What you need to know about dandruff

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Tran Van Sang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Dandruff is a very common condition characterized by flaking and itching of the scalp and can occur at any age. Although it does not affect health and is not contagious, the white patches of dandruff and itching have made many people confused and lose confidence in communication.

1. What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a very common condition in both men and women, and can occur at any age, especially between the ages of 20 and 30. Dandruff is characterized by flaking and itching of the scalp. According to normal physiology, the outermost layer of the scalp after a period of one month will die, the hair will form tiny scabs. These cells will be replaced by other new scalp cells. However, with dandruff, the time it takes for the scalp cells to peel off is only 2-3 weeks, the scalp is replaced too quickly, the scales fall off a lot, sometimes into larger patches that stick to the hair and shoulders. . Although it does not affect much to health, it is not contagious, but the white patches of dandruff and itching have made many people confused and lose confidence in communication.

2. What is the cause of dandruff?

There are many causes of dandruff such as:
Scalp is over-stimulated by factors such as brushing, shampooing or scalp massage. Dry weather, environmental pollution, smog, drying, dyeing, straightening hair too often,... Infrequent shampooing, oil and scalp cells are not removed in time, which can cause dandruff. Sensitive scalp, irritated with hair care products, hair styling. Dandruff is a common symptom and condition of seborrheic dermatitis. This is a common dermatological disease, in addition to affecting the scalp, the disease also affects the skin in other locations such as in the ears, eyebrows, upper eyelids, forehead, folds extending from the nose to the corners. mouth. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when the sebaceous glands are overactive, creating an opportunity for some inflammatory skin reactions to occur. The cause of this phenomenon may be due to genetic factors, the prevalence in the population is 2-5%, if there is a family member with seborrheic dermatitis, the risk of infection in the next generation is very high. The characteristic of dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis is that the scalp is often red, scaly, white or light yellow. The disease is usually mild in the summer, progressing strongly in the autumn and winter. Psoriasis: The disease causes accumulation of dead cells that form thick silvery scales. Psoriasis often occurs in places such as elbows, knees, .. but can also affect the scalp, causing dandruff. Eczema: If eczema appears on the scalp it is possible to develop dandruff. Scalp keratosis

3. Favorable factors for dandruff development

Dandruff can appear in anyone, but dandruff will develop more favorably in people with the following factors:
Gender: Studies show that dandruff occurs more in men than women, this This is because men have larger oil-producing glands or it is possible that male sex hormones play a role in the mechanism of dandruff. Diet: A poor diet, lacking in zinc-rich foods, lacking in B vitamins and some fats increases the risk of dandruff. People with oily skin are more prone to dandruff. People with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, people recovering from heart attacks, strokes, and compromised immune systems are prone to developing dandruff, the cause of this phenomenon is not clearly understood.

4. How to treat dandruff?

Dandruff is a very common disease, so treating dandruff is a matter of concern for many people. Fortunately, most dandruff can be controlled with consistent, proper treatment. If the cases of dandruff are mild, just wash your hair regularly with an anti-dandruff shampoo to reduce oiliness and accumulation of dead cells on the scalp. If the case of dandruff is more severe, the usual anti-dandruff shampoos are not effective, you can use specialized cosmetic shampoos to treat dandruff. There are many types of cosmetic shampoos such as:
Zinc pyrithione shampoo: contains zinc pyrithione which is antibacterial and antifungal on the scalp. Shampoo containing coal tar: slows down the death cycle of scalp cells, thereby reducing dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Ketoconazole Shampoo: Ketoconazole is a broad spectrum antifungal agent, and Ketoconazole shampoos are particularly effective in treating dandruff caused by fungi. Shampoo containing Selenium Sulfide: Slows down the dead skin cells of the scalp while reducing Malassezia fungus.

Sometimes people with dandruff have to experiment with many shampoos to find the one that works best for their condition. Hair should be washed with anti-dandruff shampoo daily until dandruff is under control, then intermittently 2-3 times a week. Then wash once a week, alternating with other regular shampoos to maintain the effect. When using an anti-dandruff cosmetic shampoo, wash it for at least 5 minutes so that the active ingredients have time to act on the scalp.
Water helps to slow down the keratinocyte proliferation of the scalp, so increasing water intake can help limit the appearance of dandruff. Changing the diet, increasing green vegetables and fruits, providing minerals, especially zinc (found in many foods such as seafood, soybeans, peas, radishes, ...) Very good effect in limiting dandruff, as well as skin cracking and peeling.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.