Where does dandruff come from and how to get rid of it forever

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is flakes of skin that are a mild manifestation of a disease called seborrheic dermatitis. If we turn to the Latin language, the literal translation of the word “dandruff” sounds like “bran”. This is explained by the fact that the separated skin particles in appearance resemble a well-known dietary product.

Although dandruff is a common occurrence for many people, this syndrome is a medical concept that manifests itself in the shedding of small particles of skin at a significant rate. It bothers the patient for a long time, sometimes throughout life, the localization of the pathological process is the scalp. To get rid of obsessive syndrome, you need to know about the causes of dandruff and methods to combat it.

Cosmetology procedures

Cosmetologists offer their own methods of fighting if dandruff appears. What to do and which procedure to choose depends on the stage of the disease. Cosmetic procedures that can help include:

• 
  Ozone therapy. Improves metabolism, eliminates toxins.

• Mesotherapy. The cells are saturated with useful substances, which has a positive effect on the production of sebum.
• Physiotherapy. Kill bacteria and fungus, activate metabolic processes.
• Laser. Improves blood circulation and has antiseptic properties.

Courses include a minimum of 10 sessions.

Causes of dandruff

There are several reasons leading to the accelerated separation of dermis particles on the head.

There are certain factors that, under the influence of each other, aggravate the existing problem:

• Metabolic disorders. When there is a failure in metabolic processes, the body's resistance to various exogenous pathogenetic factors drops.
• Hormonal dysfunction often leads to dandruff in females.
• Gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine disorders, respiratory diseases, neurological problems, immunodeficiency states.
• The cause of dandruff, which cannot be corrected, is a hereditary predisposition.
• Disturbances in the functioning of the external secretion glands, namely the sebaceous glands.
• Errors in nutrition, lack of vitamins.
• Overstrain, both physical and mental.
• A mycotic infection caused by the yeast-like fungi P. Ovale. Normally, they can be found on the skin of 90% of people, and they begin to show pathological activity under the influence of provoking factors, leading to a decrease in the body’s defenses.
• Hypothermia of the scalp and its overheating as a result of improper use of the headgear.
• Frequent use of a hair dryer, exposure to chemical dyes, use of curling irons - any aggressive effect on the scalp.
• Violations of hygiene rules, namely ignoring hair washing.

In addition, there are additional factors that increase the risk of developing dandruff, including:

• Age – in adolescence and young adulthood the disease develops more often. Children almost never develop dandruff. During puberty, dandruff can be a physiological phenomenon associated with increased activity of the sebaceous glands under the influence of hormones.
• Nervous overstrain. When a person is in a state of chronic stress, dandruff will be his obligatory companion.

In medicine, it is customary to consider dandruff as a form of skin disease - seborrheic dermatitis. At the same time, the exfoliated scales are dry, and sebum secretion is reduced. If normally skin particles should peel off within a month, then with dry seborrhea they come off within 7 days.

There is a classification that involves dividing dandruff into dry and oily, but some scientists consider it not entirely correct. They explain this by saying that true dandruff cannot be oily, since the production of the sebaceous glands is significantly reduced. With oily dandruff, detachments on the hair rarely appear; they are attached to the dermis itself. Unlike dry dandruff, which is always a lot, it also causes itching and irritation of the skin.

Dandruff and itchy scalp – what are the causes?

Itchy scalp almost always occurs with dandruff. This occurs as a result of the scalp becoming too dry. The reason for this is insufficient functioning of the sebaceous glands. As a result, skin particles die, the dermis itself suffers from microscopic cracks, which cause itching.

Itching is also a consequence of the interaction between the scalp and water. The dermis is overdried due to disruption of the sebaceous glands, and water and incorrectly selected hair washing products aggravate this process. The result is a feeling of tension and irritation.

Itching intensifies under the influence of external irritants. So, people suffering from dandruff try to hide it under hats or dye their hair light colors. However, this only aggravates the situation, making the itching even worse.

Another reason for itching is the activity of Malassezia fungi. When there are a lot of them, they provoke irritation of the scalp and, accordingly, force a person to comb it.

Dermatocosmetologist, trichologist Irina Kotova about dandruff

According to trichologist and dermatocosmetologist I. Kotova, one should not take the phenomenon of dandruff lightly. Often it is she who indicates such a serious disease as seborrheic dermatitis. A trichologist, from a professional point of view, talks about what dandruff is, what its main symptoms are and how to treat it (at home and under the supervision of a specialist).

conclusions

1. Treatment for dandruff should begin by identifying its causes.
2. Factors in the development of the symptom: heredity, unhealthy diet, time of year, hormonal disorders, salon procedures, chemotherapy.
3. There are three types of dandruff: dry, oily and mixed.
4. Stress is one of the main factors in the occurrence of symptoms.
5. Nettle, burdock, calendula, and fermented milk products are the main folk remedies in the fight against impaired functioning of the sebaceous glands. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with anti-dandruff shampoos for women in this material.

Dandruff symptoms

The following symptoms indicate that a person suffers from dandruff:

• The appearance of white scales on outer clothing, on hair and shoulders, on a comb and on a hat. These scales represent a detached layer of the epidermis of the head.
• Most often, with dandruff, the scalp is dry, however, it can also be oily. Both of these pathological conditions of the dermis are the result of metabolic disorders.
• Hair takes on an unhealthy appearance. They become brittle and dull.
• If the painful condition progresses, the exfoliated scales of the dermis become larger, yellowish-gray crusts form on the head, and spots appear.
• The scalp is itchy.

Clinical researches

The effectiveness of ALERANA® shampoo has been clinically proven in the DERMSCAN laboratory. Sederma. Laboratory specialists confirmed that with a course of use of Procapil, the amount of hair in the growth phase increased in 67% of patients.

Action:

• blocks the proliferation of fungus that causes dandruff
• eliminates flaking of the scalp, increasing the access of oxygen to the hair follicles
• stimulates cellular metabolism in hair follicles
• promotes the growth of strong and healthy hair

2 formulas of the vitamin-mineral complex “Day” and “Night” ensure compatibility of the components, have a synergistic effect, and act taking into account the daily rhythm of hair growth.

Action:

• provides hair follicles with substances necessary for growth and development
• reduces hair loss
• improves the condition of hair and scalp
• promotes a healthy glow
• has a general strengthening antioxidant effect.

What absolutely should not be done for dandruff?

• If symptoms indicating the presence of dandruff are detected, it is prohibited to use alcohol-containing products to care for the scalp. They aggravate the pathological condition of the skin, drying it out even more.
• You should avoid scratching your scalp. Itching always accompanies dandruff. If you try to eliminate it and scratch your head, the problem will only get worse. Even minor microscopic injuries are a gateway for the entry of infectious agents. As a result, pustules form on the scalp.
• It is prohibited to dye your hair or apply other aggressive substances to it.
• Hard metal teeth of combs can increase peeling. If used carelessly, they will injure the scalp.
• Until cure, you should refrain from using curling irons, hair dryers and straightening irons to style your hair.

Physiotherapy

It is useful not only to relieve symptoms and treat the body from the inside, but also to undergo some procedures.

• For example, ozone therapy dries the skin, which is useful for oily seborrhea.
• Laser therapy helps improve blood circulation and destroys fungus.
• And mesotherapy can even improve immunity.

So, if the doctor has prescribed you to attend these procedures, you should listen to his opinion and go through them completely. They will not only relieve dandruff problems, but also improve the overall condition of the scalp and hair.

Answers to popular questions about dandruff

• Is there any connection between dandruff and hair loss? It has been established that dandruff can cause hair loss. However, it is imperative to look for other problems of alopecia, since dandruff itself is one of its additional, and not its main causes. Therefore, if you only get rid of dandruff, hair loss will not stop.
• What causes dandruff? Why does she appear again and again? Most scientists are of the opinion that dandruff occurs due to individual predisposition to it. The detachment of particles of the dermis is a natural process that is designed to renew it. For some people this process occurs faster than for others, which is why they cannot get rid of the problem forever.

  After people with an individual predisposition refuse to use products designed to slow down the division of epidermal particles or capable of dissolving the resulting flakes, dandruff becomes visible again. In this case, the only solution to the problem is to use special shampoos and conditioners on an ongoing basis.

  In addition, studies have been conducted that have established a relationship between the appearance of dandruff and too much drying of the dermis of the scalp. This is due to the use of cleaning agents included in most shampoos that manufacturers recommend for daily use.

  In order for the skin to renew normally and not cause discomfort to its owner, it must have a certain level of moisture, provided by a thin layer of fat. Otherwise, the process of exfoliation of epidermal particles is disrupted. The sebaceous glands are responsible for the production of fat. With frequent exposure of the dermis to aggressive detergents, the protective fat layer is washed away. Dry skin begins to divide faster, the particles increase in size, which causes visible dandruff to appear, which was previously invisible.

• Is dandruff related to fungus? There is a definite relationship between fungal infections of the scalp and the appearance of dandruff. In this regard, mycotic organisms of the Pityrosporum type pose a danger. They inhabit human hair and the epidermal layer of skin. In this regard, to get rid of dandruff, shampoos with an antifungal component are prescribed.
• Is dandruff contagious? Is it transmitted from person to person? There is no need to worry about getting dandruff. Even the fact that it is sometimes caused by mycotic organisms is not a cause for concern. The fact is that these fungi normally exist on the skin and hair of most people, however, they did not develop dandruff.
• Why, besides dandruff, does my head itch so much? There is an opinion that the appearance of itching may be caused by microscopic fungi of the genus Malassezia. To get rid of it, no special measures should be taken. It will be enough to undergo treatment for dandruff and the itching will go away on its own.
• How to choose a good shampoo “for every day”? It is important that shampoos that are planned to be used to wash your hair daily do not contain such a component as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is he and its derivatives that have a drying effect on the dermis of the head. Therefore, if there is a need to wash your hair so often, you should give preference to shampoos that contain less aggressive cleaning components: S. (sodium) Cocoyl Isethionate, or S. dodecyl sulfate, or S. Isethionate, or Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, or Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
• Do I need a special anti-dandruff shampoo for men? No, it makes no sense to buy a specialized product, since the formation of dandruff in men and women is provoked by the same factors.
• Is it possible to cope with dandruff with the help of vegetable oils and medicinal herbs? There is no evidence that there is any effect from the use of oils in getting rid of dandruff. We are talking about olive, castor, burdock oil. A study was conducted on only tea tree oil in a 5% solution. It has been found that it can reduce the volume of separated particles of the epidermis. However, these results are not sufficient to recommend this type of oil as a medicine. As for popular herbs used to get rid of dandruff, for example, burdock, calendula and others, no clinical trials have been conducted on this score. There is evidence regarding the activity of Aloe vera leaf extract against the fungus that causes dandruff. However, these data were obtained from studies conducted in a laboratory setting. It is unknown whether this component will also work when found in shampoos.
• Does rinsing your hair with vinegar or baking soda help with dandruff? There have also been no clinical studies on this matter. However, it can be assumed that soda can not only get rid of the problem, but also aggravate it. The fact is that when it gets on the dermis, sodium bicarbonate forms an alkaline environment. In this case, even the normal process of exfoliation of epithelial cells is disrupted. If it is already broken, this process will proceed even more intensely. It can be assumed that vinegar will not give the desired effect. Although it is essentially an acid, its structural formula is fundamentally different from hydroacids, which could be useful in one case or another.
• What does dandruff in the ears mean? When particles of epithelium are found in the ears, it is quite reasonable to assume that they got there from the head. If this is excluded, then their presence in the ears may be a symptom of true seborrhea.
• What does “dandruff” on the body mean? When spots appear on the body, in certain areas of the skin, and silver-colored scales rest on top of them, this requires immediate contact with a dermatologist. A similar phenomenon may be a sign of a disease, for example, seborrhea or pityriasis versicolor. In addition, there are many other diseases of the dermis that only a doctor can identify.
• What does excessive dandruff mean in a child or teenager? If such a problem is detected, consultation with a doctor is required. Your child may have a serious skin infection, such as ringworm. This condition requires emergency treatment.
• What does dandruff mean in a newborn baby? Some newborn babies are susceptible to the formation of flakes on the head. They have a yellow-brown color; in medicine this condition is defined as infantile seborrhea. Parents should not be afraid of this phenomenon. It is due to the fact that the cells of the dermis of an infant divide too quickly and do not have time to exfoliate in a timely manner. As a result, flakes are formed that can be found not only on the head, but also on the face. This condition will go away on its own as the baby grows. Most often, this process becomes fully regulated after a few weeks. Sometimes it can take up to 8 months. Scales can be removed from a child's skin. To do this, they need to be lubricated with a small amount of oil, but only baby oil, and not ordinary vegetable oil. The latter is not applicable, as it provokes the growth of fungal flora. After a few hours, the crusts are carefully removed using a soft brush.
• What can severe dandruff mean in an elderly person? Most often, this phenomenon signals seborrhea (read more: seborrhea - causes and symptoms).
• What to do if there is a lot of dandruff on your head? If a lot of dandruff forms on your head, then a visit to the dermatologist cannot be postponed. A large number of scales indicates the activity of the exfoliation process, and this can be caused by serious diseases and problems in the functioning of organs. Only a specialist can determine the pathology. If diseases are excluded, then the use of medicinal shampoos based on selenium sulfide and ketoconazole is recommended.

Prevention

In order to prevent the recurrence of seborrhea, you can use both special care products such as shampoos and hair masks, and folk recipes.

It is important to choose prevention methods that work in a particular case. However, too strong drugs should not be used without a doctor's permission.

What methods are used to treat dandruff?

Traditional methods of getting rid of dandruff include the use of shampoos that contain an antifungal component. To decide on the right product, you should visit a trichologist. The fact is that dandruff can be a sign of serious disorders in the human body.

Most likely, the patient will be recommended not only to use shampoos, but also to adjust their lifestyle in general (after other serious pathologies have been excluded). It is necessary to review the diet and increase the content of fiber-rich foods in it. In addition, during the treatment period, you should avoid exposing the dermis of the head to any aggressive substances, in particular, this applies to chemical dyeing, blow-drying, using an iron, curling iron, etc.

Anti-dandruff shampoo

Each patient, without exception, will be prescribed the use of shampoos and lotions with antifungal agents.

Products that contain not one, but several active substances can show higher therapeutic activity. These are tools such as:

• Keto plus based on ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione;
• Algopix based on tar and salicylic acid;
• Quelual DS with cyclopiroxolamine, zinc pyrithione and queluamide;
• Phytosylic with cypress, frankincense and tea tree oils and salicylic acid;
• NodeDS with climbazole, zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid.

The best shampoo for dandruff

Sulsena paste 2% is a means to effectively eliminate dandruff. The selenium disulfide included in its composition acts in such a way that it eliminates not only visible scales of the epidermis, but also eliminates the very reasons for their active division. Among the positive effects of using Sulsena paste:

• Helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, ridding the scalp of excess sebum.
• Has a preventive effect and prevents the formation of dandruff.
• Allows you to get rid of itching caused by dandruff.
• Helps activate the work of hair follicles and strengthens the hair shaft.
• Helps stop destructive processes in the area responsible for hair growth.
• It affects the renewal of epidermal cells.
• Improves nutrition of hair follicles.
• Unlike most dandruff removal products, Sulsena has a pleasant herbal scent and does not require subsequent hair drying.
• While using the paste, you can wash your hair less often, which is due to the normalization of the sebaceous glands.
• During treatment, you can use other hair cosmetics, since there is no data on the incompatibility of Sulsen with any substance.
• Not only visible, but also the smallest invisible exfoliated scales of the dermis will be removed.
• The paste can be used as needed as it is pH neutral.
• The product helps eliminate toxins entering the scalp from the external environment, which is an obstacle to their destructive effect on the hair root apparatus.
• Has a prolonged effect.

Regular use of Sulsena paste allows you not only to get rid of dandruff, but also to enhance hair growth, improving the health of the scalp and hair follicles. It is recommended to use the product as a preventive measure.

Drugs used to normalize lipolysis processes

In order to normalize the process of breaking down fats into their constituent fatty acids, it is possible to use Riboflavin (takes part in the process of fat metabolism, normalizes the process of their oxidation and reduction) and Methionine (regulates the synthesis of phospholipids from fats).

In addition, restorative treatment may be recommended for patients with dandruff. To do this, it is important to get rid of immunodeficiency, dysbiosis and hypovitaminosis. For this purpose, vitamin and mineral complexes, immunomodulators and probiotics are prescribed.

Getting rid of dandruff is impossible without lifestyle changes. This applies to the emotional sphere, general physical condition and diet. If you cannot cope with stress, psychosis and nervousness on your own, then you should consult a psychotherapist. It is possible that taking mild sedatives, for example, Persen, will be sufficient.

Author of the article: German Olga Leonidovna, trichologist, especially for the site ayzdorov.ru

Scalp hygiene

When washing, you should use products that suit your hair type. The frequency of washing your hair is at least once every two days. Pillowcases and towels need to be changed regularly, and ideally, the pillow needs to be replaced. It is also useful to comb your hair with a fine comb and massage the scalp when applying care products and masks .

IMPORTANT! If your hair is not very dirty, you can get rid of dandruff much faster. Therefore, it is so important to monitor their hygiene .