Dandruff in the hair: why does it appear and how to treat it?

Itchiness, whitish scales and discomfort on the scalp are the most characteristic symptoms of dandruff. It is a pathology that affects many men and women and, sometimes, appears for no apparent reason. Therefore, today in the blog de Hospital Capilar we tell you what is dandruff in hair, why does it come out and how should we treat it. Notes!

What is dandruff?

Dandruff in the hair is a common hair pathology that affects both oily and drier scalps. Consists of the accumulation of dead cells forming visible whitish scales. This causes itching causing discomfort to those who suffer from it, so it is important to go to a specialist who can recommend the best treatment in each case.

When dandruff occurs on a dry scalp, it usually falls to the shoulders and accumulates on clothing, making it even more visible and causing more discomfort. The flakes that are generated are usually smaller and tend to disappear easily. However, when this condition occurs on an oily scalp, the flakes are larger and adhere more to the skin.

Why do we have dandruff?

As we have mentioned, dandruff is nothing more than the accumulation of dead cells on the scalp. Our doctors indicate that this happens when the imminent cell renewal occurs faster causing the corneocytes to detach in the form of white scales. When cell renewal is carried out normally, it usually takes place every two weeks or so. In cases where this period of time is shorter, dandruff appears in the hair.

Among the causes that can trigger the appearance of dandruff in the hair we can find the following.

Genetic factor

As with other hair conditions, the development of dandruff is also linked to genetic predisposition. The most common is that if a direct relative has recurrent dandruff problems, this is the cause of its appearance.

Stress

Suffering stress can also be another factor that influences dandruff in the hair. High peaks of both physical and emotional stress can have a negative impact on our scalp, altering it and causing pathologies such as the well-known hair loss due to stress. Although stress is not specifically linked to the appearance of dandruff as such, it can complicate it and can develop more serious symptoms.

Hormonal alterations

During those stages in which there are marked hormonal alterations, there is a greater probability of having dandruff in the hair.

Cold climates

Another aspect that is related to this capillary pathology is low temperatures. It is true that dandruff is more noticeable by living in cold climates or during winter.

Symptom of other hair pathologies

It is important to keep dandruff in your hair under control as it can be a symptom derived from another hair pathology. Usually it is related to a fungal infection, specifically the one called Malassezia furfur. This usually occurs due to an imbalance in the microbial flora. 

How To Treat Dandruff In Hair: The Best Tips

Depending on the origin that causes dandruff in the hair, one treatment or another should be followed. Next, we will tell you what to take into account to reduce dandruff on the scalp.

Use specific anti-dandruff products

It is important to use anti-dandruff shampoos and hair products. Currently there is a wide variety of products of this style, so we can use them to stop the advance of dandruff in our hair. Once dandruff is reduced, it is advisable to use mild shampoos to keep the scalp in the best condition.

Do not abuse styling products

Styling products tend to accumulate on the scalp, making it dirty. Abusing these types of products can be harmful to hair with a tendency to develop dandruff, so it is advisable to limit their use.

Use of antifungals and / or corticosteroids

In cases where dandruff does not stop, it is necessary that a expert medical team assess each case and, thus, be able to determine which treatment to follow in each particular case. In these cases, it is common to recommend the use of antifungals or topical corticosteroids to reduce the effects of dandruff on the hair.