WHY DO WE FACE DANDRUFF?: A SURVEY Q & A

Durgapur 03.04.2022

Dr. Sushil Rudra

Dear Readers,

This is my diary where I used to post articles on Indian culture, people, beliefs, literature, religion and values. Besides, I write about health and wellness. Here in this post, I am going to express on why do we face dandruff? : A Survey Q & A.

India is my motherland. Like all citizens, I always think of our country’s betterment. Here, most of the people are living below the poverty line. They are not given proper education, food and nutrition, and health care.

Therefore, they depend upon folk medicine, and folk beliefs. They are non – Aryan, mostly Santal, Kol, Veels, and Munda. At present, they are getting education.

Eventually, I try to express their belief and folk medicines.

Today, I am going to discuss a common health problem which we are to face over our lifetime.

It’s scalp and hair problems. I have tried to provide all kinds of suggestions to protect our scalp and hair. Even some home remedies are described herein for common people.

Read also:How to Keep Healthy Scalp In Summer?

• WHY DO WE FACE DANDRUFF? A SURVEY

My Experience:

  As I have been encountering dandruff on my scalp from this Winter to the first half of the Summer (here in India December to March), I think, like me, many of my friends are facing the same conditions.

I have read in International medical bulletins and magazines about Dandruff? Why do people face dandruff and how to eliminate it? Most health-conscious people pursue commercial advertisements and apply them to eradicate this scalp and hair problem. 

I have compiled some questions here, generally, most people have and try to find answers from dermatologists.

INTRODUCTION: WHY DO WE FACE DANDRUFF? : A SURVEY Q & A

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the pre-pubertal age and of any gender and ethnicity.[1]

No population in any geographical region would have passed through freely without being affected by dandruff at some stage in their life.[2]

The word dandruff (dandruff, dandruff) is of Anglo-Saxon origin, a combination of ‘tan’ meaning ‘tetter’ and ‘drop’ meaning ‘dirty’. Dandruff affects aesthetic value and often causes itching.

WHAT IS DANDRUFF? WHY DO WE FACE DANDRUFF?   A SURVEY Q & A

Dandruff is mainly characterised by white flakes in hair and is accompanied by symptoms like inflammation and an itchy scalp. Even though it is an annoying hair problem, it can be treated.

 It has been well established that keratinocytes play a key role in the expression and generation of immunological reactions during dandruff formation.[3] The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with season as it often worsens in winter.[4]

Pathophysiology: why do we face Dandruff? : A Survey Q & A

Even today, the debate on whether dandruff has to be treated as a disease or a disorder continues.

In the physiological spectrum of scaling, about 487,000cells/sq cm get released normally after detergent treatment and this number goes up to 800,000/sq cm during dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.[5] 

               However, dandruff is non-inflammatory. The real cause for dandruff formation from the normal physiological spectrum of scaling is yet to be understood.

• WHY DO WE FACE DANDRUFF?: A SURVEY Q & A

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly.

Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.

A list of conditions that cause dandruff and the main symptoms:

Symptoms:    Possible causes: Why we are to face dandruff?

1. scaly, itchy and red patches on the skin on the scalp, face and other areas of the body          — seborrhoeic dermatitis

2. red or silver rash on the scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss    tinea capitis, known as ringworm

dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body    —  eczema.

3. red, inflamed (irritated) skin; may also have blisters and cracked skin – reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses      —–  contact dermatitis.

4. red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales —        psoriasis.

5. greasy, yellowish crusts on baby’s scalp, eyebrows and nappy area —-     cradle cap.

• HOW DO YOU TREAT DANDRUFF SCIENTIFICALLY ?

For mild dandruff, first, try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn’t help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo.

Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.

• WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF DANDRUFF ?

Malassezia Yeast Overgrowth

 Malassezia is a single-celled organism – a type of yeast – that lives on everyone’s skin. The presence of this naturally-occurring fungus on your scalp is the most common culprit behind dandruff and the most likely cause of flare-ups for people with seborrheic dermatitis.

• How do you stop dandruff completely?

• WHAT FOOD CAUSE DANDRUFF? A

“Diets high in sugar, processed food, and ‘bad’ fats lead to insulin spikes, which in turn lead to stimulation of hormone surges that can trigger the output of oil,” Zalka says. “Overall restriction of fatty foods, fried foods, refined sugar, processed food, and gluten may lead to a reduction in flaking.”

• CAN DANDRUFF BE CURED? WHY WE ARE TO FACE DANDRUFF?

Dandruff isn’t curable. Most people will have to manage symptoms over the long term. Usually, the flakes will come and go. Treating dandruff with a special shampoo can manage the condition and prevent itching and flakiness.

(https://www.healthline.com › health)

• Can Lemon remove dandruff?

•  IS DANDRUFF AN INTERNAL PROBLEM?

  Dandruff is an internal problem and should be dealt with accordingly. Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water daily, exercise, keep your scalp squeaky clean by shampooing regularly and follow it with a leave-in tea conditioner.

(https://m.telegraphindia.com › )

• CAN DANDRUFF CAUSE HAIR LOSS? WHY WE ARE TO FACE DANDRUFF? A SURVEY

   Dandruff can sometimes cause hair loss, but prompt treatment could prevent further damage to your scalp and hair. For most people, dandruff is the annoying but harmless white flakes from your scalp that accumulate on clothing and sometimes on furniture.

• WHAT KILLS DANDRUFF MEDICALLY ?

      Pyrithione zinc (Head and Shoulders, Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1) is an antifungal drug. It kills the fungus on your scalp that causes flaking. Pyrithione zinc shampoos are gentle enough to use every day. Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) reduces fungus and prevents too many skin cells from dying off.

(https://www.healthline.com › health

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: What’s the Difference? – Healthline)

• CAN YOU PERMANENTLY CURE DANDRUFF? A Survey Q & A

Getting rid of dandruff permanently is not possible. Skin inflammation may be treated with topical applications of mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% over two to four weeks.

(https://www.emedicinehealth.com › …

How to Get Rid of Dandruff – eMedicineHealth)

• IS DANDRUFF FUNGAL? A SURVEY Q & A

The major culprit of dandruff is a fungus called Malassezia. This fungus exists on most adults’ scalps. It feeds on the oils on your scalp, breaking it down and leaving oleic acid in its place. Many people are sensitive to oleic acid. 

(23-Jun-2021

https://columbiaskinclinic.com › 6-c…

6 Causes of Dandruff and How to Treat Them – Columbia Skin Clinic.)

• CAN DANDRUFF MAKE YOU BALD ?

In most cases, dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, the itchiness it causes can lead to scratching. This can injure your hair follicles, leading to some hair loss, though not complete baldness.

(https://www.healthline.com › health

Dandruff Hair Loss: Why we are to face Dandruff? Causes Hair Loss and How to Stop?

• Why do I still have dandruff after washing my hair?

    A dry scalp can be caused by how frequently (or infrequently) you shampoo. Cleansing too often can dry out the scalp, but if you’re under washing your hair it can start to feel sore from the build-up of excess dead skin cells.

So the solution is to find a balancing shampoo and wash your hair every third or fifth day. (09-Dec-2021

https://prose.com › blog › dry-scalp

6. Tips to Deal with Dry Scalp. Dandruff:A Survey Q & A

• Should you scratch dandruff before washing hair?

     Do your best to resist the urge to touch your scalp, especially if it’s already itchy. Scratching can increase irritation and lead to a vicious cycle.

So when you touch and scratch, you can also introduce dirt into the mix that can make dandruff worse. Find the right shampooing balance for your scalp.

(https://www.healthline.com › health

Dandruff: How to Get Rid of It, What Causes It, and More – Healthline)

• Is shaving your head good for dandruff?

    Shaving your head may reduce the possibility of dandruff although there might be a chance of it sticking to your scalp or hair. When you shave off your head or experience hair loss, the dead skin starts shedding on its own from the scalp and keeps your hair clean of any dandruff.

(https://www.headandshoulders.co.in › …

Dandruff on Bald Head – Tips and Advice Head & Shoulders.)

• Should I cut my hair if I have dandruff?

     If you assume your dandruff is due to a dry scalp, it might be tempting to cut back on washing it so often. But whether the cause is dryness or oiliness, you should be washing your hair pretty regularly to rinse away the flakes and any buildup of debris on your scalp.

https://www.self.com › story › and…

• How do I know what kind of dandruff I have?

   Probably, one way to tell the difference between dry scalp and flakes from dandruff is by their appearance.

Secondly, dandruff flakes are bigger and they look oily. In babies with cradle caps, the scalp looks scaly or crusty. Both dryness and dandruff can make your scalp itch.

• How can I permanently get rid of dandruff on my scalp naturally?

Here is a list of home remedies that will help you get rid of dandruff completely.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Treating dandruff at home requires a way in which the ingredients must be mixed. … 

2. Apply Mehendi: You can cure dandruff using Mehendi. … 

3. Coconut Oil with Lemon: … 

4. Fenugreek Seeds: … 

5. Use Curd: … 

6. Neem Juice: … It is antibacterial

7. Orange Peel: … 

• How do I know what kind of dandruff I have?

      One way to tell the difference between dry scalp and flakes from dandruff is by their appearance. Dandruff flakes are bigger and they look oily. In babies with cradle caps, the scalp looks scaly or crusty. Both dryness and dandruff can make your scalp itch.

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: What’s the Difference?

• Is dandruff dry or wet?

  Why do we face dandruff?  Dry dandruff is often flaked off of a dry scalp, while wet dandruff flakes off and blends with oil, dirt, and debris. The excess oil in the hair mixes with the flakes of dandruff, sticks to the hair shaft, and builds upon the scalp.

(14-Sept-2021

https://www.verywellhealth.com › w…

Wet (Yellow) Dandruff: Best At-Home Treatments to Try – Verywell Health)

• What causes big chunks of dandruff? A Survey Q & A

    Dandruff results from the abnormal proliferation of a micro-organism from the Malassezia family, which is a yeast. This phenomenon causes skin cells in the epidermis to renew much too quickly.

They generally appear in clumps on your scalp, forming large dandruff or patches that fall off or become sticky.

(https://www.bioderma.co.uk › how-…

How to get rid of dandruff & scales on the scalp?

• Which hair type has dandruff?

Dry Skin Dandruff: WHY DO WE FACE DANDRUFF?: A Survey Q & A

 Dry skin-related dandruff is the most common condition, that usually occurs in winter. It is caused due to taking a head bath with hot water making the scalp go very dry and flaky. Individuals with dry, curly hair suffer from this type of dandruff very often.

https://m.netmeds.com › Should I wash my hair every day if I have dandruff?)

• You should wash your hair more often: Dandruff:A Survey Q & A

      To rid your scalp of dandruff, you need to clean out all the gunk, which a regular shampoo won’t do. Dr Kaplan recommends a medicated dandruff shampoo (which you can find at drugstores) every day, one that contains ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc.

https://www.everydayhealth.com › s…

Surprising Facts about Dandruff | Everyday Health)

• Why do I still have dandruff after washing my hair?

       A dry scalp can be caused by how frequently (or infrequently) you shampoo. Cleansing too often can dry out the scalp, but if you’re under washing your hair it can start to feel sore from

• How many kinds of dandruff?

There are several different types of dandruff:

1. oily skin dandruff.

2. dry skin dandruff.

3. fungus-related dandruff.

4. psoriasis-related dandruff.

5. seborrhoeic dermatitis.

• HOW TO PREVENT DANDRUFF? WHY DO WE FACE DANDRUFF?

1. With Hair Products and naturally.

2. There are several over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos that you can use to treat and prevent dandruff.

(3). Ensure you pick one that contains any of the following ingredients:

Ketoconazole

Salicylic acid

Selenium sulfide

Coal tar

Zinc pyrithione

Cyclopiroxolamine

Luliconazole

4.  Moreover, some vital nutrients that you need to include in your diet to prevent dandruff are zinc, B vitamins, and fats.

5. Avoid going in for chemical hair treatments like perms, hair colours, and relaxation.

6. Brush and wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo regularly.

7. Abstain from using too many hair styling products.

8. Wash your scalp with lukewarm or cold water. Avoid hot water.

• Why Do We Face Dandruff? : A Survey


Moreover, With Natural Methods you can escape from dandruff. I think it’s a best way to reduce dandruff from your hair.

Note: These natural methods are based on anecdotal reports.

1. Fenugreek Seeds: Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a paste. Apply this paste all over your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with soapnut (reetha) and water.

2. Olive Oil: Massage your scalp with olive oil for 10 minutes and leave it on overnight. Wash it off with water and a mild shampoo the next morning.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water and pour it all over your scalp after shampooing it. Then massage it in for a few minutes before washing it with water.

4. Baking Soda: Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice into a bowl of apple cider vinegar. Apply this paste all over your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash it off with water.

5. Tea Tree Oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to coconut oil and massage it onto your scalp and hair. You can leave it on overnight before washing it off with herbal shampoo.

   Sources: Why do we face Dandruff?: A Survey Q & A

  Articles are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organisations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

1. Dandruff: The Most Commercially Exploited Skin Disease

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887514/

2. A New Postulate on Two Stages of Dandruff: A Clinical Perspective

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3129121/

3. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/

4. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis And Dandruff: A Comprehensive Study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852869/

5. The Role Of Vitamins And Minerals In Hairloss: A Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/

 Writer’s messages : Why do we face Dandruff? : A Survey Q & A

If you like this post, please like, comment, and share it with your family and friends. This work has been done for the welfare of the people. Thanks. 

Here is my email:

sushilrudra040@gmail.com