A scaly scurf formed on and shed from the scalp, sometimes caused by seborrhea.
[dand-, of unknown origin + dialectal hurf, scurf (from Old Norse hrufa, crust, scab).]
dandruffy dan'druff·y adj.
dandruff
Dictionary:
dan·druff (dăn'drəf)  |
n.
A scaly scurf formed on and shed from the scalp, sometimes caused by seborrhea.
A scaly scurf formed on and shed from the scalp, sometimes caused by seborrhea.
| 5min Related Video: dandruff |
| Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: dandruff |
For more information on dandruff, visit Britannica.com.
| Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia: Dandruff |
Definition
Dandruff is the common name for a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis of unknown cause. It is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate. Because of the oily skin often associated with this condition, these cells clump together and flake off as dandruff.
Description
Dandruff is very common. Up to one-third of the U.S. population is affected by this condition. While it is not considered a disease, dandruff is a cosmetic concern for many people.
The following problems tend to exacerbate dandruff:
- cold weather
- dry indoor heating
- stress (physical or emotional)
- food allergies
- nutritional deficiencies (B-complex vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids)
- use of hair spray and gels
- use of hair-coloring chemicals
- use of electric hair curlers or blow dryers
Causes & Symptoms
Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of skin cells that make up the scalp. It is not known what accelerates this cell growth. However, scientists have suggested that dandruff may be a hypersensitive reaction to the proliferation of Pityrosporum ovale, a yeast that occurs naturally on the scalp. Another theory that held for some time linked dandruff to a fungus. A 2002 report said that scientists had identified new fungi of the Malassezia that seem to exist in overabundance on the scalps of those affected with the disease.
Diagnosis
Dandruff is easy to diagnose. The condition is characterized by the appearance of white flakes on the hair or on the shoulders and collar. People with oily hair tend to have dandruff more often. Dandruff usually does not require medical treatment. However, if, in addition to dandruff, a person also has greasy scaling on the face, eyebrows and eyelashes and thick, red patches on the body, he or she may have the more severe form of seborrheic dermatitis. This condition may require medical advice and treatment.
Treatment
Alternative treatments for dandruff include nutritional therapy, herbal therapy and relaxation therapy.
Nutritional Therapy
The following nutritional changes may be helpful:
- Identification and avoidance of potential allergenic foods.
- Limited intake of milk and other dairy products, seafoods and fatty treats. These foods tend to exacerbate dandruff.
- Reduction or elimination of animal proteins and eating mostly whole grains, fresh vegetables, beans and fruit.
- Avoiding citrus until dandruff clears.
- Diet supplemented with B-complex vitamins which may alleviate dandruff condition.
- Avoiding excess salt, sugar, and alcohol.
- Taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may be effective in treating a variety of skin conditions including dandruff.
From a traditional medical approach, dandruff may be the body's way of eliminating excess protein accumulated but not assimilated in the system. It may also be a symptom of liver and kidney imbalances. A more stabilizing diet is needed, reducing highly acidic foods such as tomatoes and certain spices.
Herbal Therapy
Massaging tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) into the scalp may help prevent or relieve dandruff. This oil can relieve scaling and itching. Ayurvedic treatment also includes various oil therapies, called suehana for the head. Increased exercise can increase circulation and help eliminate fats and oils.
Relaxation Therapies
Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga may help relieve stress, which exacerbates dandruff.
Allopathic Treatment
There is no cure for this natural harmless skin condition. Because a greasy scalp is associated with dandruff condition, more frequent hair washing using regular shampoo is usually all that is needed. In more severe cases, medicated shampoo may be necessary.
The two most commonly used anti-dandruff shampoos are selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione. Both of these are cytostatic agents. Cytostatic drugs slow down the growth and formation of top skin layer on the scalp. To get the best result, one should leave the shampoo on for as long as possible. It is recommended that a person lather the anti-dandruff shampoo at the beginning of the shower, leave it on until the end of the shower, then rinse, lather, and rinse again. As a result of treatment with any of these drugs, dandruff will become less noticeable. Because it can be irritating, shampoo containing selenium sulfide should not be used if the skin is cut or abraded.
Products containing salicylic acid and sulfur are reserved for more severe cases. Salicylic acid loosens the dead skin cells so that they can be sloughed off more easily. Sometimes, antibacterial shampoos are used to reduce bacteria on the scalp.
Recently, antifungal products, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoos, are available over-the-counter (1% preparation) and by prescription (2% preparation). These shampoos are often prescribed by dermatologists to reduce the growth of P. ovale. These preparations may be helpful if dandruff is not relieved by other shampoo treatments.
The most severe and recalcitrant dandruff conditions may require tar shampoos. These shampoos reduce the growth of top skin cells on the scalp. It is recommended that the shampoo be left on the hair for at least 10 minutes for best results. Coal tar shampoos can be messy and can stain blond or white hair. Coal tar also can be carcinogenic (causing cancer). However, the FDA approves this product because when used as shampoo, because it contacts the scalp for only a short period of time. Still, it is a good idea to use alternative treatments for this relatively harmless condition.
Because anti-dandruff shampoos may lose effectiveness after a while, it may be helpful to rotate between a medicated shampoo and a regular shampoo or try a different type of anti-dandruff shampoo.
Expected Results
While one can not cure dandruff, it can be easily managed. A mild dandruff condition often responds to more frequent hair washes with regular shampoo. More severe conditions may require anti-dandruff preparations.
Prevention
Preventive measures include regular hair washing, reducing stress, eating healthy foods and increasing humidity inside the house. In addition, excessive use of hair curlers, hair sprays and gels, and frequent hair coloring should be avoided. These tend to irritate the scalp and may worsen dandruff.
Resources
Books
"Dandruff." In The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments, home edition. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, Inc., 1997.
Murray, Michael T. and Joseph E. Pizzorno. "Seborrheic Dermatitis." In Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1998.
Periodicals
Johnson, Betty Anne and Julia R. Nunley. "Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis." American Family Physician 61 (2000): 2703-2710.
"P&G Scientists Pinpoint Cause of Dandruff" Health &Medicine Week (August 12, 2002). 11.
Snyder, Karyn. "Is OTC Dandruff Shampoo As Effective As Rx?" Drug Topics Archive (September 16, 1996). http://www.pdr.net.
Organizations
American Academy of Dermatology. P.O. Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168. (888) 462-DERM. Fax: (847) 330-8907. http://www.aad.org.
Other
"Seborrheic Dermatitis." The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy.http://www.merck.com/pubs/manual/section101chapter111/111d.htm.
Sorgen, Carol. "Go Hug a Tree: Tea Tree Oil Treats Skin Conditions." CBSHealthWatch.http://cbs.medscape.com.
[Article by: Mai Tran; Teresa G. Odle]
| Columbia Encyclopedia: dandruff |
dandruff, excessive flaking of skin from the scalp, apparent as dry or greasy diffuse scaling with variable itching. It is the sign of a skin disease, such as seborrhea or a fungal infection. Treatment requires the use of shampoos containing pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, or tar shampoo used daily until the dandruff is under control.
| Veterinary Dictionary: dandruff |
Excessive scaling from the skin or, in humans, scalp.
- walking d. — cheyletiellosis.
| Wikipedia: Dandruff |
For the album by Ivor Cutler, see Dandruff (album).
| Dandruff | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-9 | 690.18 |
| DiseasesDB | 11911 |
Dandruff (also called scurf and historically termed Pityriasis capitis) is the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff can also be caused by frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos.
Excessive flaking can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or excoriation associated with infestation of head lice.
Those affected by dandruff find that it can cause social or self-esteem problems. Treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons.[1]
Contents |
Causes
As the epidermal layer continually replaces itself, cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off. In most people, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. However, certain conditions cause cell turnover to be unusually rapid, especially in the scalp. For people with dandruff, skin cells may mature and be shed in 2–7 days, as opposed to around a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large, oily clumps, which appear as white or grayish patches on the scalp, skin and clothes.
Dandruff has been shown to be the result of three required factors:[2]
- Skin oil commonly referred to as sebum or sebaceous secretions[3]
- The metabolic by-products of skin micro-organisms (most specifically Malassezia yeasts)[4][5][6][7][8]
- Individual susceptibility
Common older literature cites the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale) as the cause of dandruff. While this fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff, it was later discovered that a scalp specific fungus, Malassezia globosa, is the responsible agent.[9] This fungus metabolizes triglycerides present in sebum by the expression of lipase, resulting in a lipid byproduct oleic acid (OA). Penetration by OA of the top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, results in an inflammatory response in susceptible persons which disturbs homeostasis and results in erratic cleavage of stratum corneum cells.[6]
Rarely, dandruff can be a manifestation of an allergic reaction to chemicals in hair gels/sprays, hair oils, or sometimes even dandruff medications like ketoconazole.
There is some evidence that food (especially sugar and yeast), excessive perspiration, and climate have significant roles in the pathogenesis of dandruff.[citation needed]
Seborrheic dermatitis
Flaking is a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Joseph Bark notes that "Redness and itching is actually seborrheic dermatitis, and it frequently occurs around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp." Dry, thick, well-defined lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp.
Seasonal changes, stress, and immuno-suppression seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis.
Treatment
Shampoos use a combination of ingredients to control dandruff. Salicylic acid (used in Sebulex) removes dead skin cells from the scalp and decreases the rate at which these cells are created. Zinc pyrithione kills pityrospora. Selenium sulfide or Ketoconazole achieves the results of both salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione.[10]
Simply increasing usage with normal shampooing will remove flakes.[11] However, elimination of the fungus results in dramatic improvement. Regular shampooing with an anti-fungal product can reduce recurrence.
Soothing preparations may contain Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda),[12] and coal tar based products.[13]
The most common antifungal agents used are Zinc pyrithione,[14] Selenium sulfide and Ketoconazole[15] Other products used include Tea tree oil[16] and Piroctone olamine (Octopirox).[17]
Anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole have been shown to be more effective than zinc pyrithione.[18] Although a 1981 study reported selenium sulfide as being the most effective of the tested shampoos at treating dandruff,[19] a 1999 comparative study concluded that ketoconazole was the most effective antifungal agent.[20] (Although ketoconazole had been approved by F.D.A. in 1981,[21] it was not approved for topical use in a shampoo until 1990,[22] and was therefore not included in the 1981 study.)
See also
References
- ^ "A Practical Guide to Scalp Disorders". Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2007-12. http://www.nature.com/jidsp/journal/v12/n2/abs/5650048a.html. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
- ^ DeAngelis YM, Gemmer CM, Kaczvinsky JR, Kenneally DC, Schwartz JR, Dawson TL (2005). "Three etiologic facets of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: Malassezia fungi, sebaceous lipids, and individual sensitivity". J. Investig. Dermatol. Symp. Proc. 10 (3): 295–7. doi:. PMID 16382685.
- ^ Ro BI, Dawson TL (2005). "The role of sebaceous gland activity and scalp microfloral metabolism in the etiology of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff". J. Investig. Dermatol. Symp. Proc. 10 (3): 194–7. doi:. PMID 16382662.
- ^ Ashbee HR, Evans EG (2002). "Immunology of diseases associated with Malassezia species". Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 15 (1): 21–57. doi:. PMID 11781265. http://cmr.asm.org/cgi/content/full/15/1/21?view=long&pmid=11781265.
- ^ Batra R, Boekhout T, Guého E, Cabañes FJ, Dawson TL, Gupta AK (2005). "Malassezia Baillon, emerging clinical yeasts". FEMS Yeast Res. 5 (12): 1101–13. doi:. PMID 16084129.
- ^ a b Dawson TL (2006). "Malassezia and seborrheic dermatitis: etiology and treatment". Journal of cosmetic science 57 (2): 181–2. PMID 16758556.
- ^ Gemmer CM, DeAngelis YM, Theelen B, Boekhout T, Dawson Jr TL (2002). "Fast, noninvasive method for molecular detection and differentiation of Malassezia yeast species on human skin and application of the method to dandruff microbiology". J. Clin. Microbiol. 40 (9): 3350–7. doi:. PMID 12202578.
- ^ Gupta AK, Batra R, Bluhm R, Boekhout T, Dawson TL (2004). "Skin diseases associated with Malassezia species". J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 51 (5): 785–98. doi:. PMID 15523360.
- ^ BBC NEWS | Health | Genetic code of dandruff cracked
- ^ "Relief From Dandruff". http://www.thirdage.com/skin-hair-nails/relief-from-dandruff. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
- ^ Mayo Clinic (2006-11-27). "Dandruff". Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dandruff/DS00456/DSECTION=1. Retrieved 2007-03-28.
- ^ Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide, By George Kuepper, Raeven Thomas, and Richard Earles, NCAT November 2001
- ^ Piérard-Franchimont C, Piérard GE, Vroome V, Lin GC, Appa Y (2000). "Comparative anti-dandruff efficacy between a tar and a non-tar shampoo". Dermatology (Basel) 200 (2): 181–4. doi:. PMID 10773717.
- ^ Warner RR, Schwartz JR, Boissy Y, Dawson TL (2001). "Dandruff has an altered stratum corneum ultrastructure that is improved with zinc pyrithione shampoo". J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 45 (6): 897–903. doi:. PMID 11712036.
- ^ McGrath J, Murphy GM (1991). "The control of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff by antipityrosporal drugs". Drugs 41 (2): 178–84. doi:. PMID 1709848.
- ^ Prensner R (2003). "Does 5% tea tree oil shampoo reduce dandruff?". The Journal of family practice 52 (4): 285–6. PMID 12681088. http://www.jfponline.com/Pages.asp?AID=1437.
- ^ Dubini F, Bellotti MG, Frangi A, Monti D, Saccomani L (2005). "In vitro antimycotic activity and nail permeation models of a piroctone olamine (octopirox) containing transungual water soluble technology". Arzneimittel-Forschung 55 (8): 478–83. PMID 16149717.
- ^ Piérard-Franchimont C, Goffin V, Decroix J, Piérard GE (2002). "A multicenter randomized trial of ketoconazole 2% and zinc pyrithione 1% shampoos in severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis". Skin Pharmacol. Appl. Skin Physiol. 15 (6): 434–41. doi:. PMID 12476017.
- ^ Rapaport M (1981). "A randomized, controlled clinical trial of four anti-dandruff shampoos". J. Int. Med. Res. 9 (2): 152–6. PMID 7014286.
- ^ Bulmer AC, Bulmer GS (1999). "The antifungal action of dandruff shampoos". Mycopathologia 147 (2): 63–5. doi:. PMID 10967964.
- ^ http://www.medicinenet.com/ketoconazole/article.htm
- ^ http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/docs/obdetail.cfm?Appl_No=019927&TABLE1=OB_Rx
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
| Translations: Dandruff |
Nederlands (Dutch)
roos (op het hoofd)
Français (French)
n. - pellicules
Deutsch (German)
n. - (Kopf)schuppen
Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - πιτυρίδα
Português (Portuguese)
n. - caspa (f)
中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
头皮屑
中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 頭皮屑
العربيه (Arabic)
(الاسم) قشرة الرأس,
עברית (Hebrew)
n. - קשקשת, קשקשים (בראש)
If you are unable to view some languages clearly, click here.
To select your translation preferences click here.
| Shopping: dandruff |
Learn More
 | furfuration |
| furfur |
| furfuraceous |
 | If you have dandruff can you get nits? Read answer... |
| Where can you get dandruff shampoo? Read answer... |
| How do you reduce dandruff? Read answer... |
Help us answer these
 | Does dandruff have DNA? |
| Can children have dandruff? |
| What is the function of a dandruff? |
Post a question - any question - to the WikiAnswers community:
Copyrights:
 |
 | Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more |
 |
| Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. © 2006 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
 |
| Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia. Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Copyright © 2005 by The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
 |
| Columbia Encyclopedia. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright © 2003, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. www.cc.columbia.edu/cu/cup/. Read more |
 |
| Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved. Read more |
 |
| Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Dandruff". Read more |
 |
| Translations. Copyright © 2007, WizCom Technologies Ltd. All rights reserved. Read more |
Related answers
- When do we get dandruff?
- What is dandruff?
- Can have dandruff?
- Do hamsters have dandruff?
- Do bulldogs have dandruff?
- Can dogs have dandruff?
ADVERTISEMENT
Answer these
- How do you get dandruff?
- Get rid of dandruff?
- Treatment for dandruff?
- Is dandruff hard?
- Does dandruff smell?
- What is in dandruff shampoo?
Mentioned in
- furfuration
- furfur
- furfuraceous
- scurf (medicine)
- cheyletiellosis
- dander
- selenium
- dandriff
- dartars
- pityriasis
- staring coat
- fleck
- Dandruff Deluxe (Rock Band, '90s)
- Dandruff (1974 Album by Ivor Cutler)
