How To Effectively Control Teen Dandruff Troubles
The frequent of styling products, hair colours and other hair cosmetics should be avoided
During the teenage years, dandruff is a very common condition that occurs due to increased or altered sebaceous glands secretion along with an exaggerated inflammatory response in susceptible individuals, resulting in whitish dry or greasy flakes on the scalp with or without itching. This dandruff problem could just be limited to the teenage years or early adulthood and gradually settles with age, once the sebaceous activity subsides. However, there are many myths associated with dandruff, so we bring to light some common myths to effectively control this condition.
Common Dandruff Myths And Facts
#Myth 1
Dandruff Increases With An Oily Diet
Fact
An increased intake of oily food and/or junk food has overall health implications. It decreases our innate immunity or disease-fighting capacity. however, oily food does not increase pimples or dandruff or oil over the skin surface. Dandruff might increase in dry seasons like winters, during stressful situations, which may result in bacterial infections of the scalp, associated skin diseases like psoriasis, a predisposition to allergy/atopy and an immune-compromised state like HIV-intection.
#Myth 2
Oiling Of The Scalp Should Be Avoided If You Have Dandruff
Fact
Keeping the scalp excessively dry by using harsh anti-dandruff shampoos and avoiding oiling of the scalp initiates a rebound inflammatory response and over secretion of the sebaceous glands resulting in increased flakes. Hence, regular oiling of the scalp once a week or as advised by your dermatologist might help reduce the dry flaking in most of the cases. A doctor might help in advising the frequency of oiling and choice of oil and conditioners according to the severity of the condition.
#Myth 3
Dandruff Causes Greying
Fact
Excess dandruff for prolonged periods might cause the sudden conversion of hair from a growth phase to a falling phase, resulting in excess hair fall, but it has no correlation with premature greying of the hair
#Myth 4
Dandruff During Teen Years Causes Pimples/Acne On The Face
Fact
Dandruff is a result of impaired oil secretion from the sebaceous glands of the scalp skin. Similarly, acne or pimples is caused because of impaired oil secretion from the sebaceous glands of the facial skin. That is why both dandwff and acne might coexist, but are not a result of each other.
#Myth 5
Dandruff Can Spread To Others
Fact
Usually dandruff is an inflammatory condition and is not contageous. Sometimes, it can be associated with a fungus called pityrosporum, which is a normal llora of the skin and found ¡n all humans.
#Myth 6
Dandruff Suggests Blood Impurities
Fact
It is a myth that chronic or recurrent dandruff suggests some blood impurities. It is just a localized condition of the scalp, more common during teenage years and has no direct or indirect correlation with impurities or deficiency in the bIood.
Controlling dandruff in teenagers requires understanding of the pattern and severity of the condition in each individual. Teenagers must get into the habit of taking care of their health, skin and hair by regular cleansing, oiling etc. Also, the frequent use of styling products, hair colours and other hair cosmetics should be avoided, if these increase dandruff or hair fall. Additionally, aggravating factors should be observed and avoided.
Phases Of Treatment
There are two phases of dandruff treatment – the active phase and maintenance phase. During the active phase, you might need frequent applications of shampoos and lotions as prescribed by the dermatologist and once the dandruff is completely cleared, the maintenance phase can start. This is the application of lotions once or twice a month and used prescription based shampoos on a weekly basis.
The dermatologist will also look for signs of other skin conditions and treat them simultaneously. A prescription of antibiotics along with anti-histamines (it the dandruff is severe and progressing to seborrheic dermatitis) may also be advised. Controlling dandruff especially in teenagers requires proper guidance and patience to follow the maintenance phase as instructed.
When To SeeA Dermatologist
- Routine over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos and oils are not effective
- Dandruff is associated with itching or boils In the scalp or hair tall
- If there are underlying skin diseases like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis etc.
- If there ¡s a strong family history of inflammatory skin diseases or allergies
- If dry or greasy flakes are also visible on the eye brows, mid brows, eye lashes or around the nose
The doctor will prescribe medicated anti-dandruff shampoos for an anti-tungal and anti-inflammatory effect. You may also be advised to use stay-on lotions which are anti fungal or steroid based.