Various Symptoms And Effective Methods Of Treatment Of Dandruff Of The Scalp

Dandruff is most often caused by seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. This problem has many causes, but appears to result mainly from the combination of a genetic overproduction of skin cells and a yeast that grows on oily skin, as it eats the oils produced in these areas. It can also affect other areas of the body, especially those that are also oily, such as the face and the ears.

Most cases of seborrheic dermatitis run in families. People who have the genes for excessive skin cell production may turn over their scalp cells at a rate of four to ten times faster than normal. These skin cells build up, along with oil from the scalp and yeast cells, and flake off as dandruff. Certain triggers can cause flare ups of the issue, including weather conditions and stress, which are hard to control. Avoiding alcohol in your skin cleansers, and washing your scalp regularly are controllable, though, and equally important.

Some less susceptible people may also experience dandruff in response to certain events, such as particularly extreme weather or allergic reactions. When the trigger is removed, most of these cases resolve themselves. For both people with genetic susceptibility and those without, excessive perspiration can be a trigger, which means that it’s a good idea to wash your scalp after sweating a lot.

The well-know white flakes that characterize the condition are made of dead skin cells, yeast cells, and skin oils. In those with seborrheic dermatitis, the plaques that are shed may also be yellow, and may stick to the scalp rather than shedding. Lesions appear in particularly bad cases, and some people experience inflammation and redness, or itching.

Drugstore shampoos with a medication for treating dandruff are usually quite effective, and all that is needed in most cases. Using one of these shampoos, which usually contain selenium, zinc, coal tar, salicylic acid or one of the medication ketoconazole or resorcin, in combination with thorough, if gentle, scrubbing of the scalp with your fingertips, is generally quite effective.

Severe cases that do not respond to over the counter treatment agents can be treated by your doctor with stronger medications, or different drugs. Steroids can be used to reduce inflammation and lessen the severity of the problem in many cases, but these are short-term solutions since long-term steroid use carries many risks.

Treating seborrheic dermatitis for the rest of your life isn’t what most people want to hear about their prognosis, but the treatments are quite effective and the condition often has flares and rest phases. Keeping your scalp clean and using a medicated shampoo helps many people who are susceptible to dandruff maintain long periods of time between flare ups.

In most situations, home treatment with over the counter shampoos, combined with regular and frequent washing, are enough to relive the symptoms of the problem. Stronger medications are available from your doctor for stubborn cases. If your scalp itches, get treatment right away, because scratching can cause bacterial infections, the major secondary problem involved in dandruff. Even without completely understanding the causes of the issue, the treatment of dandruff is very effective.

Looking for more info on the causes of Dandruff? Get the ultimate low down now in our complete guide to prevent hair loss and how and where to find the best hair loss treatment for women