Dandruff - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Dandruff

Dandruff Description

A very common form of scalp irritation.

Dandruff Cause

Over a period of a few weeks, new cells are produced deep in the skin, slowly move out to the surface, thin out to form a hard scaly layer, and eventually slough off. Dandruff is an acceleration of this process in which the rate at which cells are produced on the scalp is increased. A fungal infection of the scalp may cause this increased rate of cell loss. Emotional stress, overworking, hot climates and a poor diet all aggravate dandruff.

Dandruff Symptom

Excess cell production results in the formation of skin flakes on the scalp. The underlying skin may be inflamed and itchy.

Investigation

Severe cases of dandruff may need to be differentiated from other skin diseases such as psoriasis by a biopsy.

Dandruff Treatment

Good scalp hygiene, and an anti-dandruff lotion or shampoo. Resistant cases may be helped by steroid scalp lotions and antifungal lotions or gels.

Complications

None significant.

Prognosis of Dandruff

Most patients have recurrences, with bad and good periods, often for no apparent reason. Control is normally possible.