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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