What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a very common disorder in which the scalp is covered with an "abundant whitish flaking. These small flakes, dry and pearly, are nothing more than residues of dead cells, whose turnover occurs more quickly than normal.
The good news is that dandruff can usually be effectively controlled. When the disturbance is not too accentuated, daily washes with special shampoos or lotions are sufficient, with a certain fungicidal power and an effective washing base, but at the same time not irritating to the epidermis.
Dandruff is a typically male problem; in fact, males produce greater quantities of sebum, probably due to the higher levels of androgens. Although with less frequency and intensity, the disorder is still widespread also in the fair sex.
Dandruff usually appears in early adulthood and tends to regress after the age of 35-40. It is rare in children and the elderly.
Causes
What are the causes of dandruff?
The most varied hypotheses have been put forward on the genesis of this disorder, such as poor nutrition, stress, a natural tendency to dryness of the scalp, excessive production of sebum or washing too frequent, or too thin, with products not suitable for Although some of these elements can actually contribute to accentuating dandruff, they are hardly the main cause. In many cases, in fact, the real culprit is a fungus, Malassezia furfur (also called Pityrosporum), which lives on the scalp problems occur as soon as the colonies become too numerous and, feeding on the sebum which they break down into irritating fatty acids, accelerate epidermal cell turnover.
The exact cause that leads to the uncontrolled proliferation of Pityrospum is not known; in this regard, the old hypotheses listed at the beginning of the paragraph have been dusted off: increased sebum production, dry skin, stress, some diseases, weakness of the immune system, excessive or insufficient number of washings and hormonal imbalances (in particular the increase in androgens ol "increased local sensitivity to their action).
Now let's see in detail some classic factors that can trigger or accentuate the disorder:
- Dry skin: it is responsible for "dry" dandruff, characterized by dehydrated, fine and greyish scales, accompanied by itching, but without particular signs of skin irritation.
- Oily skin: it is responsible for "oily" dandruff, characterized by thick, yellowish and oily scales, which fall from an equally greasy scalp. It is caused by the so-called seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that leads to the loss of greasy scales not only from the scalp, but also from other areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the eyebrows, the skin areas on the sides of the nose and behind the ears, the groin area and, sometimes, the axillary area.
- Psoriasis: is a chronic, non-infectious inflammatory skin disease that affects approximately 1% of the population. It causes an accumulation of dead skin cells, which form thick silvery scales on skin areas covered with reddish patches and plaques. they are located above all in the knees, in the sacral region, in the elbows, hands, feet and in the scalp where, especially in the more nervous subjects, they cause intense and annoying itching.
- Contact dermatitis: is due to a sensitization towards particular substances, such as those contained in certain products used for washing or for hair care. It can be accompanied by dandruff and itching.
- Cradle cap: it is a disorder that occurs in the first months of babies' life.
For further information: Dandruff - Causes and Symptoms "
Treatment
Except in rare cases in which it occurs temporarily and then disappears, for example following a stressful period or eating disorders, dandruff is a chronic disorder, which can be controlled by using special products with a certain perseverance.
In general, a daily cleansing with a mild shampoo significantly reduces greasiness and the accumulation of dead cells. If this is not enough, it is necessary to use specific shampoos for dandruff, trying different ones until you find the one that best suits your needs. In reality, the best thing to do would be to undergo a dermatological medical examination, to investigate the causes and characteristics of dandruff and thus choose the most suitable shampoo or lotion.
Anti-dandruff products differ according to the active ingredient they contain, including:
- Zinc pyritone: this antibacterial and antifungal agent has been shown to be effective in reducing the fluffy microbial population that dwells on the scalp.
- Tar: By slowing the rate of cell turnover, coal tar can be useful in the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. However, in addition to the basically unpleasant odor, it can be irritating.
- Selenium sulfate: similarly to what was seen in the previous case, using shampoos and lotions containing this active ingredient, the cell turnover rate of the surface layer of the skin is reduced. Selenium sulfate also has a modest fungicidal action. Since these products can bleach lighter or colored hair, it is important to respect the directions on the label and rinse thoroughly after use.
- Ketoconazole: is one of the latest and most effective active ingredients used in the treatment of dandruff. Ketoconazole is, in fact, a broad spectrum antifungal agent, which can be effective when all other products have failed.
- Phytotherapeutic products: extracts of chilli pepper, apple vinegar and essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, sage and nettle are widely used. Tea tree oil (or essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia), used for its antiseptic and antifungal properties; seems effective against dandruff but can cause allergic reactions in predisposed individuals.
Anti-dandruff products can be used daily until the disorder is not controlled; at that point it is good to use them on 3 weekly occasions, alternating them, if frequent washing is required, with particularly delicate products. The application time, generally of at least one minute, should respect the manufacturer's instructions, so as to leave the active ingredients to act for a sufficient time.
If all these attentions do not have the desired effects, dandruff should become a problem of medical competence. After a thorough examination, the dermatologist could then prescribe particular products, available only in pharmacies, or a corticosteroid-based treatment.
The best anti-dandruff shampoos
Used two to three times a week, it performs an effective shock action without attacking the scalp, thanks to its delicate formulation without foam, without SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).
The product is also ideal as an adjuvant in the treatment of seborrheic states, to supplement the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and to cleanse the scalp in case of specific antifungal treatments.
This shampoo uses Selenium Disulfide technology, proven to balance the scalp microbiome, whose alteration appears to characterize dandruff states. Eliminates visible dandruff from the first application and relieves the itching sensation. Anti-reappearance action for 6 weeks.
At the first application, leave to act for 2 minutes, then rinse.In the following washes, massage then rinse. Treatment is recommended for at least 4 weeks.
Tested under dermatological control. Without parabens.
Useful tips
In addition to the use of suitable products, the dandruff disorder can be countered, or in any case alleviated, by making some small changes in one's habits and lifestyle. In this regard, here are some useful tips:
- Learn to manage stress rationally, allowing yourself regenerating breaks when needed.
- Wash your hair frequently: although the popular belief that frequent washing would increase dandruff and hair loss is hard to fade, daily cleansing with delicate products helps to remove excess sebum and prevent the appearance of dandruff.
- Follow a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, but also in fish and "lean" proteins, to ensure the body an adequate supply of sulfur amino acids, zinc, omega-3, antioxidants and B vitamins. consumption of alcohol and hyperlipidic foods, such as fatty cheeses.
- Reduce the application on the hair of cosmetics such as gels, lacquers or mousses, which can be irritating to the scalp, make it more oily and increase the itching associated with dandruff; this is generally the more truthful the cheaper the product used .
For further information: Remedies Against Dandruff "
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