Dandruff

Seborrheic dandruff is a kind of dandruff that has different characteristics as compared to regular dandruff and hence it requires a different kind of treatment. Seborrheic dandruff is also known as seborrheic dermatitis and it occurs on the scalp but it may be present on the face, chest, creases of the legs, arms, and groin. This seborrheic dandruff comprises of red, scaly, and itchy rash. The presence of Seborrhea leads to oily skin especially on the scalp and face. Seborrheic dandruff leads to seborrheic dermatitis that includes the red and scaling skin. It affects the person in the ages 30 to 60. When it is present in the babies that are younger than 3 months, it is called as cradle cap.

There is no exact known cause of the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis. It is usually caused by the overgrowth of the fungus malassezia that is found commonly on the skin. In healthy persons, it is found in small quantities and when it increases in large numbers it leads to seborrheic dandruff. This may be related to the genetic component that runs in families. There are various hormones that are involved in it. In kids, the presence of seborrheic dandruff is not found after puberty. The condition is also linked to neurologic disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

There are specialized shampoos available for treatment of dandruff that also contains salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulphide. Some of the shampoos contain coal tar that controls seborrheic dandruff. These shampoos are used daily till the dandruff gets controlled. You should massage the shampoo into the scalp and keep it to for five minutes before washing it. If the shampoo is ineffective, a lotion that contains corticosteroids can be used. It is recommended to use the mild and non-medicated shampoo formulated for babies for treating cradle caps in kids.