The outermost layer on the surface of our skin which also includes the scalp constantly scales or shells-off. Dandruff is the visible skin laminae and in a worse-case scenario, it could eventually make your life miserable.

In principle, dead skin cells flake off in huge amounts. Dandruffs have many forms and different causes and can be found in oily and dry hair as well. Treatment is rigorous and needs a change in one’s way of life, taking vitamins, minerals and choosing the appropriate hair cosmetics. 
  

Causes

• Unsuitable and irritating hair cosmetics
• Not rinsing well after shampoo or conditioner
• Stress, anxiety and physical strain
• Cold weather and dry internal heaters
• Lack of vitamins and minerals
• Yeast and fungus
• Skin diseases (i.e. seborrhoeic dermatitis)

Diseases caused by dandruffs

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis

This is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin affecting particularly the sebum-gland rich areas of skin such as the scalp and even on the face. It is not a yeast infection, but fungi and can cause complications. Treatment can be obtained with medicines for anti-inflammatory and containing corticosteroids. Hydrating creams remove the flakes but would only worsen the affected parts. Dermatologists recommend ketoconazole, but you can also buy shampoos containing coal tar, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid or zinc for use once a week. But still, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist immediately.
 

• Psoriasis

About 3% of the population is affected and the main cause is heredity. It has a silver-white appearance on the body or scalp. Dermatologists recommend treatment with corticosteroids, psoralen and UVA therapy or even seawater salt. This disease is worsened by excessive stress.

What to avoid

Dandruff is most common on the scalp so you must pay good attention in choosing the right hair cosmetics. Its occurrence is also worsened by cold weather or winter season where the temperature experienced by the scalp alternates constantly from a warm room temperature then freezing temperature outside, again to warm and so on. We should also try to avoid excessive hair brushing, unhealthy diet and be stressed.
 

Solution

Dandruff is caused by a natural process that we cannot eliminate. However, a mild scaling of the skin not caused by any disease should bring to our attention that we have to use appropriate cosmetic products such as using shampoos especially made for preventing or curing dandruff. Products containing selenium and zinc lower the cell activity in the scalp and you can see the effect within a few weeks.
 

Cosmetics

Caring for your scalp requires using the right cosmetic and beauty products that avoids dandruffs and is gentle to sensitive skin and irritated parts of the skin. Wash your hair gently and rinse thoroughly then apply balm/balsam to scalp and hair with a gentle massage. This relaxes stressed muscles and enhances blood flow. Relaxation and intake of vitamins and minerals are also important.
 

• For oily and itchy scalp, use shampoo and conditioner with strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects.
• For normal, sensitive and dry skin, use shampoo and conditioner with aloe-Vera to remove harmful agents and hair regeneration.
• For very dry hair use shampoo and conditioner with soothing and hydrating chemicals. The probable cause for this is improper care for the hair and scalp.

 
Diet

Drinking plenty of liquids is very helpful and meals should regularly be rich in beta carotene, B Vitamins, fluorine and selenium. As well as fresh fruits and vegetables and protein rich foods like fish, eggs, seeds, etc.  If rashes and irritations spread throughout the face, eyebrows and eyelashes, this might already be a case other than dandruffs and it would be better to contact a dermatologist immediately.
 

Recommendation

“In spite of the many causes of dandruff, it is clear that irritated skin is infected by fungus Malassezia furfur. In case of massive dandruffs, use shampoos and conditioners with anti fungal agents. For cosmetic products, it is possible to use Climbazole, Piroctone Olamin and Ketoconazole. When purchasing one, check the ingredients section to be sure that they contain these chemical compounds. Finally, when using shampoo during shower, let it stay for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. “ PharmDr. Miroslav Miletín, Ph.D. recommends.

Article prepared in cooperation with PharmDr. Miroslavem Miletínem, Ph.D. & Dr. Müller