Dandruff is a mild form of Seborrheic Dermatitis. It is a chronic skin problem featuring oily, flaky patches on the skin, caused as a result of an overgrowth of a fungus/yeast called Malassezia globosa which naturally resides in the skin and feeds on natural sebum.
Dandruff is noticeable as white, or yellowish flakes and an itchy scalp can be annoying. It can affect hair health and one’s look.
Although dandruff is not a serious concern, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Leaving dandruff untreated for long term can foster hair loss and make one aesthetically disturbed. For an effective dandruff treatment in Hyderabad, one can consult a dermatologist at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic. This post talks about dandruff with emphasis on the best treatment options that help keep dandruff at bay.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a very common dermatology problem affecting the scalp skin. It usually manifests on the scalp skin and in the hair as white or gray flakes and causes the scalp to feel itchy and dry. The skin flakes are very obvious when one has dark hair and wears dark clothes. In extreme cases, the condition causes scalp skin to become raw, red, scaly, or crusty.
What Causes Dandruff?
There are many causes of dandruff, including:
- Oily, irritated scalp skin or dry skin
- Poor hair hygiene
- Change in weather/ Dry and cold season
- Extreme stress
- Unhealthy diet
- Heredity
- Hormonal disorders
- Frequent hair coloring or use of hair products with irritants
- A gastrointestinal problem
- Other skin conditions like contact dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
Does Dandruff Cause Hair Fall?
There is a dandruff and hair fall connection. Dandruff causes hair fall indirectly. Here\’s how:
- Inflammation– Dandruff leads to scalp skin inflammation which weakens the hair follicles and makes the hair strands easily fall out.
- Sebum accumulation– Dandruff causes natural sebum to build up in the hair roots, thus plugging the hair follicles and pores of the scalp skin.
- Infection– Dandruff can be an outcome of overgrowth of Malassezia which weakens hair roots.
- Itchiness– Dandruff makes the scalp itchy so scratching can damage the hair follicles.
So, to control dandruff problems and prevent hair fall, one must follow a good hair care routine and have a healthy lifestyle. Depending on the cause and severity of dandruff, the condition needs to be timely treated.
Best Dandruff Treatment Options
A hair dandruff treatment in Hyderabad at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic focuses on relieving the symptoms associated with dandruff. The flaking and itching can almost always be controlled with medical dandruff solutions.
For mild dandruff, the primary treatment approach is regular washing of the scalp and hair with a gentle shampoo to reduce the oil and skin cell build-up. Those with a drier scalp and hair, less frequent shampooing, and proper scalp and hair conditioning. If a regular head wash is not helping out, using an anti-dandruff shampoo is recommended.
Anti-dandruff or medicated shampoos, classified as per their ingredients, include:
- Pyri-thione zinc shampoos– has antibacterial/antifungal effect
- Tar-based shampoos– delay skin cell death and their flaking off
- Salicylic-acid-based shampoos– eliminate scalp skin scaling
- Selen-ium sulfide shampoos– antifungal effect
- Fluoci-nolone/ cortico-steroid-based shampoos– control itching, flaking, and irritation
- Ketocon-azole shampoos– kill dandruff-causing microbes.
Professional Dandruff Treatments
In case over-the-counter hair products or home remedies for dandruff are a failure, it\’s recommended to go for prescription dandruff scalp treatment. One must consult a dermatologist for dandruff that is stubborn if seeking the best, professional dandruff treatment. A dermatologist may prescribe any one or more of the following:
- Topical/oral corticosteroid– Fluo-cinolone is a corticosteroid that helps control itching and flaking.
- Calcineurin inhibitor drugs– Pimecro-limus and tacr-olimus are calcineurin inhibitors that help suppress the immune response and prevent dandruff causing microbes to flourish.
- Anti-dandruff shampoo– Strong, prescription anti-dandruff/medicated shampoo is recommended for use by a dermatologist.
- Phototherapy– Exposure to high-frequency light or UV light under controlled conditions can help control dandruff.
Preventing Dandruff: Long-term Solutions
At-home scalp and hair care and lifestyle choices can help in dandruff prevention and support in maintaining scalp health for long term. Here are some ways to reduce the likelihood of dandruff formation:
- Proper diet– It is advised to incorporate B vitamins, zinc, and healthy fats in the diet plan for improving scalp skin health.
- A good routine– If the scalp is too oily, washing hair and scalp often is important and if the scalp skin is dry, head wash frequency should be less.
- Going outdoors in the daytime– Exposing the scalp skin to UV light from the sun for a few minutes only can help improve scalp skin health and prevent dandruff.
- Good hair care products– It is important to avoid using any hairstyling products or other products that make the scalp skin and hair oilier, resulting in dandruff.
- Manage stress– Excessive stress can trigger or worsen dandruff by weakening the immune system and reducing the body’s ability to fight dandruff-causing microbes. With yoga and other stress-relieving techniques, stress can be reduced.
Opt for Dandruff Treatment To Achieve a Healthy Scalp
If home remedies and over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo have failed in dandruff management, then a dermatologist can help in clearing up dandruff. One can get in touch with dandruff doctors in Hyderabad at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic to achieve a healthy scalp with advanced treatments.
Besides, a permanent dandruff solution also requires establishing a good hair care routine; having a healthy diet plan; getting moderate sunlight on the head; and limiting harsh or hair styling products for long lasting and successful results!
FAQs on Dandruff Treatment
Is Dandruff Contagious?
Dandruff is not spreadable or transferable from an affected scalp of a person to someone else with no dandruff.
Can Dandruff Be Cured Permanently?
No. Dandruff can only be managed with proper hair care habits and hair treatment recommended by a dermatologist.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair If I Have Dandruff?
Try washing hair 3-4 times a week with an anti-dandruff shampoo. The exact frequency of washing hair depends on one’s hair type and scalp condition.
What Should I Do If My Dandruff Doesn\’t Improve?
Consult a dermatologist if dandruff isn’t manageable with over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. Dandruff treatment doctors in Hyderabad at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic may prescribe medicated/ anti-dandruff shampoo to effectively control dandruff.
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