Dandruff is a common medical condition that causes skin flaking and itching along one’s scalp. The condition is not contagious, nor is it life-threatening, but it can be embarrassing for the sufferer. Causes of dandruff vary among individuals and include: dry skin, oily skin, hypersensitivity to hair care products, poor hygiene, and a fungus known as Malassezia. Certain characteristics can also increase an individual’s risk for developing dandruff. Young adults, particularly males, are more likely to suffer from dandruff.
Stress and suppressed immunity can also increase the risk for the condition. Several treatment options are available to help address the condition. Mild shampoo can help to control an oily scalp, reducing the development of dandruff. If the condition is more severe, medicated shampoos specifically made to address dandruff can often be purchased at a local drugstore. If these initial options do not provide a solution, your physician may prescribe a stronger topical steroid to relieve symptoms.
1. Itchiness
Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is a common symptom accompanying dandruff. It can be described as an unpleasant sensation that causes an often uncontrollable desire to scrap or rub the affected area. The intensity of itchiness can vary from inconvenient and annoying to painful and disabling. Most itching related to dandruff is the result of dry skin and is not overly concerning. Even so, individuals should remain aware of other symptoms that may signify a more serious condition.
If the itching is widespread across the body or is accompanied by fatigue or weight loss, it may be a good idea to further assess the condition with your physician. Similarly, if the itching is accompanied by a new or unusual rash or bumps along the skin, a doctor should be contacted.
2. Scratching
When skin becomes itchy it is common to feel the need to scratch the area. Scratching can best be described as rubbing or scraping the irritated area with fingernails or another object. The act of scratching is actually quite scientific and causes an override of nerve signals. To put it simply, when you scrape or rub an area of your skin that feels itchy, your brain is only able to feel the sensation of the scratch and no longer notices the annoying itch. While scraping or rubbing can provide relief from itching, this relief is only temporary. Similarly, too much rubbing can result in skin damage. When dandruff causes itching, individuals need to remain cautious that they are not causing additional wounds to their scalp.
3. Skin damage
Itching of skin is often harmless, but occasionally it can result in skin damage. This can range from swollen areas to open wounds and bleeding. Oftentimes these problems will subside on their own as you decrease the irritation to the area. Sometimes, however, the development of woubds can result in more serious problems. If you notice the area of the wound expanding, a yellow or green discharge coming from the wound, or experience fever, it is important to contact your physician as these may signify infection. Some simple ways to prevent infection include cleaning the wound with gentle soap and warm water, applying an antibiotic ointment, and covering the area with clean gauze. If you cover the wound, make sure you change the bandage daily to keep the area clean.
4. Dryness
Dry skin is often a contributor to dandruff and this can be caused by various factors. Dry air is commonly known to dehydrate skin because it pulls out the moisture. This is most common in the winter because there is less moisture in the air during the colder months. Use of a hair dryer may also cause increased dehydration because you are pointing warm, dry air directly onto the scalp. Various soaps and shampoos may also draw moisture from the skin. Certain medications may also have side effects that result in increased skin dehydration. Nutrition is a vital component affecting skin moisture as well. If you have been experiencing dandruff or skin dryness, try evaluating these various components in your life to determine what may be contributing.
5. Redness
Redness along the skin is commonly caused by an external factor. With dandruff, itching is the most likely culprit if you notice rosy blotches along the scalp. Similar to the other symptoms discussed, it may be worth evaluating any recent changes in your daily habits. Have you recently changed shampoos? Have you started on a new medication? Have you increased time in the sun? All of these may contribute to skin discoloration and identifying the cause can help work towards a solution. On occasion, skin redness may signify a more serious condition. If you notice that redness is present along various parts of your body, or you are experiencing a fever along with it, a physician should be contacted.
6. Irritation
Skin irritation can best be described as a feeling of discomfort or general annoyance along one part of your body. Irritation is a common symptom accompanying dandruff and is often a result of increased dryness along the scalp. While this discomfort is typically harmless, sufferers need to take caution that they do not try to address the symptom with excessive scraping or rubbing to the area. If a wound is created by excessive scratching, this will eventually result in a scab. The development of a scab often causes further aggravation so a dangerous cycle could develop resulting in continued skin damage.
7. Skin flakes
A dry scalp is one of the most common causes of dandruff. Regardless of the cause of scalp dryness, this can result in dead, dry skin cells flaking off the head. Most people will notice these flakes of skin on their clothing and, while annoying and embarrassing, they are typically harmless. There are times when flaking can signify a more serious condition, such as eczema or psoriasis. If you have tried altering your personal habits and using dandruff-specific shampoo but the flaking remains, it may be time to visit the doctor. While eczema and psoriasis are not overly serious, they will warrant more specific treatments.
