Dandruff on the scalp
The entire skin regenerates and renews itself constantly. So does the scalp. In the process, dead, horny cells are shed in groups from the uppermost layer of skin as scales.
This natural process is known as desquamation. If this process is normal, the flakes of skin that are rejected are not visible to the naked eye. However, this process can be disturbed and the formation of dandruff can be increased.
If more than 500 contiguous, dead cells fall off the scalp, they become visible as large white platelets, especially on dark clothing. As a rule, skin scales have no disease value, but are often perceived as unaesthetic and therefore disturbing. Broadly speaking, two different types can be distinguished.
Dry dandruff has a white color and usually develops on dry scalp. The cause is dry heating air in winter, blow-drying too hot, sunburn or the use of drying shampoos. Some skin diseases, especially psoriasis, manifest themselves through increased dry desquamation.
Oily dandruff is the result of excessive sebum production and therefore appears yellowish. They exceed dry dandruff in size and feel oily. As they recede much slower than dry scales, they form an ideal breeding ground, especially for the otherwise non-disease-causing skin fungus Malassezia furfur.
The cause can be hormone fluctuations, especially in puberty, which lead to increased sebum production.As with so many other things also, the hereditary disposition, i.e. whether close relatives also tend to increased scale formation, plays a large role in the development beside the causes mentioned. As already mentioned, dandruff usually does not represent a disease-relevant problem. One should become clairaudient, however, if the dandruff does not disappear despite treatment, since then also a disease and not only a dry scalp can be behind it.
It is advisable to consult a specialist, preferably a dermatologist, if the dandruff is accompanied by hair loss, burning pain, weeping scalp areas that appear inflamed or a reddened skin that tends to swell. Anti-dandruff shampoos can provide relief and counteract the annoying dandruff. Many anti-dandruff shampoos also contain an active ingredient against fungi and are therefore also suitable for use on oily dandruff.
However, it is important to remember not to choose a shampoo that further dries out the scalp. The opposite effect – increased desquamation – would be the consequence. Furthermore, the shampoo should not be used for longer than one month, as it causes skin irritation in the long term.
You should also avoid washing your hair too often, more than once a day. The scalp should be protected from too much sunlight by wearing a headgear. If these measures do not help, there is the possibility to have your doctor prescribe a shampoo containing salicylic acid, which promotes the detachment of dandruff and subsequently makes the scalp more receptive to care substances.
This shampoo is also only intended for short-term use over a few days. Vitamin D3 analogues are anti-inflammatory and can be taken for up to a year. They also slow down the formation of dandruff.
