Dandruff is a skin condition. Dandruff is
due to the excessive shedding of dead skin
cells from the scalp. As it is normal for
skin cells to die and flake off, a small
amount of flaking is normal and, in fact,
quite common.
Certain people, however, either
chronically or as a result of certain
triggers, experience an unusually large
amount of flaking, which can also be
accompanied by redness and irritation.
Most cases of dandruff can be easily
treated with specialized shampoos.
Dandruff is unlikely to be the cause of
hair loss.
Excessive flaking can also be a symptom of
other conditions like seborrhoeic
dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or
excoriation associated with infestation of
head lice.
Dandruff has been shown to be the result
of three required factors:
1. Skin oil commonly referred to as sebum
or sebaceous secretions;
2. The metabolic by-products of skin
micro-organisms (most specifically
Malassezia yeasts), and
3. Individual susceptibility.
There have been many strategies for the
control of dandruff. Simply increasing
shampooing will remove flakes. However,
elimination of the fungus results in
dramatic improvement. Regular shampooing
with an anti-fungal product can reduce
recurrence.
You may want to consult a dermatologist
about your problem.
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