seborrheic dermatitis, and it frequently occurs around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp." Dry, thick, well-defined lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp.

Seasonal changes, stress, and certain diseases seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis. The cold, dry air of fall and winter often triggers a flare-up. Emotional stress can worsen the condition as well.

Simple dandruff does not cause hair loss.

Nutrition

Dandruff can in some cases be linked to poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in the mineral zinc. Zinc can be found in food like shellfish (especially oysters), and in turkey, pork, and some nuts.

Treatment

The appearance of flakes can be reduced, especially in those who suffer from only a mild case of dandruff, by proper hair care. Some people mistakenly avoid washing their hair, believing that the drying effect of shampoo will worsen their dandruff. By washing the hair regularly, however, dead skin is in fact removed before it can build up into larger, more noticeable flakes. Using acid-based shampoos helps restore acidity to the scalp, breaking down oils and preventing dead skin cells from collecting into visible clumps. However, shampoos with milder medication, or shampoos that are not marked to treat seborrheic dermatitis, may have little to no effect on redness and irritation.

Household remedies to get rid of dandruff are apple cider vinegar (the gold standard of household remedies), salt or lemon juice. Apply the liquid to the scalp and allow to remain for several minutes to several hours, even overnight, then shampoo and rinse clean in the shower. One good way to apply the liquid is from a spray bottle, or simply by pouring over the head. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a rinse after shampooing: the vinegar will act as both a fungicide to fight the cause of the cell buildup, as well as a rinsing agent, which will rinse clumps of skin away before they appear large enough to be visible.

Severe forms of dandruff, particularly if accompanied by flaking or scaling on other parts of the body, should be treated by a dermatologist. Dandruff can occur in conjunction with skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Dandruff varies from person to person. It may be necessary to try various shampoos with different active ingredients (selenium sulfide, tar, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole) to find the best suited for any one individual. Also, an individual may find that alternating between different treatments will be more effective than sticking with a single treatment, which can become less effective over time.

Tea tree oil's antifungal activity has been found useful in the treatment of dandruff. [1] [2] [3]

General References

• Margen, Sheldon, M.D. "Wellnessfoods A to Z." Rebus Press, ISBN 0-929661-70-2