A common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake is dandruff. It can create an embarrassing situation, although it’s not serious or contagious. You can wash it away with a medicated shampoo but the symptoms may return. Consult a specialist at Newtown dermatology clinic for an effective solution.
Symptoms
The following are the signs and symptoms of this condition:
- Flakes of skin on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, moustache, beard and shoulders
- Itchy scalp
The signs and symptoms tend to flare in cold, dry seasons and they can be severe if you are under any stress.
Causes Of Dandruff
There can be various causes behind dandruff. Some of these are:
- Oily, irritated skin
- Lack of shampooing properly
- Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus, which feeds on oils present on the scalps
- Dryness of the skin
- Sensitivity to hair care products
- Other skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema
Risk factors
As per the opinion of a skin specialist in Salt Lake, certain factors increase your risk of having it:
- Age: When a person becomes a young adult, dandruff normally begins and it continues through his/her middle age. However, it may be a lifelong problem for some people.
- Being male: Men suffer more from this condition in comparison to women.
- Some illnesses: The risk of dandruff can often increase due to Parkinson’s disease and other diseases affecting the nervous system.
Diagnosis
By checking the condition of your head and scalp, the doctor can diagnose it in most cases.
Treatment For Dandruff
Consult a skin doctor in Salt Lake if the problem of dandruff persists. He/she may ask you to use medicated shampoos. These shampoos usually contain one or more of the following active ingredients:
- Ketoconazole: It is an effective anti-fungal ingredient. People of any age can use shampoos containing this ingredient.
- Selenium sulfide: It is effective in treating dandruff. It works by reducing the production of natural oils by the glands in the scalp.
- Zinc pyrithione: The growth of yeast slows down on using shampoos containing this ingredient.
- Coal tar: It contains a natural anti-fungal agent.
- Salicylic acids: The scalp gets rid of skin cells with the help of these.
- Tea-tree oil: This has anti-fungal properties and is an anti-biotic and antiseptic. Many shampoos contain this ingredient.
Preventive measures For Dandruff
Besides using the proper shampoo, you must also remember the following points:
Moisturize
If you restore moisture to your scalp, it may reduce itchiness as a dry scalp tends to flake and itch.
Stop scratching
Try not to scratch your scalp. The irritation from dandruff can increase due to scratching and it will increase itching.
Relax
Dandruff can increase in some cases due to stress. You need to relax as it will help to reduce stress.
With the help of proper medical advice and these preventive methods, you can get rid of this condition.