DANDRUFF

DEFINITION

Dandruff is a type of dermatitis characterised by scaling of the scalp.

DESCRIPTION

It is a chronic condition and non-inflammatory condition. The scalp may be either dry or greasy and itching may be present.

Many adults suffer from Dandruff to some degree. It is a condition of the scalp with a gradual onset of scaling.

The skin on the scalp renews itself about once a month. The dead scalp cells gradually work their way from the deepest layers of the epidermis to the skin's surface. The dead skin is then shed from the scalp. This is perfectly natural process and is generally not noticed when it happens gradually. For some unknown reason the process is sometimes speeded up and the dead cells become visible as white flakes called Dandruff. It is estimated that twenty percent of the population suffer from Dandruff.

The condition is rarely seen in young children and like acne usually emerges at puberty and the problems becomes less obvious with age. It is very rare in the elderly. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

It is known that epidermal cells turnover about twice in people with Dandruff than people who don’t suffer from this problem. Dandruff is recognised by the releasing from the scalp of white scales. This may be associated with itching due to the excessive scaling. Dandruff is always widely scattered on the scalp rather than patchy.

TREATMENT

The best treatment for Dandruff includes:

·         Ego Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

·         Nizoral 1% or Nizoral 2% shampoo (depending on the severity of Dandruff)

·         Ego hairscience shampoo

·         Ego sebitar and Ego sebirinse

·         Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner

Ego Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Ego Anti-dandruff shampoo which contains miconazole (an anti-fungal) is the first line of treatment for Dandruff. It is believed that the major cause of Dandruff is a fungal infection of the scalp.

Ego anti-dandruff shampoo treats dandruff by destroying the fungus causing the problem, hence treating the source of the problem rather than the symptoms. Sufficient amount of this shampoo should be used on the wet hair to produce a generous lather. This should be massaged over the entire scalp area and left there for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and repeat the same. To prevent Dandruff it is advisable to use the Ego anti-dandruff shampoo at least twice a week.

EGO HAIRSCIENCE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Ego hairscience shampoo is a mild hypoallergenic shampoo which comes in three different hair types, i.e., normal hair, oily and dry hair.

The use of this shampoo is recommended on the days when patient is not using the Nizoral shampoo because all hairscience products have a pH of 6 which is same as the scalp and this means the shampoo doesn't dry up the scalp or aggravate the condition.

SEBITAR

Sebitar (by Ego) scalp cleansing treatment shampoo and Sebirinse (the conditioner to be used with sebitar shampoo) are other products which can be incorporated in Dandruff treatment. If the customer has used the Nizoral shampoo and they would like to try something else or they want to use a product in conjunction with Nizoral then Sebitar and Sebirinse are the products of choice.

Sebitar will relieve the itching of scalp and reduce inflammation, scaling and flaking associated with Dandruff, seborrhoea and other scalp disorders. It also relieves the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis of the scalp. Sebitar can be used daily if required. It is applied to wet hair and massaged in well to form a good lather. Cover the scalp area and leave in for 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Use "sebirinse" as conditioner or to remove the tar odour.  

Stop using any of the above products if the patient ends up with an undesired allergy reaction, for example rash.

HEAD & SHOULDERS SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Head & Shoulders products use zinc pyrithione as its active ingredient. It has a cytostatic effect and helps to relieve hair and scalp dryness as well. It should be used twice weekly for the first 2 weeks and then once weekly as required.

COUNSELLING POINTS

CONTINUING TREATMENT

The patient needs to be advised that the above treatments are not a permanent cure for dandruff and will be need to be used on a frequent basis to prevent their dandruff from coming  back.

TREATING THE SCALP

Be aware that it is the scalp that needs treatment, not the hair. The treatment should be applied to the scalp and massaged gently. For optimum effect, the product should be left on the scalp for 5 minutes before rinsing.

HAIR PRODUCTS

Gel, mousse and hairspray can still be used and will not adversely affect treatment for dandruff.

DIET HINTS

Detect and delete from the diet any food allergens if they are a problem. Increase the fresh food in the diet. Always have available green leafy vegetables. Eat food raw if possible to maximize vitamin content. Try to avoid hot spicy foods as this can lead to sweating and irritation of the skin and scalp. The foods with acidic content are unsuitable for any skin condition. Eat as much alkaline food as possible. Fish and all white meats are considered a good idea.

Vitamin B complex, evening primrose oil, omega 3 fatty acids, biotin, folic acid, vitamin A, zinc, sulphur, antioxidants and garlic are recommended to ease the symptoms.