stop the itch

Stop the itch

By: Laarni Tizel S. Lawas

Have you experienced scratching your scalp then as you look at your nails there are white-gray small particles remained? What are these particles anyway?

First you should know that a person’s entire body surface continuously sheds dead skin cells. The excessive shedding of these cells is called dandruff (also called as scurf and historically termed Pityriasis capitis). It is normal for skin cells to die and flake off. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation.

Dandruff is not an organism like lice; it is just a dead skin that accumulates in the scalp. “They are micro-organisms that feed on a person’s blood and tissues that is why they easily multiply,” said Prof. Aileen Theresa D. Roble, a faculty of Biology Department of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM), MSU-Main.

CAUSES

Dr. Richard Thomas, MD in his article What is Dandruff Really? said that contrary to popular theory, although bacteria may aggregate a dandruff condition,, they do not cause the initial problem. Most medical authorities consider dandruff, even the mildest forms, to be a type of scalp or skin related disease. Clinically, one description of dandruff is seborrhea capitos or excessive sebum production of the scalp.

Today most skin specialists agree that dandruff is associated with a tiny fungus called Pityrosporum ovale or P. ovale for short. This fungus lives on our bodies and scalp all the time usually without causing a problem. Unfortunately, for some people, it can get of control leading to dandruff.

Aside from this clinical explanation, an article entitled Dandruff by Joseph Bark states that there are two different causes of dandruff—internal and external. Some of which are the following:

Internal Causes

• Hormonal imbalance
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of rest
• Emotional stress
• Excessive consumption of sugar, fat and starch

External Causes

• Excessive use of hair sprays and gels
• Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of hot hair curlers or curling irons
• Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.

“In addition to these, dandruff is usually seasonal,” said Ms. Husna Dimapalao of Biology Department of CNSM. “It is most severe during cold season than during summer because in this time a person’s scalp becomes more oily and this supports the growth of P. ovale. That is why many are saying that you are not an MSU’an once you don’t have dandruff since MSU is known for its cold climate.

EFFECTS

“Obviously, this case results to itchiness and the worse is, it causes social or self-esteem problems,” Ms. Merlita L. Almeria, a biology instructor said. It is definitely true because once you suffer dandruff, you’ll be more conscious and afraid that people might see the flakes lying on your shoulders. Some even feel insecure with others who don’t have it.

In addition, if a scalp shows signs of redness, swelling, and scrabbing accompanied by flakes, there could be another scalp disease involved like psoriasis or ringworm. With any of these symptoms it is important to see your health care provider immediately.

TREATMENT

There have been many strategies for the control of dandruff. One of these is the use of medicated shampoos. Some of these shampoos are head & shoulders and pantene pro v, and nizoral with zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole active ingredients respectively. Anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoos that contain the latter ingredient have been shown to be more effective than the former as concluded by multiple studies.

The best approach is to pick a product and try it. If the product works and is successful in controlling your dandruff, continue to use it. It is important to remember that there is no known “official” cure for dandruff. Once you have the problem, the best that you can hope for is management and control.

In severe cases, dermatologists will prescribe a special ointment or lotion to treat the problem. These products must also contain zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole for more effectiveness.

Accord-ing to the wikipedia, nutrition can play a big part in controlling dandruff. To counteract the inefficient carbohydrates and fatty-acid metabolization which can cause dandruff, include plenty of B vitamins in your diet. Eggs and cabbage are just two of the sources of vitamin B6. Sometimes an allergy to dairy products may cause dandruff. In this case alternative food sources of vit. B6 are preferred. The good fats found in nuts benefit the body and promote healthy scalps.

Moreover, onions would be of great help. Cut a fresh onion in half and rub it on the scalp. Wash your hair once a week with sulfur based soap. Avoid hair products that contain alcohol which dries out the scalp. Also, avoid hair dryers which will also dry the scalp and add to the problem.

Nevertheless, the most effective way to counter dandruff is cleanliness of hair. Brush your scalp carefully to loosen scales before shampooing. Never use the comb/brush of the person suffering from dandruff as it is dangerous and contagious. Likewise, make sure that you wash your comb/brush after every shampoo if you have dandruff yourself. Brush your hair thrice a day and shampoo at least twice or thrice a week. If you wash your hair daily, use small amounts of baby shampoo. Harsh shampoos will just cause the sebaceous gland to overcompensate by producing more oil than necessary.

Hence, whatever type of solution you select, take your time and understand that every treatment works differently for every situation.

SOURCES:

Ms. Husna Dimapalao

-Biology Dept., CNSM

Prof. Aileen Theresa Roble

-Biology Dept., CNSM

Ms. Merlita Almeria

-Biology Dept., CNSM

Richard Thomas, MD.What

Is Dandruff Really?.http://www.skincareguide.ca/articles/general_skin_care/dandruff.html.02/03/08

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandruff.2008

Joseph Bark.Dandruff.http://www.coolnurse.com/dandruff.htm.2007.02/03/08