Dandruff

Dandruff (pityriasis simplex or furfuracea) is more of an aesthetic concern than a medical problem. It has been associated with a tiny yeast cell (Pityrosporum ovale) found on all scalps, but which seems to grow more rapidly on the heads of dandruff sufferers.

Dandruff has a social stigma, and sufferers dread the sight of the characteristic small white scales which are tiny pieces of skin shed from the scalp. Dandruff is a common condition leading to small white scales (tiny pieces of skin) being shed from the scalp.

Dandruff is more common in men than women, suggesting there is some link with male androgens. By the age of 20, about half of all Caucasians are affected by dandruff to some degree, and the condition often clears spontaneously by 50 or 60 years of age.

Dandruff Treatment

There are many effective anti-dandruff shampoos on the market, but the scales normally form again within four to seven days. It's a good idea to alternate a dandruff shampoo with a regular shampoo (although antidandruff shampoos are generally not harsher on hair than other shampoos). Effective antidandruff ingredients include zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid compounds, selenium sulfide or coal tar (in small concentrations).