subject: What are the main causes of dandruff ? [print this page] What are the main causes of dandruff ? What are the main causes of dandruff ?
Dandruff,a flaking of skin within the scalp, is one of the most common health conditionsworldwide today with just under half the population of China alone affected by it. The skin cells of bodies are continuously being renewed each and every day. On our scalp, the old skin cells are pushed to the surface by these newly formed cells. In the average person this process is slow enough as to be not so noticeable.However, for people affected by dandruff, the skin re-newel process is much faster resulting in an excess of shedding. Some other of the more common causes for dandruff include :
Eczema
If you have eczema anywhere on your body, it could also be on your scalp, possibly leading to the development of dandruff. The meaning of the word "eczema" can cause confusion. Many people use this word to refer to a common skin condition called atopic dermatitis. The word "eczema" also has a more common meaning. Eczema can mean a family of skin problems that result in the skinbecoming swollen, irritated, and itchy. Many skin conditions today are considered a form of eczema. I myself suffered from eczema as a child. The eczema occurred on the base of my feet and in between my toes. It was more common in the summer months - probably aggravated by the chlorine in the local swimming pool. The issue was eventually cured through a zinc based cream. Atopic dermatitis is condition often placed int the eczema family. Other types include hand dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is a mild type of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most frequent causes of dandruff, is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis may affect not only your scalp, but also other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, the sides of your nose and the backs of your ears, your breastbone, your groin area, and sometimes your armpits.
Dry skin
Dry skin has many forms. The mildest cases can be diagnosed by a dry look to your skin, somelow-level flaking of the skin, and a slight tightness in the feel of your skin. More serious episodes of dry skin can be accompanied by acute, painful itching, red or white patches of skin, cracking, bleeding, severe tightness, and pain. Although skin has its own natural elasticity, allowing it to stretch and move as your does, the drier your skin becomes the less stretchiness it will have resulting in wrinkles, itchiness and cracks. One of the most common causes for dry skin is your surroundings. Often, in the winter months, dry skin can plague you because of the lack of humidity in the air. If you think this might be the cause of your dry skin it is advisable to use an indoor humidifier at home to provide your living environment with an adequate amount of moisture.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontagious common skin condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduction resulting in red, dry patches of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid buildup of skin cells. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.Some people have such mild psoriasis (small, faint dry skin patches) that they may not even suspect that they have a medical skin condition. Others have very severe psoriasis where virtually their entire body is fully covered with thick, red, scaly skin. The cause of psoriasis is still unknown despite the millions of dollars spent on research into the condition. Recent studies have suggested that the Psoriasis is a problem related to the bodies immune system.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a physical reaction that happens after your skin comes in contact with certain substances. Irritants to the skin is the most common cause of these reactions. The remaining reactions are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response.Sometimes sensitivities to certain ingredients in hair care products or hair dyes, especially paraphenylene diamine (PPD), can cause a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Shampooing too often or using too many styling products also may irritate your scalp, causing dandruff.
Malassezia
Some time ago, dermatologists stated that a tiny fungus, the Malassezia yeast, found on the scalp of each and every one of us is the main culprit behind dandruff. Everyone has some Malassezia yeast on their skin, particularly in the greasy areas such as the scalp and upper back. It feeds on the natural grease of the skin, from which it produces oleic acid. The oleic acid triggers increased turnover of skin cells, resulting in dandruff. So, getting rid of the yeast should improve the dandruff. Exactly what causes an overgrowth of malassezia isn't known, although having too much oil on your scalp; changes in your hormones; stress; illness; neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease; a suppressed immune system; not shampooing often enough; and extra sensitivity to the malassezia fungus may contribute to the development of dandruff. Malassazia is often controlled with a yeast neutralizing medication that contains the anti fungal ingredient, Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is sold commercially as an anti-dandruff shampoo, topical cream, and oral tablet, under the trademark name Nizoral by Johnson & Johnson in the USA, and as Sebizole by Douglas Pharmaceuticals in Australia & New Zealand. In Spain products with ketoconazole as main agent include Ketoisdin gel 2% (gel) and Fungarest (topical 30g cream).
