26th Sep 2024

When to See a Dermatologist With Your Dandruff?

Dandruff is a scalp condition that commonly affects roughly half the population before puberty. Dandruff can not only cause itch but can also have a significant cosmetic influence. Dandruff causes itching, and a scaly scalp. This is due to the white-yellow, greasy particles that build up in your hair and on your shoulders. Furthermore, stress can increase this discomfort.

Additional symptoms could include:

• Hair loss; 
• Dry flakes on the face; 
• Dandruff in brows; 
• Erythema (red areas on the skin, scalp, or face);
• Skin flakes that can be little and white or big, greasy and yellow;
• Itchy flaking around the hairline, ears, and nose. Sometimes may emerge at the center of the chest or back.

What Causes Dandruff?

When skin renewal outpaces shedding, dandruff can develop. This can produce dead skin patches on the scalp and get embedded in the hair.

The primary causes of scalp flaking can be:

• Seborrheic dermatitis. It is a skin ailment caused by yeast overgrowth on the skin, which causes the scalp, face, and other body areas to become red, scaly, and itchy;
• Allergic contact dermatitis is an unpleasant reaction to scalp-care products. Examples include hair dye, gel, hairspray, and mousse;
• Tinea capitis, often known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal illness that affects the scalp;
• Eczema is a common skin disorder in which the skin becomes dry, red, flaky, and extremely irritating;
• Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause red, dry, crusty patches of skin coated with silvery scales.

Home Therapy

Make sure to properly remove as many scaly or crusty places as possible before applying the anti-dandruff shampoo. This is because it can improve the shampoo's efficacy.

To do this, use a comb or brush to remove any stray scales or flakes before washing with shampoo. Avoid using too much force to remove skin patches or plaques, since this may aggravate the problem.

Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following ingredients:

• Ketoconazole - an antifungal agent suitable for all ages, whereas zinc pyrithione slows yeast development; 
• Selenium sulfide. Reduces dandruff by reducing oil production from the scalp gland. Additionally, it possesses antifungal properties;
• Salicylic acid helps eliminate excess skin cells;
• Tea tree oil. Because of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities, it is found in most shampoos. Research published in the National Library of Medicine found that shampoo with 5% tea tree oil appeared to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for mild dandruff. Nonetheless, a patch test is recommended because some people may react to the product on their scalps.
• Coal tar is a natural antifungal agent that can reduce excessive skin cell formation. However, it might cause staining in dyed or treated hair. It can also make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight, so use a protective hat when outside. Because a significant amount can be carcinogenic, it is best to use it cautiously.

Because of their curly, coarse nature, people with dark skin may wash their hair less frequently. Consequently, their hair is more sensitive to dryness and breaking. To combat dandruff, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following:

For black people - apply the dandruff shampoo once a week. Consult a dermatologist clinic to find an appropriate choice. For white and Asian individuals - shampoo daily and use dandruff shampoo twice a week.

If your current shampoo isn't working, try another one. Typically, it is recommended to test the shampoo for a month to determine whether it works. Remember that certain shampoos may progressively lose their potency over time. If this is the case, it is recommended that you use a different shampoo that has another component.

When to Visit a Dermatologist

Dandruff is generally easy to treat without medical assistance. Furthermore, certain shampoos can help reduce flare-ups. Keep an eye out for other symptoms when treating your dandruff. Ask yourself the following questions.

• Were there any more symptoms?
• Do they make life more difficult than necessary?
• Has it been more than a month since you used the shampoo and there have been no results?

If at least one of the responses is true, it may be beneficial to see a dermatologist. They may be able to accurately diagnose your disease and identify the underlying problem. Dermatologists can then recommend the best treatment for your unique needs.