Dandruff Tips - Causes & Treatment

Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammation that usually manifests in body parts where there is increased production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. When this condition is established in the scalp, we call dandruff.

Another possible manifestation of dandruff is via a naturally occurring fungus called Malassezia, found on the scalp of virtually all people. This fungus feeds on the natural oiliness of the scalp and produces byproducts and acids that cause irritation to the scalp.

Dandruff is manifested in the form of red lesions that itch and flake off. It can be dry or oily, and the oil is known as seborrhea. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and is generally considered the most severe form of dandruff, is a disease in parts of the body where there is increased production of oil by the sebaceous glands.

Causes: The causes of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. However, some factors can increase the frame, such as: hormonal changes, stress, dry or cold weather, sudden temperature changes, food of low nutritional value, especially lack of protein.

Treatment: There is no treatment for permanent cure of seborrheic dermatitis, but there are specific medicines for the skin and scalp that can control the symptoms. Among the best known are: selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, corticosteroids, ketoconazole, alpha-hydroxy acid.