Dandruff
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Dandruff
| Name: Dandruff |
| Also known as: |
| A very common form of scalp irritation. |
Causes of Dandruff
Over a period of a few weeks, new cells are produced deep in the skin, slowly move out to the surface, thin out to form a hard scaly layer, and eventually slough off. Dandruff is an acceleration of this process in which the rate at which cells are produced on the scalp is increased. A fungal infection of the scalp may cause this increased rate of cell loss. Emotional stress, overworking, hot climates and a poor diet all aggravate dandruff. |
Symptoms of Dandruff
Excess cell production results in the formation of skin flakes on the scalp. The underlying skin may be inflamed and itchy. |
Tests for Dandruff
Severe cases of dandruff may need to be differentiated from other skin diseases such as psoriasis by a biopsy. |
Treatment for Dandruff
Good scalp hygiene, and an anti-dandruff lotion or shampoo. Resistant cases may be helped by steroid scalp lotions and antifungal lotions or gels.
|
Complications of Dandruff of its treatment
None significant. |
Likely Outcome of Dandruff
Most patients have recurrences, with bad and good periods, often for no apparent reason. Control is normally possible. |
|
|
