Dandruff
is a common, inflammatory skin condition
that causes flaky, white to yellowish
scales to form on oily areas such
as the scalp or inside the ear. It
can occur with or without reddened
skin. In babies, it is known as "cradle
cap." Dandruff most often occurs
in babies younger than 3 months of
age and in adults from 30 to 60 years
of age. In adults, it's more common
in men than in women.
Causes
Dandruff can occur on many different
body areas. Typically it forms where
the skin is oily or greasy. Commonly
affected areas include the scalp,
eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the
nose, lips, behind the ears, in the
external ear, and along skin folds
on the middle of the body. Some people,
experience an unusually large amount
of flaking, which can also be accompanied
by redness and irritation
Dandruff appears to run in families.
Stress, fatigue, weather extremes,
oily skin, infrequent shampoos or
skin cleaning, use of lotions that
contain alcohol, skin disorders (such
as acne), or obesity may increase
the risk.
Treatment
You can treat flaking and dryness
with over-the-counter dandruff or
medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair
vigorously and frequently (preferably
daily). Loosen scales with the fingers,
scrub for at least 5 minutes, and
rinse thoroughly. Active ingredients
in these shampoos include salicylic
acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole,
or selenium.
Shampoos or lotions containing selenium,
ketoconazole, or corticosteroids may
be prescribed for severe cases. To
apply shampoos, part the hair into
small sections, apply to a small area
at a time, and massage into the skin.
If on face or chest, apply medicated
lotion twice per day.
Dandruff may improve in the summer,
especially after outdoor activities.
Dandruff
is a common, inflammatory skin condition
that causes flaky, white to yellowish
scales to form on oily areas such
as the scalp or inside the ear. It
can occur with or without reddened
skin. In babies, it is known as "cradle
cap." Dandruff most often occurs
in babies younger than 3 months of
age and in adults from 30 to 60 years
of age. In adults, it's more common
in men than in women. 
