9 Causes of Dandruff and How to Treat It Completely

Dandruff is a common dermatological condition that affects about 50% of the Vietnamese population. It not only affects confidence in social interactions but can also lead to issues like hair loss, fungal infections, and itching, impacting quality of life. So, what causes dandruff, and how can it be treated effectively? Let’s explore these questions with Fuji Wellness Center in the article below!

1. What is Dandruff?

Dandruff occurs when the scalp produces and sheds skin cells at an abnormally fast rate. This leads to a dry scalp that flakes off in patches or small scales. Some people may experience accompanying symptoms such as an itchy scalp, redness, irritation, or scalp inflammation.

Dandruff results in a dry scalp with flaky patches or tiny scales. Normally, the body sheds about 487,000 cells per square centimeter daily, but in cases of scalp dermatitis and dandruff, this can increase to about 800,000 cells per square centimeter, with these cells being replaced by new ones. While anyone can get dandruff, certain factors can increase susceptibility, such as puberty, middle age, or certain conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Common symptoms of dandruff include:

• Small white flakes on the scalp
• Dandruff clinging to hair, eyebrows, or shoulders
• Itchy scalp
• Large, scaly patches on the scalp
• Increased dandruff in cold, dry weather

Though dandruff itself is not severe, the associated itching can lead to discomfort, embarrassment, and loss of confidence in daily interactions. Vigorous scratching can cause scalp abrasions, leading to discharge and blood spots, which may invite bacterial infections. Persistent dandruff can also cause issues like fungal infections, itching, and significant hair loss, affecting overall quality of life.

2. Causes of Dandruff

Some common causes of dandruff include conditions like dermatitis, yeast infections, eczema, stress, and environmental factors.

2.1 Medical Conditions

Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis directly contribute to dandruff. Eczema can cause red, flaky, itchy patches on affected areas, and dandruff appears as larger flakes. Psoriasis, on the other hand, produces fine, silvery scales on the scalp. Conditions like Parkinson’s and HIV can increase susceptibility to seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Additionally, people with cardiovascular conditions or recovering from heart attacks may also be more prone to dandruff.

2.2 Dermatitis

In cases of dermatitis, the scalp may become red and develop white scales, particularly around the forehead or scalp crest. This condition can also appear on the face with clear red patches and scales, especially in areas like the eyebrows or the nasolabial folds.

2.3 Yeast

Malassezia is a type of yeast that lives on human skin, feeding on oils and sebum. This can lead to irritative dermatitis, causing excessive shedding of scalp cells and, thus, dandruff. Oily skin types are more prone to dandruff, while those with dry skin may develop small white flakes due to insufficient moisture, leading to scalp irritation and flakiness.

2.4 Hair Care Products

Detergents, preservatives, and chemicals in shampoos, styling gels, and dyes can disrupt scalp pH, leading to an imbalance in moisture that makes the scalp drier than usual, thus triggering dandruff.

2.5 Stress

Prolonged stress can trigger excessive cell shedding, leading to increased dandruff. Stress weakens the immune system, reducing its ability to fend off health issues, initiating an itch cycle that worsens dandruff.

2.6 Nutritional Deficiency

A lack of essential nutrients like zinc, fats, or vitamin B can weaken the scalp, causing dandruff. Conversely, high sugar intake can encourage the growth of scalp yeast, contributing to dandruff, so a balanced nutrient intake is essential.

2.7 Environmental Temperature

Temperature changes can dry out the scalp and lead to dandruff. This is more common in winter due to the cold, dry air, or in air-conditioned environments where low humidity causes the scalp to lose moisture.

2.8 Gender

Men tend to experience dandruff more frequently due to the androgen hormone, which increases sebum production and can lead to dandruff.

2.9 Other Causes

Frequent or infrequent hair washing, as well as vigorous hair brushing or scalp massage, can also lead to dandruff.

3. Effective Home Remedies for Dandruff

Many people wonder why dandruff persists even after washing. Simply washing your hair alone cannot completely eliminate dandruff. Effective dandruff remedies include natural ingredients, proper hair care, and medicated shampoos. After identifying the root causes, you can apply some of the following popular remedies.

3.1 Using Natural Ingredients

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute 60ml of apple cider vinegar with 60ml of water in a spray bottle, spray it on the scalp, and wrap your hair with a towel for 15 minutes to an hour. Then wash as usual. Use twice weekly.
• Coconut Oil: Massage the scalp with coconut oil for 3-5 minutes, let it sit for an hour, then wash with shampoo.
• Lemon: Apply two tablespoons of lemon juice to damp hair, let it dry, then rinse with clean water. Then mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with 237ml of water and use as a rinse.
• Aloe Vera: Apply fresh aloe vera overnight or use an aloe-based shampoo for itch relief.
• Olive Oil: Use 8-10 drops of olive oil, massage it into the scalp, leave it overnight, and rinse in the morning with shampoo to help maintain moisture and reduce dandruff.

Other remedies include using Aspirin, baking soda, mouthwash, and garlic.

3.2 Lifestyle and Proper Care

• Relieve Stress: Engage in activities like yoga, walking, or meditation to manage stress and control dandruff.
• Healthy Diet: Include vitamin B, omega-3, omega-6, and zinc in your diet from foods like salmon, peanut butter, olive oil, and walnuts, and limit sugar and processed foods. Drink water and eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Boost Immunity: Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and maintain healthy habits to improve immunity, reducing bacterial and fungal growth on the scalp.
• Appropriate Hair Care: Shampoo 2-3 times weekly, massage gently to avoid flaking, minimize the use of styling products, and avoid frequent hair dyeing. Use natural, gentle shampoos suited for your scalp.
• Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can help manage dandruff, but limit exposure to early morning sun, and apply sunscreen to your skin and body.

3.3 Medicated Shampoos

If dandruff persists and affects your quality of life, consult a doctor. A medicated anti-dandruff shampoo may be recommended, such as Anti-dandruff Shampoo, which contains ingredients like Thermal water, Clotrimazole, Zinc derivative, Piroctone olamine – Octopirox, Glycerol, D-Panthenol, and Lactitol for effective relief from dandruff and itching.

A prescription for a topical medication may be provided if dandruff is caused by a scalp fungus, and oral medication may be considered if topical treatments prove ineffective.

In summary, while dandruff is common, it can be prevented and treated with the right understanding and measures. Listen to your body, identify the cause of dandruff, and care for your hair scientifically for healthy, beautiful hair and increased confidence. We hope this article helps you understand and find effective ways to treat dandruff!