Dandruff: fast facts
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is excessive shedding of scalp skin, in the form of white flakes. The cause of dandruff is unclear, but the presence of a yeast (called malassezia) may be the reason for the faster turnover of the scalp skin. Dandruff is not infectious, and is not a sign of bad hygiene or unkempt hair. It is more of a cosmetic problem than a medical problem.
Dandruff treatment
You can help control dandruff by shampooing your hair regularly with a medicated shampoo. Initially this should be done daily, and then every second day, reducing to once or twice weekly.
The response to medicated shampoos may vary, so you may need to try a number of products before finding the product that best suits you.
You should also avoid wearing dark clothes while the dandruff is particularly bad.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if your scalp is particularly itchy, inflamed, or has sores or crusts on it, if other parts of your body are affected, or if the affected person is a child. You may also wish to seek further advice if the dandruff persists in spite of you trying a number of different medicated shampoos.
Last Reviewed: 13 October 2010
- 1. Australasian College of Dermatologists. A-Z of skin: dandruff (last modified 4 Mar 2001). http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/a-z_of_skin-dandruff.asp (accessed Feb 2011).
2. MayoClinic.com. Dandruff (published 23 Nov 2010). http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dandruff/DS00456 (accessed Feb 2011).
3. New Zealand Dermatological Society. Seborrhoeic dermatitis (last updated 7 Sep 2010). http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/seborrhoeic-dermatitis.html (accessed Feb 2011).
