Dandruff - Causes and Signs of Dandruff

Types of dandruff

Based on appearance, dandruff is classified as:

• Oily. Large white flakes are rare in hair. It can stick to the skin, making it less noticeable. It occurs when the scalp is oily;
• Dry. It is accompanied by itching after washing your hair, flakes fall out in large quantities from your hair, and it is more noticeable. It occurs when the scalp is dry and requires moisturizing.

Causes

Dandruff occurs as a result of a metabolic disorder, in which the sebaceous glands do not function properly. Dandruff also appears when infected with the microorganism Pitirosporum ovale. Dandruff often occurs as a result of exposure to both of the above factors. The bacterium Pitirsporum ovale is present on everyone's scalp and is not dangerous to humans unless there are conditions for its activity and reproduction. Otherwise, dandruff appears.

With increased functionality of the sebaceous glands or with changes in the composition and characteristics of sebum, the fungus spreads rapidly, which leads to a failure in the processes of renewal and exfoliation of cells. Cells in huge quantities in the form of white formations are concentrated on the scalp.

Symptoms of dandruff

Snow-white flakes on clothes or hair. Peeling can be located in separate areas or be diffuse. With a long absence of high-quality treatment, itching and inflammation of the scalp are observed. If yellow formations and red spots appear, you should consult a dermatologist, as this may lead to a secondary infection.

Diagnostics

During the diagnosis of dandruff, the doctor carefully examines the patient. Diagnosis of the disease involves the following studies:

• General biochemical blood test;
• Blood test for hormones;
• Trichogram. Examination of the scalp, condition of the hair;
• Histological examination of the scalp;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs and thyroid gland.

Dandruff treatment

Dandruff treatment should be aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease - the fungus. Anti-dandruff shampoos eliminate only the symptoms of the disease, help to get rid of flakes. As is known, microorganisms are able to adapt to shampoos and soon dandruff will appear again.

However, you should not neglect such shampoos, it is advisable to use them in combination with other means. The most effective method of curing dandruff are special medications that eliminate the cause - the reproduction and infection of microorganisms. Such products are expensive and the effect of their use will not appear immediately, but with their help you can eliminate the problem for many years. Among the active components that are used for treatment and are included in the composition of products aimed at combating dandruff: zinc pyrithione (has an antifungal effect), ciclopirox (has a fungicidal effect), clotrimazole (has a bactericidal effect), ichthyol (has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic effect), salicylic acid (has an antimicrobial property) and many others.

There are also many folk methods for combating dandruff. Lemons, olive oil, pimzha, calendula and other herbs have proven themselves to be excellent in the fight against the disease.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent dandruff include the following:

• Carefully study the instructions for shampoo and other hair care products, which should correspond to the hair type;
• Avoid scratching and damaging the scalp, as this can contribute to the occurrence of dandruff;
• Balanced nutrition. Avoid excessive consumption of sweets, carbonated liquids, fried, fatty foods. Food should be rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for metabolism;
• Drinking plenty of quality drinking water throughout the day;
• Leading a healthy lifestyle with the exclusion of alcohol and nicotine;
• Maintaining the body's immune system
• Complying with hygiene standards. Washing your hair in a timely manner as it gets dirty. Do not use other people's personal items, such as combs, hats, etc. Wash your hands thoroughly, avoid contact with people with skin diseases. Maintaining the cleanliness of personal items;
• Use styling products as needed and wash them off promptly;
• Avoid stressful events, get enough sleep.