Dandruff Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A head capped by white hair can make a man look distinguished; a shoulder covered with white dandruff flakes, not so much. The scourge of many men, dandruff not only clashes with dark-colored jackets, but may also result in an itchy and irritated scalp.

Although unsightly dandruff can be embarrassing, the shedding of dead skins cells from the scalp is a natural process. Dandruff occurs when the cells gets trapped on the scalp because of too much oil, causing the growth of larger, more visible flakes. According to an article on the Mayo Clinic's Web site, having skin that is too dry or oily, not washing your hair enough, and certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, can all cause dandruff to form, as can a yeasty substance called malassezia, a fungus that thrives and multiplies if you suffer from too much stress or certain health conditions.

You rarely need a doctor to tell you that you have dandruff. Your eyes can usually spot the difference between normal shedding of tiny scalp cells and dandruff, the latter of which is typically larger, white- or yellow-colored, and often greasy, according to an article on WebMD. Another clue you may have dandruff is that the skin on your scalp, around your hairline or near your nose and eyebrows may also be itchy, flaky or even red.

Treating dandruff can be as simple as washing your hair more often. "Shampooing is often the easiest and most effective way to prevent dandruff," says Dr. Marta Rendon, founder and medical director of the Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton, Fla. "It cleans hair, invigorates follicles and reduces excessive sebum buildup that can lead to dandruff flakes, and prevents excess cells from accumulating on the scalp."

Dr. Rendon also recommends the use of an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione (ZPT) and selenium sulfide, such as Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo. Some people with dandruff may need to consult with a dermatologist who can prescribe a shampoo that can treat more stubborn scalp problems, Dr. Rendon says. If you have thinning hair along with dandruff, a dermatologist can discover the cause of your hair loss and possibly provide treatment for that as well.

There could be a silver lining, however, to your dandruff problem if you follow Dr. Rendon's diet and lifestyle advice to rid yourself of those pesky flakes. As the Global Celebrity Dermatologist for Head & Shoulders, Dr. Rendon recommends regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet that has plenty of B-vitamins, zinc and essential fatty acids to help treat dandruff, a suggestion that could also result in a trimmer body, brighter mood and longer, healthier life.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dandruff/DS00456/DSECTION=causes
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-dandruff-symptoms
Interview with Dr. Marta Rendon, founder and medical director of the Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton and Head & Shoulders Global Celebrity Dermatologist