What is dandruff?

A dandruff, also known as pityriasis, is the scaling of the dermis of the scalp. It appears when there is a shortening of the cell renewal process due to the existence of dead skin of the head: when there is an excess of dead cells pityriasis occurs. Dandruff produces an annoying situation from the aesthetic point of view for those who suffer from it.

Dandruff begins to develop at puberty and worsens, reaching its maximum expression, over 20 years. The incidence of this problem is reduced in people as they age, the reason is that their appearance is linked to hormonal activity.

Types of dandruff

There are two types of pityriasis, according to Clara Ferrer Cabeceran, member of Dermopharmacy of the Official College of Pharmacists (COF) of Girona:

• Dry dandruff or pityriasis simple: flakes of whitish, fine and dry colors are shown. When the person who has dandruff scratches his head, they detach from the skin and expand through the rest of the scalp.
•  Dandruff or oily pityriasis: this is located in areas where there is more sebum for example, on the forehead or nape. Pityriasis is larger, with a yellowish color thanks to the fat, and plaques can be formed. This type causes redness of the skin in those affected.

Dandruff Causes

The etiology of pityriasis can be very varied, despite the fact that the exact reason is unknown, even so several possibilities are considered. Ricardo Serra López-Mantecio, vocal of Dermopharmacy of the COF of Albacete, states that the most common cause is the fungus called Pytirosporum ovale, which is found naturally in the skin. When the dandruff develops, it alters the natural microorganisms of the dermis, causing an irritation of the scalp.

The internal factors that can cause this problem are fundamentally hormonal imbalances, which is why it appears more commonly in adolescents. Stress, anxiety and nervous tension is also a reason for the appearance of dandruff.

Dandruff can also be caused by psoriasis, heavy sweating or excess fat in the hair. Incorrect brushing, if done brusquely, can become the source of this problem. If the use of unsuitable products is frequent, which damages the pH of the scalp (such as dyes or lacquers), the dermis of the hair can be affected generating dandruff.

Seborrheic dermatitis manifests itself in the hair through intense desquamation, and in some cases together with crusted lesions, this pathology can also generate pityriasis. Serra states that seborrheic dermatitis "is associated with fatty dandruff with inflammation and itching".

Dandruff Remedies.

The most effective remedy to eliminate desquamation, according to Serra, is the use of products that eliminate or prevent the appearance of fungi. They also recommend treatments that regulate skin detachment and flaccidity, such as keratoregulators, combined with mild shampoos that care for the scalp and are not aggressive with the pH of the skin. It is also advisable to use products that relieve the itching of the dermis.

Ferrer confirms that there are other methods that can help solve dandruff. Anti-inflammatory assets, for example, reduce swelling and reddening of the dermis of the head. "The oat extract, aloe, calendula or vitamin E reduce inflammation," says Ferrer, who notes that this produces less peeling.

In the case of fatty dandruff, the products that control sebum can be beneficial. Brewer's yeast or vegetable extracts of rosemary, flax or pumpkin are examples that regulate fat naturally.

If dandruff is not treated properly it can have major complications. The itching of the skin and its redness can lead the person to scratch the scalp causing the appearance of scabs. Dry dandruff can evolve to pityriasis fat, with the problems associated with it. In addition, Ferrer says that, "in some cases you can get to cause alopecia."

Paying attention to dandruff is important and it is recommended to follow an appropriate treatment approved by the doctor or pharmacist.