WHAT IS DANDRUFF

Dandruff is a very common skin condition that nearly all people experience at some point in their lives. It affects not just the scalp, but also the ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, beard, and less commonly the central (often hair-bearing) part of the chest. It is also known as seborrheic dermatitis and seborrhea.

Causes of Dandruff 

• Skin cells grow and die off too fast are its major problem. 
• A very common fungus called malassezia may contribute to dandruff.  
• Dandruff may get worse when a person is stressed or sick. 
• Cold, dry winters can trigger dandruff or make it worse.
• It could result due to psoriasis, fungal infection of the scalp skin (tinea capitis), and allergic contact dermatitis.
• Increased oil production and secretion, and numbers of normal skin yeasts.
• Could be triggered or made worse by poor hygiene and infrequent shampooing and washing.
• People with some chronic illnesses such as Parkinson' s disease or a compromised immune system as in advanced HIV/AIDS are more prone.
• Chronic illness and emotional or mental stress.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF

• Visible white flakes on shoulders of dark clothing
• Itchy scalp
• Scaly facial skin
• Recurrent ear "eczema"
• Facial rash over eyebrows, nose, and ears
• Oily scalp and facial skin with dry flakes
• Beard rash or Chest rash with dry flakes and red spots

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Dandruff is easily visible to the naked eye as white flakes in the scalp. A  thorough scalp examination can enable the Doctor to determine  the cause. It may be needed to perform a scalp biopsy, in rare cases. 

Treatment: Treatment could involve cortisone based creams and lotions (which reduce inflammation), or using topical anti-yeast lotions and shampoos. Severe cases may require short-term treatment with oral steroids such as prednisone.