How do you know it’s dandruff and when to see a doctor?
Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. It’s called “dandruff” (pityriasis capitis) when it’s on a teenager’s or adult’s scalp, and “cradle cap” when it’s on a baby’s. Seborrheic dermatitis may appear anywhere, and while prone to flare-up, it can also disappear, never to be experienced again.
It is a common chronic scalp condition, which is marked by itching and flaking of the skin on your scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis may appear anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the scalp. Although dandruff is not contagious and is rarely serious, it can be embarrassing and sometimes
difficult to treat.
Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. More stubborn cases of dandruff often respond to medicated shampoos.
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. Possible causes and associations include increased oil production, oily skin, increased skin secretions and increased numbers of normal skin yeasts.
Dandruff may also be triggered by poor hygiene and infrequent shampooing and washing. The immune system may also play a part in dandruff. Although mild dandruff is a very common condition in many people with a normal immune system, severe dandruff is generally more common in people with chronic illnesses or a compromised immune system as in advanced HIV/AIDS and Parkinson’s disease.
Dandruff can also be associated with chronic health conditions which may cause extreme and severe dandruff.
If others in your family have ever had dandruff because the condition probably has a small hereditary component making it more common to run in families. Dandruff is not contagious.
Anti-dandruff shampoos are the mainstay of treatment for simple dandruff. Finding the one that works for you is usually trial and error.
For more stubborn dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, the ingredients selenium, zinc, coal tar and especially coconut oil or salicylic acid in shampoos can be successful in helping treat dandruff. Most common shampoos for dandruff contain various combinations of these. However, be careful when using tar as it can discolour fair hair and bed linen.
Antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole, such as kez Shampoo, work well for dandruff. They need to be used a few times a week, so follow the instructions carefully.
All these treatments are available from the pharmacist without a prescription.
Most cases of dandruff do not require a doctor’s care. But if you’re still scratching your head after several weeks of experimenting with over-the-counter (OTC) dandruff shampoos or if your scalp becomes red or swollen, see your doctor or dermatologist, as you may have seborrheic dermatitis or another condition that resembles dandruff. Most often, your doctor can diagnose the problem simply by looking at your hair and scalp.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is more commonly found in young children, although it is
commonly experienced in adulthood too.
Symptoms usually include dry and very itchy rashes on the face, scalp, elbows, neck, wrists, ankles or legs. The rashes may become red, raised, bumpy and thickened, cracked or crusted over.
Eczema is related to a gene variation that affects the skin’s ability to regenerate and provide protection. Because of this genetic predisposition, your skin can be affected by environmental factors, irritants and allergens. You are at higher risk of developing eczema if you have a history of asthma or hay fever. Either eczema clears up on its own or the symptoms are treated with medications and creams. It is also important that you keep your skin moisturised if you have eczema.
These articles are for information purposes only. It cannot replace the diagnosis of a healthcare provider. Pharma Dynamics gives no warranty as to the accuracy of the information contained in such articles and shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for any consequences which may be suffered as a result of a user’s reliance thereon.
The information the reader is about to be referred to may not comply with the South Africa regulatory requirements. Information relevant to the South African environment is available from the Company and in the Professional Information/Patient Information Leaflet/Instructions for Use approved by the Regulatory Authority
