SCALP CARE

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 seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or a fungal infection. Dandruff is a common, chronic scalp condition and can have several causes.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

1. Fungal Dandruff

The most common cause of dandruff. The yeast-like fungus ‘Malassezie furfur’ is found naturally on the skin surface, however it can occasionally grow too rapidly and feed on the oils in the hair follicle, which then irritates the skin and disturbs the natural renewal of cells, resulting in dandruff to appears with itching.

2. 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. Seborrheic dermatitis

A frequent cause of dandruff and characterized by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

4. 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.

5. Infrequent shampooing

If you don't regularly wash your hair, oils and skin cells from your scalp can build up, causing dandruff.

6. Overactive sebaceous glands

Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which are triggered by hormonal imbalance or stress.

OTHER FACTORS THAT CAN CAUSE DANDRUFF

• Family history
• Food allergies
• Excessive perspiration
• Use of alkaline soaps
• Yeast infections
• Season of the year
• Cold, dry winters
• Too much oil on your scalp
• Changes in your hormones
• Stress or illness
• Symptoms of dandruff can also be aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh shampoos and hair dyes

Manage with SELSUN

For regular dandruff control to fight flakes before they start, try SELSUN Blue Anti-dandruff Shampoos. You can treat flaking and dryness 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 seborrheic 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.