Dandruff is a comman hair problum in man.
If you constantly have to brush your shoulders off because of those annoying dandruff flakes, it’s time to look for the best dandruff solutions. Here’s a quick overview of what exactly those scalp flakes are and which dandruff solutions for men are at your disposal.
What is Dandruff? What Causes Dandruff?
Dandruff is simply an accumulation of dead skin cells. We’re constantly shedding skin cells throughout the day. For most of us, these dead skin cells are too small for the human eye to notice. It’s when your scalp gets irritated that dandruff flakes become a visible problem. Scalp irritation caused by fungus and other factors can lead to an accelerated rate of shedding, which creates the cell buildup that results in scalp flakes. Itchiness and redness are other common symptoms.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to manage men’s dandruff flakes and restore your hair’s health. Follow these tips to reduce scalp irritation and get rid of men’s dandruff.
Dandruff is thought to be caused by a fungus called malassezia, a fat-eating fungus, which lives on the scalp of most healthy adults. While it does not cause problems for most people, malassezia can sometimes grow out of control and begin feeding on the oil on your scalp. The result is increased cell turnover and a large number of dead skin cells. These cells, combined with dirt and oil from your hair and scalp, form flaky white scales.
Symptoms
THE common symptoms of dandruff include itching and white, oily flakes. That said, there are several conditions, including psoriasis, dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, which present similar symptoms. Before beginning treatment for dandruff, it is important to consult your dermatologist to make sure you're treating the right condition.
Treatment
While controllable, dandruff can be persistent and requires consistent treatment. There are several types of over-the-counter shampoos available for treating dandruff. If you try one and it doesn't have the desired effect, move on to the next. Following are four common types of dandruff shampoos:
- Zinc pyrithione shampoos, such as American Crew Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Head & Shoulders, contain an antibacterial and antifungal agent (zinc pyrithione) which has been shown to fight the fungus that causes dandruff.
- Selenium sulfide shampoos, such as Selsun Blue, can prevent cell turnover and may help control the malassezia fungus. These types of shampoos may discolor blond or gray hair and can cause significant discoloration in chemically treated hair, so follow the directions carefully and rinse well.
- Ketoconazole shampoo, like Nizoral, contains a broad antifungal agent.
- Tar-based shampoos, such as Neutrogena T/Gel, contain coal tar, which slows cell turnover and reduces the formation of dandruff's scaly flakes.
Related Articles
- Epson Salt Dandruff Treatment
- Dandruff - Dealing with Those Embarrassing Flakes
- How to Control Dandruff
- Solutions to Common Scalp Problems
- Shampoo 101: Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type
