Causes And Methods Of Treatment Of Dandruff
Dandruff is most often caused by seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. This problem has many causes, but appears to result mainly from the combination of a genetic overproduction of skin cells and a yeast that grows on oily skin, as it eats the oils produced in these areas. It can also affect other areas of the body, especially those that are also oily, such as the face and the ears.
The genetic predisposition to dandruff runs in families, and seems to give carriers a higher than average chance of being affected by the disorder. Skin cells can be replaced every two to seven days during flare ups, whereas the normal rate of renewal for the scalp is around a month. Triggers for susceptible people include things such as stress and weather conditions, which cannot be controlled, as well as those such as infrequent cleaning of the area, and using cleansers with alcohol in them, which can be controlled.
Some less susceptible people may also experience dandruff in response to certain events, such as particularly extreme weather or allergic reactions. When the trigger is removed, most of these cases resolve themselves. For both people with genetic susceptibility and those without, excessive perspiration can be a trigger, which means that it's a good idea to wash your scalp after sweating a lot.
The normal flakes resulting from dandruff are white and fall off the scalp. However, other situations such as yellow, sticky plaques that remain on the scalp are equally normal. Lesions are rarer, but also associated with the problem, and redness resulting from inflammation may be present, or not. Itchiness is also a varying symptom.
Controlling dandruff is usually a matter of shampooing regularly with a medicated shampoo available at any drugstore. The ingredients in these products vary, but are commonly zinc, coal tar, selenium, salicylic acid, or the drugs ketoconazole or resorcin. In order to let them do their work and loosen the plaques, it's best to gently but firmly scrub the scalp with your fingertips for several minutes while shampooing.
More severe cases may need a medication that is stronger or not sold over the counter. Doctors can prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include short-term corticosteroid use. Steroids reduce inflammation, often helping to resolve the problem, but can only be used in the short-term as their long-term side effects can be severe.
Treating seborrheic dermatitis for the rest of your life isn't what most people want to hear about their prognosis, but the treatments are quite effective and the condition often has flares and rest phases. Keeping your scalp clean and using a medicated shampoo helps many people who are susceptible to dandruff maintain long periods of time between flare ups.
In most situations, home treatment with over the counter shampoos, combined with regular and frequent washing, are enough to relive the symptoms of the problem. Stronger medications are available from your doctor for stubborn cases. If your scalp itches, get treatment right away, because scratching can cause bacterial infections, the major secondary problem involved in dandruff. Even without completely understanding the causes of the issue, the treatment of dandruff is very effective.
The genetic predisposition to dandruff runs in families, and seems to give carriers a higher than average chance of being affected by the disorder. Skin cells can be replaced every two to seven days during flare ups, whereas the normal rate of renewal for the scalp is around a month. Triggers for susceptible people include things such as stress and weather conditions, which cannot be controlled, as well as those such as infrequent cleaning of the area, and using cleansers with alcohol in them, which can be controlled.
Some less susceptible people may also experience dandruff in response to certain events, such as particularly extreme weather or allergic reactions. When the trigger is removed, most of these cases resolve themselves. For both people with genetic susceptibility and those without, excessive perspiration can be a trigger, which means that it's a good idea to wash your scalp after sweating a lot.
The normal flakes resulting from dandruff are white and fall off the scalp. However, other situations such as yellow, sticky plaques that remain on the scalp are equally normal. Lesions are rarer, but also associated with the problem, and redness resulting from inflammation may be present, or not. Itchiness is also a varying symptom.
Controlling dandruff is usually a matter of shampooing regularly with a medicated shampoo available at any drugstore. The ingredients in these products vary, but are commonly zinc, coal tar, selenium, salicylic acid, or the drugs ketoconazole or resorcin. In order to let them do their work and loosen the plaques, it's best to gently but firmly scrub the scalp with your fingertips for several minutes while shampooing.
More severe cases may need a medication that is stronger or not sold over the counter. Doctors can prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include short-term corticosteroid use. Steroids reduce inflammation, often helping to resolve the problem, but can only be used in the short-term as their long-term side effects can be severe.
Treating seborrheic dermatitis for the rest of your life isn't what most people want to hear about their prognosis, but the treatments are quite effective and the condition often has flares and rest phases. Keeping your scalp clean and using a medicated shampoo helps many people who are susceptible to dandruff maintain long periods of time between flare ups.
In most situations, home treatment with over the counter shampoos, combined with regular and frequent washing, are enough to relive the symptoms of the problem. Stronger medications are available from your doctor for stubborn cases. If your scalp itches, get treatment right away, because scratching can cause bacterial infections, the major secondary problem involved in dandruff. Even without completely understanding the causes of the issue, the treatment of dandruff is very effective.
About the Author:
Looking for more info on the causes of Dandruff? Get the ultimate low down now in our super guide to prevent hair loss and how and where to find the best hair loss treatment for women
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment