Dandruff often makes people feel less confident, especially because the itching can interfere with daily activities. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes of dandruff and how to treat it properly so confidence can be restored.
According to alodokter.com, the following are some common causes of dandruff:
Causes of Dandruff
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Dry Scalp
A dry scalp can trigger the buildup of dead skin cells, leading to dandruff. Dandruff caused by dryness is usually smaller in size and not oily. -
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin irritation that can cause rashes and itching. When it occurs on the scalp, it is usually triggered by hair care products or hair dyes. In addition, having other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne can also trigger dandruff or make it worse. -
Infrequent Shampooing
Rarely washing the hair can cause oil and dead skin cells to accumulate on the scalp, eventually resulting in dandruff. -
Yeast or Fungal Growth
The yeast or fungus Malassezia globosa feeds on the oil on the scalp to survive and multiply. This causes the scalp to react by accelerating the formation of new skin cells.
Under normal conditions, new scalp skin cells take about a month to mature, die, and shed. In people with dandruff, this process can happen much faster, within 2–7 days. -
Other Medical Conditions
Dandruff is more likely to occur in people with certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain and spinal cord injuries, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis C.
How to Treat Dandruff
Dandruff can almost always be managed by regularly washing the hair with a special anti-dandruff shampoo 1–3 times a week. Once the dandruff is under control, reduce usage to once a week to prevent it from returning.
Anti-dandruff shampoos are categorized based on their active ingredients, including:
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Shampoos containing antibacterial and antifungal agents such as zinc pyrithione
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Coal tar–based shampoos, which can slow down the shedding of dead skin cells but may increase scalp sensitivity to sunlight
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Shampoos containing salicylic acid, which helps loosen and remove scalp scales
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Shampoos containing selenium sulfide, an antifungal agent that must be used carefully as it may change hair or scalp color
Always read and follow the instructions before use. Some products need to be left on the scalp for a few minutes, while others should be rinsed immediately. In addition to shampoo, dandruff can also be treated with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, or apple cider vinegar.
If the shampoo used does not improve the dandruff or causes an allergic reaction, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor for proper treatment.