Dandruff / Seborrheic DermatitisTreatment in Mumbai
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. It often presents as white flakes on the hair and shoulders, accompanied by itching and irritation. While dandruff is generally harmless, it can be bothersome and lead to self-consciousness in social situations.
Causes of Dandruff
- Malassezia Fungus: The presence of Malassezia, a naturally occurring fungus on the scalp, plays a significant role in dandruff formation.
- Dry Scalp: Not enough moisture on the scalp can cause skin cells to dry out and flake off, contributing to dandruff formation. This can be caused by some hair products.
- Oily Skin: An overly oily scalp can also lead to dandruff. Excessive oil production can create an environment suitable for Malassezia growth and increased shedding of skin cells.
- Stress and Hormonal Changes: Stressful situations or hormonal fluctuations can influence the body's immune response and oil production, potentially triggering dandruff in susceptible individuals.
Symptoms of Dandruff
The primary symptoms of dandruff include:
- White or yellow flakes
- Itching of scalp
- Excess dryness or oiliness of scalp
- Redness and irritation on the scalp
Prevention of Dandruff
While dandruff cannot always be completely prevented, several strategies can help manage and reduce its severity:
- Choose a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo that suits your hair type.
- Wash your hair on regular basis to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.
- Minimize the use of styling products that can build up on the scalp and eventually lead to dandruff.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Stress management can help prevent hormonal imbalances that may trigger dandruff.
- Eat a balanced diet to support scalp health. Foods like fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables can promote healthy skin and hair.
- Washing your hair with extremely hot water can strip away moisture and exacerbate dryness. Use lukewarm water instead for hair care routines.
When to See a doctor?
While mild dandruff can usually be managed at home, certain signs and symptoms warrant medical attention:
- If dandruff-related itching becomes severe or persistent, consult a dermatologist. Itching can indicate underlying skin conditions that require treatment.
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness of the scalp may indicate a more severe condition such as seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis.
- If over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments do not improve your condition after several weeks of consistent use, seek professional advice.
- Any changes in the appearance of your scalp, such as scaling, crusting, or lesions, should be examined by a doctor.
FAQs
Dandruff does not lead to hair loss, but constant scratching and inflammation due to dandruff of the scalp can weaken and damage hair follicles and contribute to hair breakage. It's essential to manage dandruff effectively to maintain scalp health and minimize hair damage.
Dandruff is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. It is a common scalp condition influenced by various factors such as genetics, hygiene, and skin health.
A healthy diet containing essential nutrients can support overall skin and scalp health. However, specific dietary factors may exacerbate dandruff in some individuals. For example, excessive consumption of sugary or oily foods may contribute to scalp inflammation and worsen dandruff symptoms.
A healthy diet containing essential nutrients can support overall skin and scalp health. However, specific dietary factors may exacerbate dandruff in some individuals. For example, excessive consumption of sugary or oily foods may contribute to scalp inflammation and worsen dandruff symptoms.
At Alana Skin Hair & Laser Clinic we offer the best dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis treatment in Mumbai at Ghatkopar, Tilak Nagar, Chembur by Dr. Sweta Sinha.