DANDRUFF

DANDRUFF Dandruff is a chronic ,non inflammatory condition of the scalp that is characterized by excessive scaling of scalp tissue. It is not a disease but rather a normal physiological event unaccepted socially The scaling process: Epidermal cells on the scalp slough continually just as on other parts of the body,. However , the epidermal cell turnover on the scalp occurs at a higher rate and involves the infundibulum of the hair follicle. Dandruff flakes appear around a hair shaft due to the epithelial growth at the base of the hair. The hair restricts the elimination of sloughed keratin, creating a visible scale

If dandruff is the only thing standing between you and a closet full of basic black, you're not alone. Many people have this chronic scalp disorder, which is marked by itching and excessive flaking of the scalp. Although dandruff isn't contagious and is rarely serious, it can be embarrassing and surprisingly persistent. The good news is that dandruff can usually be controlled. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. What's more, researchers have identified a yeast-like fungus that may cause or aggravate dandruff, a discovery that may lead to better treatments.

Symptoms For most people, the signs and symptoms of dandruff are unmistakable: white, oily looking flakes of dead skin that dot your hair and shoulders and an itchy, scaling scalp., Incidence and characteristic. it appears at puberty, reaches a peak in early adulthood, levels off in middle age, decline in advancing years, and disappears in old age.it is seasonal, mild in summer monthes and most severe in winter. Poor hygiene does not cause dandruff in a non –dandruff person, but exacerbates existing symptoms. Dandruff is a stable process( not subjected to sudden shifts in severity from week to week) It is less subjected to outside stress.

Risk factors Almost any adult is a candidate for dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible: Age. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn't mean older adults don't get dandruff, however. For some people, the problem can be lifelong. Sex. Because more men than women have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role in dandruff. Men also have larger sebaceous glands that produce an oil called sebum.

Risk factors Oily hair and scalp. Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp. For that reason, having excessively oily skin and hair makes you more prone to dandruff. Certain illnesses. For reasons that aren't clear, adults with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. So are people recovering from stressful conditions, particularly heart attack and stroke, and those with compromised immune systems.

Treatments and OTC Drugs Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but dandruff treatment may take a little patience and persistence. In general, mild scaling can often be helped by daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and cell buildup. When regular shampoos fail, OTC dandruff shampoos may succeed. But dandruff shampoos aren't all alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that works best for you. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to their active ingredient:

Treatments and OTC Drugs Zinc pyrithione shampoos (Selsun Salon, Head & Shoulders). These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Tar-based shampoos (Neutrogena T/Gel). Coal tar, a byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing cell turnover.

Treatments and OTC Drugs Selenium sulfide shampoos (Selsun Blue). These shampoos help prevent cell turnover and may also reduce the number of malassezia. Because they can discolor blonde, gray or chemically colored hair, be sure to use them only as directed and to rinse well after shampooing. Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral). The newest addition to the dandruff armamentarium, ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail. It's available over-the-counter as well as prescription drug.

Treatments and OTC Drugs Try using one of these shampoos daily until your dandruff is controlled, then cut back to two or three times a week. If one type of shampoo works for a time and then seems to lose its effectiveness, try alternating between two types of dandruff shampoos. Be sure to leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes — this allows the ingredients time to work. If you've shampooed faithfully for several weeks and there's still a dusting of dandruff on your shoulders, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. You may need a prescription-strength shampoo or more aggressive treatment with a steroid lotion.

Lifestyle and home remedies You can't prevent dandruff, but you can take steps to reduce your risk: Learn to manage stress. Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or exacerbate existing symptoms. Shampoo often. If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing to remove the excess oil may help prevent dandruff. Cut back on styling products. Hair sprays, styling gels, mousses and hair waxes can all build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier. Eat a healthy diet. A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and essential fatty acid may help prevent dandruff. Get a little sun. Sunlight may be good for dandruff. But because exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, don't sunbathe. Instead, just spend a little time outdoors. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body.

Whate do you know about keratolytics ? The epidermis consists of layers of fat cells called stratified epithelial cells. They are bound together by desmosomes and penetrating tonofibrils consist of keratin. Stratum corneum is a tight network of keratin and lipoprotein. Certain fungi, especialy the dermatophytes utilize keratin and reside in the s,. Cornium in those places where the degree of hydration and the pH are sufficiently high. One way such mycoses may be suppresed is thatof removal of the stratum corneum;aprosses that called desquamation. Certain chemical, loosenthe keratin and facilitate desquamation. These substances are called Keratolytics

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