Dandruff results when the skin of the scalp flakes resulting in visible white flakes on the scalp. It can either be classified as a chronic condition if developed from seborrheic dermatitis or as a short-term condition that results from contact dermatitis and other factors. It’s a non-contagious condition that results from several factors:

1. History of eczema or psoriasis. 
2. Cold weather and dry skin.
3. Contact dermatitis from an allergen or an irritant.
4. Not shampooing enough. 
5. Overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia which is a fungus that lives exclusively on the scalp and causes dandruff.
6. Testosterone can cause the overproduction of the sebaceous glands resulting in more oil and possibly causing dandruff.

• What are some of the signs and symptoms of dandruff?

1. Itchy scalp.
2. Dry or oily flakes on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard, mustache, and shoulders.
3. Red and raised bumps on the scalp in inflamed conditions.

• What’s the difference between dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis?

Dandruff is always classified as small, white flakes in the hair and scalp. However, seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition presented with yellowish, greasy flakes on the scalp, behind the ears, eyebrows, eyelids, nose, and upper lip.

• What’s the treatment for dandruff?

1. Mild dandruff: Regular shampooing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and dead skin buildup.
2. Intense dandruff: Medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione. Medicated shampoos should be used once to three times per week depending on the nature of the hair.

• Asian or Caucasians should use the medicated shampoos twice per week.
• Africans with kinky hair should shampoo once per week with medicated shampoos.
• Due to the numerous medicated shampoo products, each product shall be tried for a month till the right product is found for you!