INVESTIGATING THE CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

Dandruff is a common hair issue affecting most people. Many consider this condition as a result of lack of cleanliness and personal hygiene. Many people do believe this myth and immediately diagnose as lack of personal hygiene on the part of the affected person. But the scientific fact is on the other side. Instead of just believing in myth one should try to explore the causative factors of dandruff and how to control dandruff.

We must understand that dandruff is a serious physiological condition which may even affect social behavior and psychological get up of the affected person. The medical science has found many reasons for developing dandruff. Some of them are inflammation of scalp skin, fungal infection, use of chemical hair products, stressful condition of life and environmental abuses.

Symptoms of dandruff condition

·         Itching on the scalp

·         White or silvery flakes on the scalp

·         Red lesion on the scalp

·         Irritating soreness

Fungus and various other organisms

Malassezia is one fungus which is normally found in our body. It may cause infection once it finds some penetrating crack on the scalp skin. Two species of Malassezia secrete lipid wastes. They are called M. Globasa and M. restricta. These lipid wastes cause itching and irritation on the scalp skin.

Pityrosporum fungus also settles on human scalp. They also cause itching and irritation on the scalp.

Inflammation and infection of the scalp skin is referred to as Eczema. This is also associated with fungus.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is another skin infection caused by fungus. It causes white flakes, itching and red lesions on the scalp skin.

Contact dermatitis is caused due to use of strong chemical which are found in hair shampoos and other hair care products.

Environmental abuses such as toxic substances and fine particles can cause conditions similar to dandruff.