You put on your favorite little black dress or brand new navy sports coat and are feeling like a million bucks until you notice the telltale white flakes sprinkling your shoulders. It’s really hard to feel self confident and at ease when you’re constantly thinking about and checking to see if your dandruff is ruining your carefully orchestrated “look.” Here is what you need to know about dandruff and some ways of dealing with the problem.
I’ve never heard of or thought about dandruff until a child in first grade gleefully pointed out that I suffered from the affliction. There is, I think, one such little know-it-all in every class. Everyone knows the type. She or he loves to note that you have a zit, out-of-style pants or toilet paper stuck to your shoe. It’s not enough to softly mention that your barn door is open, some people find great joy in making a public announcement. In any case, I mentally made a note to go home and ask about dandruff and also to do something about this apparently dreadful cootie-like affliction.
Most people of double digit age or higher have a pretty good handle on what constitutes dandruff or at least can recognize the obvious signs—little white flakes of skin that are stuck to the scalp until disturbed and then pepper the hair or fall and dot the shoulders and back. If a person has not had personal experience with dandruff, then they’ve certainly seen the television commercials that range from serious to quite funny depending on the company and the year.
What is dandruff?
If you do have scalp flakes and/or itching, then you probably do have dandruff. Approximately half of all individuals have classic dandruff ranging from occasionally to on a regular basis according to Proctor and Gamble. I’d love to give you a long list of famous individuals battling dandruff, but even in the current climate of soul baring true confessions, you’re just not likely to see a top actress or high scoring athlete coming out of the closest about head flakes.
If you are suffering with dandruff, then you have a fungus. Naturally, this is not a pleasant thought. But when it comes to fungi, scalp involvement is certainly not as serious as fungus in other areas like on the feet or under the nails. And, scalp fungus is not the same beast as fungi usually attacking other body areas. It’s much easier to keep scalp fungus in check and under wraps than to try to wear sandals when sporting yellow misshapen toe nails. If you must be a plagued with a fungus, scalp problems are probably the easiest to deal with though still not particularly appealing.
Normal skin regenerates and flakes. Otherwise, you’d wear out your skin and look very odd indeed. The difference when dealing with fungal problems is that the cycle is accelerated. Instead of slowly, steadily, and with little to no fanfare replenishing head skin, dandruff sufferers cycle skin on average every seven to twenty-one days. The average person cycles on a monthly basis. The faster the cycle, the more problematic the flaking. Instead of having fine flakes that are washed away and never particularly noticed like the average person, you’ve got a head full of turnover skin often in rather large clumps.
In fact, all head flakes are not created equally, and some sufferers incorrectly assume they have dandruff problems when they are really dealing with other skin conditions.
Other scalp conditions often confused with dandruff include:
1. Dry Skin – In some cases, individuals simply suffer from overly dry skin. This problem is usually not confined to the scalp. If you need to add lotion to your legs or gloss to your lips on a regular basis, then you’re likely just a rather dry person. Scalp flaking is usually rather minor and can be handled by using a moisturizing shampoo.
2. Dermatitis – This is a skin disease. In most cases the scalp skin is also red and may be raw in areas (generally related to scratching). Dermatitis tends to cause more itching than classic dandruff. Scratching can damage the hair follicles and can even result in bald patches. Flakes tend to be yellowish in color rather than white. It’s important to see a skin specialist and begin a medical treatment program if diagnosed with dermatitis. About 10 percent of scalp problems thought to be dandruff are, in fact, dermatitis.
3. Yeast Syndrome (chronic candidiasis) – Though most doctors now agree that traditional dandruff is related to a scalp yeast fungus, some medical mavericks are suggesting that excessive yeast may be systemic and bowel focused. If you suffer from frequent vaginal yeast infections and note a high number of health problems overall along with dandruff, then research on chronic yeast conditions are available. Most advocate a rather radical diet designed to cleanse excessive yeast fungi from the body. Unless you suffer from a host of additional and serious health concerns, don’t worry about chronic systemic yeast. Information available is sparse and often contradictory.
4. Tinea corporis (ring worm) – Ring worm is seen most often in children. This fungal infection is easier to identify on the body where hair is not involved. The classic red patches which typically form rings can be almost impossible to see when covered with hair. Itching is more pronounced when ring worm is involved. In addition, ring worm is contagious. If a younger child is experiencing dandruff-like symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit the doctor to rule out ring worm. The doctor can shine a special light on the scalp which will turn the rings purple and conclusively confirm the diagnosis. Special creams are required to cure ring worm.
Myths about dandruff and those suffering with the problem:
One of the main reasons dandruff has consistently been an embarrassing problem for sufferers and one generally not discussed socially is that the condition is often seen as a hygiene issue. This is not the case. No amount of showering and shampooing cures dandruff. In fact, dandruff can’t be cured, but it can be controlled.
Another common misconception is that true dandruff is caused by dry skin. While some individuals do have dryer skin and may have minor flaking associated with dryness, dandruff is not simply dry skin. In fact, if your skin is oily, you’re more likely to suffer with dandruff. Dandruff tends to thrive in areas where oil glands are most productive. This includes the scalp but may also involve other areas like the eyebrows and the skin between the eyes.
Some people think that dandruff is contagious, but it isn’t. Since some skin conditions can be passed along (like ring worm), it’s still wise to avoid sharing combs and brushes. But, you’re not going to catch dandruff from other sufferers.
Fast Facts on Dandruff
1. Males are more likely to have dandruff than females.
2. Dandruff tends to first show up first during adolescence (about 6 in 10 teens have dandruff—higher than the average for all ages). Researchers think that adolescent onset of dandruff is related to general hormonal changes and oil glands becoming more productive. If teens don’t have enough to worry about with skin break outs, voice changes, and dating, they also discover head flakes.
3. Dandruff problems tend to peak around age 40. If you’re hitting this milestone, take heart. You may be over the hill or getting close when it comes to dealing with dandruff.
4. While young children and older adults can suffer with dandruff, most youngsters and oldsters are less bothered by dandruff problems. If your child is dealing with scalp problems, consider ring worm and check with a doctor. If an older person is itching and flaking (especially if it’s a new problem not noted earlier in life), be sure to check about conditions like dermatitis which requires and entirely different treatment approach.
5. Physical and mental stress both contribute to and complicate dandruff problems. This is just one more reason to take good care of yourself and to learn to deal with problems in healthy ways.
6. Winter is prime dandruff season. Sunlight and air tend to lessen scalp problems, so staying indoors and wrapping up tight will likely mean more flakes.
7. Hats and hair products can worsen dandruff problems. Fungi thrive in damp, dark environments. Consider jock itch and athletes’ foot. When your scalp is covered or weighed down with styling products, then the climate is better for dandruff.
8. Dying your hair can worsen dandruff problems. Dyes kill off natural, healthy bacterias which seem to balance out and fight the fungi related to dandruff.
Dandruff Shampoos
If you suffer from dandruff, shampoos designed to deal with the problem can make a real difference.
There are a number of brands on the market including Head and Shoulders, Selsun Blue, Tegrin, Donorex, Sebutone, and Neutrogena. These shampoos include one or a combination of the following ingredients proven to help in the control of dandruff: zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur, salicylic acid, or coal-tar. All active ingredients have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are safe for home use.
These shampoos can be quite effective and also are generally hair friendly. Most hair style procedures including coloring can be used with the standard over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. It’s fine to use the basic dandruff shampoos on an everyday basis.
The most recent addition to the dandruff shampoo market is Nizoral. This shampoo includes a yeast fighting agent called ketoconarole approved in 1997 by the FDA. Initially available only with a prescription from a medical doctor, the product is now sold over the counter with a lower active percentage than the doctor prescribed version. If you have a good medical prescription plan, then consider asking for the controlled shampoo. It’s the same product but with a higher concentration of the medication.
For more severe cases of dandruff, Nizoral has been a real blessing. While the product is more expensive, it really does the job. In addition, a bottle lasts a long time, since it is designed to be used once a week and other favorite shampoos on the other days. If you go with Nizoral, then use it every few days and not for every shampoo.
How to Use Dandruff Shampoos
Before shampooing, brush hair. This removes loose dandruff flakes and also helps pull out some of the build up from styling products.Rinse air well with warm water. This also helps get rid of build up as well as providing a wet base which helps distribute the shampoo when applied.
Pour about a tablespoon of dandruff shampoo in your hand. Rub until a lather begins to form. This step helps with distribution during the application stage.Start at the scalp and begin rubbing. Use your fingers to massage your scalp and to ensure that the active ingredients in the shampoo are actually reaching the problem area—the scalp and not the hair shafts.Leave the shampoo on five minutes before rinsing. This gives the medications time to sink in and work. Rinse with cool water. The cooler water helps add shine.If you condition your hair, use modest amounts of the product. You might even add water to your conditioner bottle. Most people use too much conditioner. This is not a real problem (though expensive) for most individuals, but people suffering with dandruff should avoid excessive use of hair care products. These can complicate dandruff problems.
Alternatives – Herbal Remedies for Dandruff
Dandruff has been around way longer than dandruff shampoos. For example, Head and Shoulders is only about 40 years old. Before major companies capitalized on the market, savvy folks experimented with and found home treatments to control dandruff.
One of the earliest treatments for dandruff was pine tar. Pine tar is sticky and smelly, but it does help. One company currently offers a pine tar shampoo—Grandpa’s Pine Tar. Though shampooing with pine tar is not so pleasant, hair feels squeaky clean afterwards and dandruff is gone (at least for a while). Pine tar is rough on hair and especially on treated hair. Don’t consider it for every day use.
Another favorite home remedy for dandruff is vinegar (white, apple cider etc.). Just mix the vinegar with a little water. Pour over hair and massage well and then rinse. Vinegar poured in the bathtub has long been used by women with vaginal yeast infections, so it stands to reason that it could be helpful in combating yeast problems related to the scalp. You will smell a tad like pickles if you use vinegar treatments.
Other home remedy specialists swear by include mixtures of coconut oil and lemon juice (smells much better than other treatments) and also washing with Listerine mouth wash. If using Listerine, wet your scalp, rub Listerine in, wrap your hair in a towel for about fifteen minutes and then rinse.
Dandruff – Looking to the Future
Though dandruff is considered by most to be a cosmetic and not a medical problem, it’s problematic enough that Americans spend approximately $300,000,000 trying to combat scalp flakes and itches. As the medical community continues to examine the condition and to pinpoint the fungal connections, more physicians as well as lay persons are beginning to recognize that dandruff is not just an irritating character flaw but a real problem with real solutions that hopefully will be pinpointed in the near future.