What Is Dandruff? What Are The Symptoms Of Dandruff?

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Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Eczema / Psoriasis
Article Date: 06 Jun 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii, affects the scalp and causes flakes of skin to appear - it is a common condition. Our skin cells are forever renewing themselves. When the skin cells on our scalp are renewed the old ones are pushed to the surface and out of the scalp. For a person with dandruff the renewal is faster, meaning more dead skin is shed, making the dandruff more noticeable. Dandruff can also occur if the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.

Dandruff can be chronical (long-term) or the result of certain triggers. People with dandruff may also experience irritation and redness on the scalp.

Excessive flaking may be caused by an underlying illness or condition, such as psoriasis, a fungal infection (Malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice.

Some individuals with severe dandruff may have social or self-esteem problems. Therefore, treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons.

The word dandruff comes from (most likely) dand (origin unknown) and E. Anglian (England) dialect huff, hurf, meaning "scab". This is probably linked to the Old Norse word hrufa, meaning "scab". The Old High German word hruf means "scurf".

According to MediLexicon's medical dictionary, dandruff is:

The presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to excessive or normal branny exfoliation of the epidermis.

A myth - some people think their dandruff is caused by their scalp being too dry. They try to deal with this by not washing their hair with shampoo, or wash it less often, believing that washing worsens the problem. This is a myth (not true). Dandruff differs from a dry scalp in that it usually gets better when you shampoo more frequently (with the right shampoos).

A significant number of people with dandruff find it improves as they get older.

It is estimated that about 50% of people in Western Europe and North America suffer from dandruff.

Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and in people with oily skin.

Some studies have suggested that diets that are too salty, sugary or spicy and accompanied by excessive alcohol may exacerbate dandruff.

Dandruff does not contribute to hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This is a skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed or flaky. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a severe form of dandruff. When it affects the scalp most people refer to it as dandruff. When babies have it, it is referred to as cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis causes larger, greasier flakes than most other types of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects not only the scalp, but the skin in other parts of the body too.

Dandruff is known as:

• Caspa (in Spanish or Portuguese)
• الهبرية قشرة الرأس (in Arabic)
• Pellicules (in French)
• Schuppen (in German)
• Forfora (in Italian)
• 頭垢 (in Japanese)
• Перхоть (in Russian)
• 头皮 (in Chinese)

What are the signs and symptoms of dandruff?

The hallmark sign of dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, is white flakes on the scalp and in the hair. If the person is wearing dark clothes, the flakes will be more noticeable when they fall on their shoulders. The scalp may also feel itchy, tight or sore.

Adult individuals with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp may have red, flaky, greasy patches of skin.

• There are while flakes of skin on the scalp, and in the person's hair
• Flakes may be oily looking
• Head may feel tight and itchy
• Head may feel tingly
• Head may feel sore
• Red, flaky, greasy patches of skin (adults, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults)
• Crusting and scaling rash on scalp (babies with Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap)

Most cases of dandruff do not require a visit to the doctor. However, those who still find themselves scratching their scalp, if parts of the scalp become red or swollen, after a few weeks of self-treatment should see their doctor. The person may have severe seborrheic dermatitis or another condition that has dandruff symptoms.

Signs and symptoms in babies and children

Often referred to as cradle cap, signs and symptoms may appear when the baby is between 2 weeks and 6 months of age, especially between the ages of 3 to 8 weeks - this usually disappears after a few weeks; in some cases it may take months. Although cradle cap may be alarming to parents, it is not dangerous.

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

Further reading

• Dandruff causes and treatments

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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