Dandruff

Dandruff / seborrheic dermatitis -what is it & why does it occur?

Skin all over the body gets renewed and the old cells of the skin get shed away. This happens everyday unnoticed by us. The skin on our scalp is different in many ways

Its thicker than other areas, has lots of oil secreting glands (sebaceous glands )and is covered with long thick terminal hair.

Its thicker than other areas, has lots of oil secreting glands (sebaceous glands) and is covered with long thick terminal hair. And when the skin is shed along with sebum  it is noticed as scales or dandruff. It can be mild in many and in others it can be severe and worrisome. It also has a fungal etiology and treatments are aimed at antifungal and antiinflammatory action. The scaling often is concurrent with an oily complexion. But not all with dandruff have increased sebum secretion. Rather there is a difference in the composition of the sebum in people with Dandruff. 

Whom does it affect?

It can affect people from infants to  old  age. In most it presents with asymptomatic scales and in others there can be associated  itching and redness. In addition to scalp, ears, sideburns, beard region and even chest can be involved . In extensive cases the intertriginous regions (skin folds )can also get involved and the diagnosis in such cases can be difficult. It can be easily mistook for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or a fungal infection.

What are the aggravating factors 

Epidermal barrier integrity, host immune response, neurogenic factors and emotional stress, nutritional factors , Hormonal factors, presence and abundance of Malassezia yeast, have all been shown to play a role in individual susceptibility.

Does dandruff cause hair loss?

No. It doesn't. 

Treatment

Treatment involves treating the fungal etiology and underlying inflammation. Creams, lotions and shampoos containing antifungals Salicylic acid and steroids - in those with severe scaling or redness.