What causes dandruff in hair

Dandruff is a common condition that can leave the scalp inflamed and itchy. This can cause white flakes dusted across the hair. Although dandruff is not serious from a medical standpoint, it can be embarrassing. One out of every five people suffers from this scalp condition. A gentle shampoo can treat milder cases, but symptoms may return over time. Cases also vary depending on the person and the sensitivity of his or her skin. Understanding the causes of dandruff is a crucial step to treating it. Once you have narrowed down what is irritating your scalp enough to cause dandruff, you can treat it much easier. Here are some of the most common causes of dandruff and what to do about them. Irritated or oily skin Most people assume that people only people with a dry scalp suffer from dandruff. While dry skin can be a culprit, it is not the only one. An oily scalp results from increased production of sebum, the natural oil on your scalp. This can lead to dandruff-producing conditions like If you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, you can contact your dermatologist for various forms of treatment. Your doctor may have you test out over-the-counter treatments like dandruff shampoos and nonprescription remedies first. If these treatments do not help, your doctor can supply topical ointments and creams that control inflammation. There is also an anti-fungal medication in a pill form if no other options seem to work. Shampooing Some people believe that dandruff becomes worse the more...

Skin cells that grow and die off too fast are the problem. Exactly why that happens isn't clear. A very common fungus called malassezia may contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most healthy adults without causing any problems. One theory is that the immune system of someone with dandruff may overreact to that fungus. Dandruff may get worse when you're stressed or sick. Cold, dry winters can trigger dandruff or make it worse, too. One common cause is seborrheic dermatitis , or seborrhea. Some people with dandruff may also have seborrheic dermatitis in other areas of the body, such as their ears, the center of the face, and the center of the chest.

But besides being annoying, dandruff can majorly mess with your hair health. An itchy, irritated scalp can cause inflammation, according to Treating and preventing scalp issues requires an understanding of what causes dandruff in the first place. And dandruff doesn't have just one trigger — several factors can lead to the condition, which might be why it's so common (half of the population deals with dandruff, per When you don't give your scalp a thorough cleanse, you're leaving behind dead skin and other residue, such as hair products and oil. Dove Hair Expert Dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco told The easiest fix is to routinely wash your hair and scalp, but how often is often enough? There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but every two to three days is sufficient for most people, per However, dry skin and dandruff aren't always synonymous. It's possible to have a dry scalp, where the skin lacks moisture, without having dandruff, which is often associated with a specific fungus called Malassezia (via In either case, stick to a mild, moisturizing shampoo formulated for dandruff. It's also a good idea to keep your body hydrated inside and out by drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier during dry seasons. Dandruff and dryness can sometimes go hand in hand, but that doesn't mean folks with oily skin can't suffer from dandruff, too. In fact, oily skin is a common culprit when it comes to scalp issues. Professor of dermatology and the chair of the department of dermat...