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What is it?

Dandruff isn't determined by your hair's condition or how often you wash it. Instead, it results from the rapid growth and shedding of skin cells on your scalp. If you have dark hair, you might spot these flakes on your shoulders or in your hair and also feel an itchy scalp.

There are several factors that can trigger dandruff, but the primary cause is an excess of oil on your scalp and an overgrowth of a yeast known as malassezia. This surplus oil induces skin cells to accumulate and shed, leading to the visible white flakes. Stress and sickness can also cause dandruff. It's important to understand that dandruff is neither contagious nor harmful.

How is it treated?

Regularly cleansing with a therapeutic shampoo could eliminate these dry, itchy flakes from your scalp. We suggest selecting a shampoo suitable for your hair type, whether it be curly, fine or coarse. When utilizing a therapeutic shampoo, we further advise safeguarding your scalp from the sun as these shampoos could increase your scalp's sensitivity to UV rays.

For most individuals, dandruff does not necessitate medical intervention. However, if your dandruff persists despite using a therapeutic shampoo, or if you experience a severe case, our team at Beavercreek Dermatology can help by prescribing a more potent shampoo or medication. Our experienced team can also assess whether your dandruff is an indication of a medical issue, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, a fungal infection on the scalp or eczema.