Dandruff is a common complaint and one that is surrounded by many myths. In this article we address some of the common queries we hear about dandruff and attempt to answer any questions you might have surrounding this irritating condition.
Is a flaking and itching always dandruff?
No, if you have flaky skin on your scalp, it may be nothing to do with dandruff. If you have tried using a dandruff shampoo for a week or two but are seeing no results, it’s possible that you could have some other condition. You may have psoriasis or a skin inflammation cause by certain products with harsh chemicals which can dry out your scalp. If symptoms are persistent consider seeing a dermatologist who can diagnose and treat you.
Is dandruff caused by dryness?
No. A flaky scalp is usually caused by too much oil and an overgrowth of harmless yeast, rather than dryness. Often, the yeast starts to feed on the excess oil and dead skin cells on the scalp, which causes the skin cells to shed more frequently and result in flakes.
If you have dandruff, should you wash your hair more often?
The usual advice from specialists on shampooing is not to do it every day as it can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, which might result in irritation of the skin. However, for those with dandruff not shampooing enough will make your dandruff worse. To free your scalp of dandruff, it is necessary to clean your hair and scalp well with a medicated dandruff shampoo every day. Look for one with ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc.
Can dandruff be cured?
If you have dandruff, it’s likely to be a recurring problem. It is recommended however to take proactive action to combat it even before it happens again. Avoid fats such as saturated and trans fats as these cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil, resulting in more dandruff. Eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables to keep dandruff away.
The above questions are commonly asked by those who suffer from dandruff. We hope that you’ve found them useful!
