Dandruff : Causes and Solutions

Sebhorreic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, can be an embarrassing condition. When you have dandruff, your scalp sheds white flakes of dry skin and also can be quite itchy. Treating dandruff usually requires washing your hair with a special medicated shampoo. There are also a variety of home remedies you can try.

Causes of Dandruff

Skin cells are formed continuously on the scalp, so the shedding of dead skin cells is a normal process. With dandruff, however, skin cells are shed at a faster rate than normal. Oil from the scalp causes the skin cells to clump together and appear as white flakes.

Dandruff can be caused by a number of things, including dry skin; sensitivity to hair products; and skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema.

The overgrowth of yeast can also cause dandruff. This overgrowth can be caused by stress, hormones, too much oil on the scalp, or problems with the immune system.

How to destroy dandruff

Dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus known as malassezia that makes your scalp flake and itch (yuck!). Here are the top proven ingredients to help you fight the flakes:

• Zinc Pyrithione is an antifungal agent found in leading dandruff shampoos and an effective treatment for dandruff (flakes) and seborrheic dermatitis (itchy scalp).
• Coal Tar, an active ingredient that comes from the coal manufacturing process and effectively treats dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by reducing cell turnover.
• Salicylic Acid helps eliminate flakes, but be sure to use a conditioner. This is a hydroxy acid, so it can be drying.
• Selenium Sulfide reduces cell turnover and fights malassezia. It may discolor blonde, gray or chemically-colored hair.
• Ketoconazole, formerly available only by prescription, is an antifungal drug that fights the cause of dandruff.
• Ketoconazole, formerly available only by prescription, is an antifungal drug that fights the cause of dandruff.

While most shampoos are just considered cosmetics, dandruff shampoos are actually considered a drug by the FDA. The above ingredients are all FDA approved and regulated for use in dandruff shampoos.
There are some anti-itch or scalp soothing shampoos that claim to treat dandruff with the use of botanicals or other non-approved ingredients. While these products may feel good on your scalp, the reality is they don’t treat the causes of dandruff or itchy scalp. You may end up disappointed and still itchy! If you want to fight the flakes for good, look at the ingredient label to be sure that one of the above dandruff fighters is used.