What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff: The Most Common Condition.
It is almost faced by every individual in their entire span of life. The white scales on the scalp, the ones that fall off on the shoulders, and the ones that make the scalp completely dry. Though this may not be a serious condition, many of them struggle to just get rid of it. It makes the scalp itchy and, at times, becomes very irritating.

So, do you know what dandruff is and how it is caused?

Dandruff

Although the name “dandruff” is known to have originated in the 16th century, much of its history is unknown. The final part, -ruff, likely derives from the East Anglian dialect word for “scab,” huff, or hurf. Dandruff is also known as “Pityriasis Capitis.”

The earlier definition was very common in terms of usual understanding. In real terms, dandruff occurs when small bits of dry skin are shed from the scalp. The dry skin becomes evident when observed in the hair and shoulders. It may also make the scalp itchy and is a common problem. But it’s not that easy.

Dandruff is difficult to identify since it overlaps with seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic form of eczema) and other skin disorders that result in a scaly scalp. In some cases, there may be red and greasy patches on the skin with a tingling feeling.

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dandruff01.jpg

The problem is that skin cells grow and decay too quickly. It’s unclear why this happens. Dandruff may be caused by Malassezia, a common fungus. Most healthy people have this fungus on their scalps without any issues.

One possibility is that someone with dandruff’s immune system may respond to the fungus. Dandruff may worsen if you are worried or ill. Dandruff can be triggered or exacerbated by cold, dry winters.

Causes Of Dandruff

There is no single cause of dandruff and it may be caused for many reasons. These reasons are mentioned below.

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD)
Seborrheic dermatitis is a prevalent skin disorder that primarily affects the scalp. It results in scaly patches, irritated skin, and persistent dandruff. It mainly affects the cheeks, sides of the nose, brows, ears, eyelids, and chest, which are oily and greasy parts of the body. This condition can be aggravating, but it is not communicable and does not result in permanent hair loss. Dandruff, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis are all names for seborrheic dermatitis. When it happens in neonates, it is referred to as a cradle cap.

2. Contact Dermatitis
It is a condition that causes skin irritation, which is either caused by an allergen or irritant and results in an itchy scalp. The possible reason for this irritation is the usage of hair products like dyes, dry shampoos, and other hair care products.

3. Dry Skin
Dry skin may be the cause of your dandruff if the chilly winter air dries out your skin all over, including your scalp. When dry skin causes dandruff, the flakes are typically thinner and less oily than when SD causes dandruff.

4. Other Reasons
These reasons include age, bad shampooing habits, sex, a weak immune system, skin disorders, and many more. You may read further by clicking here.

In general, any imbalance in the body due to which the speed of cell decay is boosted leads to dandruff.

What More Should I Know?

Dandruff is a not-so-simple condition that may worsen over time. If you visit a medical practitioner, they may simply observe the scalp and diagnose dandruff. Furthermore, they may suggest some scalp oil for dandruff removal or may ask for a routine that hydrates the scalp.

In other cases, when the symptoms are not limited to dandruff and move forward to excessive itchiness and red spots, the line for dandruff treatment will be different. Hence, identification of the types of dandruff is also important.

If you want to know more about dandruff, continue sticking to our latest blogs.