The Cause of Dandruff
This skin discomfort occurs due to the presence of a type of yeast on the skin surface and its excessive growth and reproduction. In individuals with a specific type of fatty acid and pH balance, an increase in the population of this yeast leads to dandruff.
Exacerbation of dandruff leads to seborrheic dermatitis; this skin discomfort is accompanied by symptoms such as irritation, redness, inflammation, and itching of the skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This disease occurs in individuals after puberty because the sebaceous glands become active due to sex hormones, and the secretions of these glands provide a favorable environment for the growth and reproduction of yeast on the scalp skin surface. Cold weather exacerbates the yeast population. Studies have also shown that stress increases the severity of dandruff.
Dandruff Treatment
The first step in treating dandruff is to increase the frequency of washing. Washing reduces the oil and yeast population on the scalp skin surface. Additionally, using anti-dandruff shampoos containing antifungal ingredients, such as shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium, helps improve dandruff.
In cases of resistant dandruff, oral capsules and topical agents with antifungal properties are used. The treatment process continues until the skin’s oil balance changes; therefore, this period may last from several months to several years. Also, in cases where skin surface yeast have become resistant to the antifungal ingredients in a specific shampoo, the type of shampoo should be changed.
