What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake and it is not contagious (NHS,2020).
Causes
There are several reasons why dandruff may be present:
1. Irritated, oily skin
2. Poor hair care routine- not washing your hair regularly with a shampoo
3. A yeastlike fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults
4. Dry Skin
5. Sensitivity to hair care products (Contact Dermatitis).
6. Other conditions ch as eczema and psoriasis
Symptoms
This include:
1. dry, flaky scalp, and often it may fall unto your shoulders
2. itchy scalp
3. scaly, crusty scalp in infants with cradle cap
Risk Factors
1. Age-Begins usually in young adulthood and continues through middle age. However, this doesn’t mean that older people don’t get dandruff; for some, it can be a lifelong issue
2. Sex- more men are prone to dandruff than women. Researchers have associated this with male hormones playing a role in its development.
3. Certain Conditions- certain conditions that affect the nervous system like Parkinson’s disease increases the risk of dandruff formation. So does HIV/or a weakened immune system.
How to Treat Dandruff
Try and use a good anti-dandruff shampoo or co-wash. My best-selling product is the AS I AM Dry & Itchy Scalp care.
How it works– AS I AM Dry & Itchy Scalp Co-wash It contains the active ingredient- Zinc Pyrithione which works to actively eliminate yeast and bacterial growth. An Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial CoWash that kills fungus and micro-organisms that cause dryness and itchiness. Help prevent itchiness and soothes the scalp with Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil. Relieves scalp itch, flaking, and irritation associated with Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff. Hydrate dry hair for more vibrant, manageable coils and curls. Usage For best results, use at least twice a week, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Shake well before use. Rub a liberal amount of product between palms and distribute throughout hair and scalp. Work product through hair & massage scalp with fingertips as you would a conventional shampoo. For easy detangling carefully comb through hair with a wide-tooth comb before rinsing co-wash from hair. Rinse and repeat if needed. Follow with conditioning. If after a month you are still experiencing this problem, it is recommended that you see a GP or Trichologist (NHS,2020).
