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Dandruff (Causes and Symptoms)
Dandruff (Causes and Symptoms)
Body:
Causes of Dandruff
Irritated and oily skin: This can be caused by conditions such as seborrheic
dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatisis is marked by red and greasy skin that is
covered in flaky white or yellow scales. The condition can affect your scalp and
other areas of the body which are rich in oil glands, such as the creases around
your nostrils, the backs of your ears, the groin and armpits.
Dry skin: If you suffer from dry skin or have a medical condition such as
eczema, it is likely that your scalp will also become dry, flaky and probably also
very itchy. Flakes due to dry skin usually appear smaller and less oily. Dry skin
can be exacerbated in colder climates and during winter due to dry weather
conditions.
Not shampooing enough: If you don’t wash your hair on a regular basis then
oils and skin cells can build up on the scalp leading to dandruff. Male hormones
also known as androgens can also cause greasy or oily skin which can lead to
dandruff. However, shampooing too often can dry out the scalp and cause
dandruff, it is recommended that you shampoo every other day to maintain a
healthy balance.
Brushing your hair irregularly: Can also increase your chances of having
dandruff, as a build-up of dead skin occurs on the scalp.
Heat and dry air: Conversely heat can dry the scalp and make dandruff appear
worse.
Hair products which contain certain oils can also worsen dandruff as yeast can
feed off these lipids and grow in their presence. Styling products can also build-
up on the scalp and cause greasiness.
An unbalanced diet: However, eating foods which are rich in zinc, vitamin B
and fats can help you prevent dandruff from developing
Stress: Can worsen any skin condition and impair your immune system.
Although the microbe malassezia is already present on everyone’s scalp, it can
thrive once the immune system becomes compromised or impaired leading to
the development of dandruff. Stress can cause an itch-scratch cycle where the
more you scratch the itchier your scalp becomes.
Theme III: Diseases and its causes
Source:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/dandruff-vs-dry-scalp#see-a-doctor
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/dandruff-itchy-scalp#symptoms-and-causes
3. https://www.headandshoulders.com/en-us/healthy-hair-and-scalp/dandruff/dandruff-
symptoms-the-early-warning-signs
4. https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/dandruff
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850
Body:
Symptoms of Dandruff