What is dandruff?
Dandruff is the excessive flaking of dead skin that forms on the scalp, often accompanied by itching, redness and irritation. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and quite common. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking. Dandruff can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis or a fungal skin infection. Dandruff is a common, chronic scalp condition and can have several causes.1
Causes of dandruff
Fungal dandruff
The most common cause of dandruff. The yeast-like fungus ‘Malassezia furfur’ is found naturally on the skin surface, however it can occasionally grow too rapidly, which then irritates the skin and disturbs the natural renewal of cells, resulting in dandruff to appear with itching.2,5
Dry skin
Especially common in winter when the air is cold and rooms are overheated or showers are hot. Flakes are generally smaller and less oily than other causes of dandruff.3
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
A frequent cause of dandruff and characterised by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.1
Contact dermatitis
Sensitivities to certain haircare products or hair dyes can cause a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Shampooing too often or using too many styling products may also irritate your scalp, causing dandruff.4
Infrequent shampooing
If you don’t regularly wash your hair, oils and skin cells from your scalp can build up, causing dandruff.5
Overactive sebaceous glands
Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which are triggered by hormonal imbalance or stress.3
OTHER FACTORS THAT CAN CAUSE DANDRUFF
- Family history1
- Mild yeast infections6
- Season of the year3
- Cold, dry winters3
- Too much oil on your scalp2
- Changes in your hormones3
- Stress or illness6
Manage with SELSUN
For regular dandruff control to fight flakes before they start, try SELSUN Blue Anti-dandruff Shampoos. You can treat flaking with the SELSUN Gold over-the-counter, non-prescription medicated shampoo. SELSUN shampoos contain Selenium sulfide which helps slow the production of skin cells and act as a peeling agent, softening and shedding the outermost layer of skin to help reduce flaking. This ingredient, in SELSUN Gold helps relieve symptoms associated with dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
If directions have been followed consistently for several weeks and there’s still a dusting of dandruff on your shoulders, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. You may need a prescription-strength shampoo or more aggressive treatment.
SELSUN products help to control the scaling, flaking and itching of the scalp associated with dandruff leaving hair clean, soft & manageable.
SELSUN products need to be well shaken before 1st use and regularly ongoing, to ensure its great formula is well mixed. Click here to see the SELSUN Shake intructional video, on how best to shake the bottle. The result should be a consistant, uniform colour.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
1. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dandruff-and-itching-scalp
2. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320988
3. www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Dandruff
4. Paul Rutter (2017) Dermatology-Community pharmacy-Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment (v1.0)
5. Narshana et al, (2018) AN OVERVIEW OF DANDRUFF AND NOVEL FORMULATIONS AS A TREATMENT STRATEGY (v1.0)
6. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152844
