Get rid of dandruff for good!

Pityriasis Complex is the medical term for Dandruff. Dandruff is a result of a scalp malfunction. It could be described as a chronic non-inflammatory scaling of the scalp from a clinical point of view. It is not a scaly condition such as psoriasis or dermatitis for example even though it may look the same.

The Science Behind the Flakes

People suffering from dandruff tend to have a thinner stratum corneum. This is a layer of the scalp skin and it's thinner than normal. The rate at which these cells turn over in somebody who suffers from dandruff, is far more rapid than normal, meaning that the surface of the skin cracks and develops large flakes which can be seen with the naked eye. Dandruff can be seasonal, most people suffer from dandruff in the winter months, from October to December – it's equally suffered by males and females.

The Root Cause

The main culprit is Malassezia Furfur yeasts and anti-fungal shampoos are the most effective treatment. This naturally occurring yeast lives on everyone's scalp, but in some individuals, it triggers an accelerated skin cell turnover, resulting in visible flaking.

Effective Treatment Protocol

The best way to treat dandruff and keep it at bay is to apply the shampoo to the scalp, wet hair and to leave it in place for five minutes before rinsing and to repeat if necessary.

Proper Application Technique

Focus on massaging your scalp and not your hair! Simply let the shampoo rinse out through the hair (do not rub) do not be over-zealous. The waiting 5 mins with the product on your scalp is the key. The active ingredients need time to work.

Understanding the Cycle

In a normal Scalp, the skin cells that cause the appearance of 'dandruff' will be reformed within 4 to 7 days. This rapid cellular turnover explains why dandruff can seem to return quickly after treatment.

Medical Treatment Options

Many medical practitioners opt for products containing Ketoconazole, another potent yeast killing ingredient. However, preparations as such tend to leave the hair rather dry and lacklustre. I don't recommend any product containing ketoconazole to anyone with dry hair.

Recommended Ingredients

Look out for products containing Selenium Sulphide, Zinc Pyrithione Zinc Omadine, or Pictone Olamine. These active ingredients effectively combat the Malassezia yeast while being gentler on your hair.

Post-Treatment Hair Care

Always finish your hair wash with a moisturising conditioner to help replace any moisture lost by the medicated shampoo. This step is crucial for maintaining hair health while treating the scalp condition.

Professional Advice for Long-Term Management

As a consultant Trichologist, I advise my patients to only use the anti-dandruff shampoos when they see scale on their scalps, because people make the mistake of constantly using these shampoos. However, anti-dandruff shampoos work least when you over-use them - the more you use them - the more they become ineffective. Using the shampoo to clear your scalp will be effective if you use it when your scalp is scaly - but should not be used daily, just to clean the hair. So just use a regular shampoo in between once the scale has disappeared - when it returns use the anti-dandruff shampoo again.

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Dandruff

Stress, diet, and environmental factors can all influence dandruff severity. Managing stress levels, maintaining a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and zinc, and protecting your scalp from harsh weather conditions can help reduce flare-ups. Regular exercise may also help by improving circulation to the scalp.

When to See a Professional

If your dandruff persists despite consistent treatment for more than a month, or if it's accompanied by severe itching, redness, or pain, it's time to consult a trichologist or dermatologist. Sometimes what appears to be dandruff might be another scalp condition requiring different treatment.

Prevention Strategies

While dandruff cannot always be prevented, especially for those genetically predisposed, maintaining good scalp hygiene, using appropriate hair products for your hair type, and following a balanced diet can minimise its occurrence and severity. Weekly scalp exfoliation with a gentle scrub can also help remove dead skin cells before they build up.