Dandruff Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Dandruff or dandruff comes from the Anglo-Saxon language, which is a combination of the words tan which means tetter, which is a skin disease that causes itching, and drof which means dirty or dirty.
This scalp disorder is characterized by the formation of white scales or scales on the scalp with varying amounts and sizes.
People who have dandruff will usually feel uncomfortable, and can even lower their self-confidence. This is because dandruff usually causes itching on the scalp and makes hair look greasy and dirty.
Although it occurs more frequently on the scalp, dandruff can appear on other parts of the body as well. For example on the eyebrows, eyelashes, or ears.
The incidence of dandruff reaches 15-20 percent of the world’s population. Dandruff is also more common in men than in women. It is estimated that androgen hormones affect the occurrence of dandruff.
Symptom
In general, dandruff can be easily recognized. There are several clinical symptoms of patients with dandruff that can be observed, namely:
- The presence of grayish-white flakes or scales on the head
- Itchy feeling on the scalp
- Hair loss
- Hair looks greasy
Reason
Basically, skin cells in the body will regularly release dead skin cells and replace them with new skin cells. But sometimes, in some conditions, eye skin cells experience premature loss and trigger dandruff.
There are various things that are often associated as the cause of dandruff. Some of them are:
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Lack of cleanliness
Scalp and hair that is not kept clean can trigger the formation of dandruff. This can happen because of a buildup of oil on the scalp which will eventually trigger the growth of fungus. An example is the Malassezia furfur mushroom.
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Skin disorders
Some skin disorders that occur on the scalp can also trigger the formation of dandruff. For example scalp inflammation, chronic eczema, and psoriasis.
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Inappropriate hair products
Some people also develop dandruff due to an allergy to hair care or styling products. Usually, this is experienced by those who have a sensitivity to certain ingredients of hair products. For example, paraphenylenediamine which can cause red, itchy, and scaly scalps.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dandruff can be determined based on the typical clinical picture or symptoms. Sufferers will complain of grayish-white scales or flakes that collect on the head. In addition, people who experience dandruff will also complain of an itchy feeling on their heads.
Other checks can also be done with Wood’s lamp. On this examination will be found the presence of whitish blue fluorescence which is dandruff. Malassezia sp. can be detected by staining with 10-20% KOH on scalp scraping specimens.
Treatment
The first treatment for dandruff can be done by using an anti-dandruff or anti-dandruff shampoo. This shampoo can be found easily in supermarkets or stores that offer toiletries.
Some of the active ingredients that are usually found in anti-dandruff shampoos are salicylic acid, sulfur, steroids, selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione.
Generally, mild cases can be treated with this method if used regularly. However, in more serious cases, dandruff may not be treated right away or reappear. For that, consult this matter with a dermatologist.
Prevention
Keep your scalp and hair clean by washing them regularly. Adjust the hair care products you use with your hair type. Avoid using hair care and styling products that use chemicals excessively.
Dandruff can also appear due to skin disorders. Therefore, immediately see a doctor if you have health problems with your skin.