S c a l p H e a l t h COMMON SCAL P PROBL EMS AND SO LU T IONS Dr Michael Freeman, Dermatologist Dandruff Dandruff has many causes, from just a dry scalp as the weather changes, to diseases like psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. For simple dryness, which can occasionally generate a mild itch, try shampooing the hair less often and with a cooler water stream. Shampoo traps oils, so if you do it too frequently, you may dry your hair out, leaving it prone to breakage. Even washing the hair with conditioner only can work for some. When the flaking is more noticeable and often the itch is more of a feature, the dandruff is being generated by mild seborrhoeic dermatitis. When you were an infant and had cradle cap (see below) that was an early sign of seborrheic dermatitis. If this is the case then try using an anti-dandruff shampoo daily. Leave shampoo on for five minutes, then rinse well. You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best for you. If one stops working, try another. In general the Imidazole-based shampoos (eg Nizoral) available from the chemist works best, but when that doesn't help, call your doctor. If the dandruff flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have a more aggressive form of seborrheic dermatitis. It's an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil glands, like the scalp and face. Though seborrheic dermatitis is related to hormones, normal fungus, and even some neurological problems like Parkinson's disease, they are treated with the same anti-dandruff shampoos. Severe cases may need a prescription steroid or oral antifungal medicine. For the face, the BLOC Red serum can be quite successful. BEAUTY 64 Pindara Magazine 2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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