Dandruff - How to take care

Dandruff are superficial flakes of skin present on the scalp hair and eyebrows. Sometimes they can be extensive, visible on the face and on the cloathings – jackets, shirts, sweaters etc. These flakes are dead skin cells of the scalp. The main causes are –

· Fungal infection of the scalp due to yeasts of Malassezia species.

· Seborrhoeic dermatitis, in which case the scales are yellowish and greasy.

· Dry scalp caused by skin diseases where there is desquamation of the scalp skin and /or contact dermatitis from excessive use of hair products.

Although harmless, the visible scales are embarrassing.

Prevention and treatment

· Use an antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole, twice weekly for 6 weeks. Leave the shampoo for 5 minutes on the scalp before rinsing.

· Use less hair products and a small quantity of hair oil if only necessary.

A dermatological consultation may be necessary, if the problem persists.