Health Topics for Skin Health

Department of Dermatology

Department of Internal Medicine: Allergy

Dermatological Cancers

Dandruff

Dandruff is a chronic scalp condition that causes scaling and flaking of the skin. The skin on our scalp sheds more than any other area. Flakes get trapped in the hair and mix with oil, causing dandruff. What causes this increased shedding of scalp skin is still unknown. Some experts believe it is caused by a yeast or fungus, which irritates the scalp. The body's reaction to this irritation causes increased shedding of dead cells. Others believe factors such as stress, weather, oily skin, diet or hormones cause dandruff.

Dry scalp and dandruff are not the same thing. Dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture or natural oils on the scalp, which results in small, dry flakes, and itchiness. Dandruff is caused by the shedding of skin, which results in medium-to-large size, white, oily flakes. Having dandruff does not mean your scalp is too dry. It means you need to wash your hair more often.

Although dandruff can't be cured, it can be controlled. Early treatment is the key. If you have dandruff, follow these guidelines:

• use a dandruff shampoo, such as Head & Shoulders, Sebulex, or Tegrin. Wet your hair and rub the shampoo into your scalp and hair. Leave it on the scalp for at least 5 minutes or as directed. Then rinse it out. Use it every day until the dandruff is gone.
• stop using hairspray and other hair preparations
• continue to use the medicated shampoo 2 or 3 times a week to keep the dandruff away. Or alternate the dandruff shampoo with your regular shampoo.

Contact a health care provider if the dandruff persists, even with continued treatment, or if other skin problems arise.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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