A common and often itchy scalp condition in which small pieces of flaky skin fall off the head.
What is it?
Dandruff isn't related to your hair or the frequency of your washes. It's due to the rapid growth and shedding of skin cells on your scalp. If you have darker hair, these flakes may be visible on your shoulders or hair, accompanied by an itchy scalp.
Dandruff can occur for a variety of reasons, but the main culprits are excessive scalp oil and an overproduction of a yeast known as Malassezia. This surplus oil leads to an accumulation and shedding of skin cells, resulting in the noticeable white flakes. Factors like stress and sickness can also trigger dandruff. It's crucial to understand that dandruff is neither contagious nor harmful.
In our dermatology offices, we have experienced dermatologists who provide effective dandruff treatments in Dublin, Columbus, Canal Winchester, Urbana, Circleville, Washington Courthouse, Grove City and Marysville, Ohio.
How is it treated?
Frequently, consistent cleansing with a therapeutic shampoo can eliminate these arid, itchy flakes on your scalp. We advise choosing a shampoo that suits your hair texture, such as curly, fine, or thick. When utilizing a therapeutic shampoo, it's also beneficial to shield your scalp from solar exposure, as these shampoos can heighten your scalp's sensitivity to UV radiation.
The majority of individuals don't need medical intervention for their dandruff. However, if your dandruff persists despite using a therapeutic shampoo, or if a severe case develops, our team of board-certified dermatologists can assist in prescribing a more potent shampoo or medication. They can also assess whether your dandruff is indicating a medical issue, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, a fungal infection on the scalp or eczema.