Dandruff on the hair: causes and types, treatment and the choice of shampoo composition for effective disposal

Despite the external harmlessness, dandruff can be one of the very first signs of a violation of physiological processes in the body, not to mention a significant decrease in the quality of life of its owner. Is it any wonder that not a single commercial break on television is complete without a video in which the impeccable parting of the hero or heroine is “decorated" by the notorious white flakes, which attract the sidelong glances of others like a magnet. But if in advertising one single portion of a miraculous shampoo is enough to get rid of dandruff once and for all, then in real life everything is not so simple. Ideal remedies for dandruff are only on the screen, so the fight should not start with watching commercials, but with a trip to a dermatologist. Only he can determine where the true cause of the unpleasant appearance of your hair lies, because the conventional name "dandruff" combines three different conditions that are outwardly similar to each other: seborrheic dermatitis, oily seborrhea and dandruff as such. It is extremely difficult to make a correct diagnosis on your own, and a qualified dermatologist, and not a famous actor from a commercial, should deal with dandruff treatment. In the event that dandruff is accompanied by severe itching or hair loss, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately, as these symptoms may indicate the presence of serious skin diseases, such as psoriasis. not the famous actor from the commercial. In the event that dandruff is accompanied by severe itching or hair loss, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately, as these symptoms may indicate the presence of serious skin diseases, such as psoriasis. not the famous actor from the commercial. In the event that dandruff is accompanied by severe itching or hair loss, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately, as these symptoms may indicate the presence of serious skin diseases, such as psoriasis.

Causes of dandruff

The epidermis of a healthy scalp consists of approximately 25-35 cell layers. Passing through the natural cycle of development, each cell gradually moves from the depths of the skin to the surface and exfoliates there. Approximately 1 month passes from the formation of a cell to its exfoliation. On the way to the surface of the skin, the cells "lose weight", that is, they become flatter, dryer, more transparent and, in the end, they are removed from the skin when washed, in contact with clothing, etc. However, if suddenly the cycle accelerates for some reason and the thickness of the epidermis decreases to 7-10 cell layers, the skin cells do not have time to mature and dry, but remain sticky. Sticky cells stick together and peel off from the skin in the form of white flakes visible to the eye – dandruff.

Provoking factors and causes of dandruff on the hair:

• metabolic disease;
• hypo- and beriberi;
• micronutrient deficiencies, especially zinc;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• dyeing or perm;
• abuse of hair styling products: varnish, foam, gel;
• shampoo not appropriate for this type of hair;
• insufficient hair hygiene;
• irrational nutrition;
• hormonal changes;
• stressful situations, overstrain, lack of proper rest;
• excessive dryness of the scalp caused by the use of a hair dryer, hair straightener, etc.;
• drastic climate change.

The action of one or more of these factors leads to excessive reproduction of the fungus Malassezia furfur, which lives on the scalp. With the normal functioning of the immune system, the fungus exists peacefully in the hair, without betraying its presence and without causing any problems. The action of provoking factors leads to the fact that it multiplies excessively, and the products of its vital activity begin to accelerate the process of skin renewal, which leads to the appearance of dandruff.

Age features as the causes of dandruff

Dandruff is rare in children. As a rule, its manifestation occurs in adolescence, and the maximum manifestations occur at the age of 20 to 40 years, and the ratio of men and women suffering from dandruff is approximately equal. After 50 years, dandruff rarely suffers. Hormonal causes of dandruff are also not uncommon.

Types of dandruff on hair

Dandruff on the hair is divided into dry and oily depending on the type of hair and scalp. Dry dandruff appears as a result of reduced sebum secretion of the skin, it is a very small, easily detachable scales that spread throughout the scalp or in its individual areas – in the temples and crown. Oily dandruff is a consequence of increased sebum secretion of the skin, it is, as a rule, scales of rather large sizes, oily to the touch, often sticking together.

An important component of the fight against dandruff is local therapy aimed at reducing the amount of the fungus of the genus Malassezia and normalizing cell division processes. treatment should be based on determining the type of dandruff.

Dandruff Treatment Shampoo

Most medicated dandruff shampoos contain the following active ingredients:

• zinc derivatives (zinc pyrithione) – have a fungistatic and bacteriostatic effect, and also stimulate local immune defenses;
• antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, etc.) – inhibit the growth of fungi of the genus Malassezia;
• selenium disulfide – has an antifungal, keratolytic effect, controls the process of cell division;
• birch tar, salicylic acid, ichthyol – have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect, normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands.

A suitable composition of dandruff shampoo can be recommended by a trichologist.

Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos must be used according to the instructions in order to increase their effectiveness. For example, a product containing ketoconazole is quickly washed off from the hair, without having time to exert its therapeutic effect on them. Therefore, those shampoos, in which it is included, are recommended to be washed off from the hair not immediately, but a few minutes after its application. But zinc preparations linger on the scalp for a long time, providing a therapeutic effect immediately. Also, in therapeutic shampoos, the content of surface-active detergents, preservatives and flavors, which can cause an allergic reaction, is reduced.

However, using medicated anti-dandruff shampoos does not always completely eliminate the problem. In order to forget about the existence of dandruff for many years, you should establish the main cause of its occurrence. In most cases, complex treatment is required, aimed not only at improving the condition of the scalp, but also the whole organism as a whole.

Healthy body – healthy hair: how to get rid of dandruff

Getting rid of dandruff should start with the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle.

Balanced diet

Before you get rid of dandruff, you should minimize the consumption of sweet, starchy, fatty, fried, salty and spicy foods, completely eliminate alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee. Fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, nuts, dairy products, low-fat varieties of fish and meat – these are the foods that should be preferred.

Vitamin and mineral complexes

Now many manufacturers produce special formulas aimed at maintaining healthy skin and hair. Be sure to check if they contain zinc – this microelement acts not only externally, but also stimulates the immune system when ingested.

Drinking regime

You should consume as much pure water as possible (at least 2 l / day). Our body distributes the liquid in such a way that everything gets to the skin, hair and nails according to the residual principle, and the main amount of water is spent on the work of the internal organs.

Timely treatment of diseases of internal organs, especially endocrine and digestive pathologies

"May there always be sunshine!"

Ultraviolet rays have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, so if the weather allows, try to be in the sun with an open head for at least 30 minutes a day.

"Calm, just calm."

If stress has become your faithful companion, look for ways to deal with it, primarily non-drug ones – go in for sports, yoga, meditation, visit a sauna or a Russian bath, walk more often in the fresh air, drink herbal teas, which include mint, chamomile, oregano, motherwort, fennel. Aromatherapy, especially essential oils of lavender, orange, geranium, rosemary, ylangylang, jasmine, juniper, can be extremely effective for stress. And, first of all, try not to worry about dandruff!

Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos that contain antifungal agents should not be used continuously to prevent drug resistance. The duration of the course is on average 3-6 weeks.