Dandruff & scalp

Practical Dandruff Advice

Dandruff is a very common problem, affecting 3 in every 100 people.

Dandruff can occur at any age, but tends to affect more men than women, and is most common in those aged 20 to 30.

Dandruff is non-contagious and can differ in severity.

It caused by skin cells on the scalp renewing themselves too quickly. This creates more dead skin cells, which flake off the scalp and appear as dandruff.

Medicated shampoo can often help remove the dead skin flakes associated with dandruff.

Common Dandruff Symptoms

The main symptoms of dandruff are usually noticeable: the main symptom are the appearance of white or grey flakes of dead skin around the hair and scalp. People with dandruff may also suffer from an itchy scalp, tightness on the skin around the scalp and general pain or discomfort.

Dandruff is often caused by something called Seborrhoeic dermatitis - an eczema-like skin condition localised to areas with high concentrations of hair follicles.

In adults, the symptoms may include an itchy, sore scalp, red patches of skin, or a rash, around the scalp and forehead, hair loss, or greasy patches of white or yellow scaly skin.

In babies, this condition is known as cradle cap - and is harmless and temporary, but can cause discomfort. Babies usually develop cradle cap before they are six months old, and it usually clears by their first birthday.

Dandruff Treatments

Mild to moderate dandruff can be controlled with over the counter products.

Dandruff shampoo is a popular option. Some shampoos are designed to clear flakes out of the hair, and are an aesthetic treatment. Other, medicated shampoos may contain antifungal ingredients to help treat the cause of dandruff.

Anti-dandruff shampoo ingredients include zinc pyrithione, which fights yeast production, salicylic acid, which softens dead skin so it's less prone to flaking, selenium sulphide, which relieves itchiness and removes flakes, and ketoconazole, an antifungal treatment which can help severe cases of dandruff.

Medicated shampoos often contain sulphur or salicylic acid.

For babies with cradle cap, try using mild baby shampoos, baby oil, olive oil or coconut oil to soothe their scalp.