Dandruff is small white particles that fall unsightly from the hair. If it is a mild symptom, it can be socially extremely embarrassing. For example, dandruff is very noticeable on dark clothing, such as on a black jacket worn during an interview. One in two people would be affected.
You will also be interested
[EN VIDÉO] Stress accelerates the appearance of white hair Also called Marie-Antoinette syndrome, the appearance of white hair due to stress is favored by the disappearance of melanocyte stem cells.
Where does dandruff come from? The cells of scalp normally renew every 21 days. During their desquamation, the dead cells fall in the form of tiny aggregates, of the order of 30 microns. They are therefore invisible when the scalp is healthy. In the event of hyper-desquamation or an inflamed scalp, the cells aggregate with each other and form packages larger and therefore visible (greater than 200 microns). This is called dandruff.
Malassezia globosa is a mushroom normally present in the microbial flora of the scalp. In people prone to dandruff, its amount increases. Two mechanisms then come into play.
- The fungus feeds on sebum, decreasing the scalp protection ;
- The fungus produces irritating substances for the scalp, which often induces itching.
Thus attacked, the scalp accelerates the process of cell renewal. A significant number of cells die and aggregate to form dandruff.
What causes dandruff?
The occurrence of dandruff is linked to a scalp imbalance. This is favored by the stressoverwork, or lack of sleep. Environmental factors may also be involved such as air pollution.air, the use of a shampoo not adapted to the nature of the scalp. The seasons also play a role: dandruff is more abundant in winter.
What are the different types of dandruff?
There are three main dandruff conditions: dry dandruff, oily dandruff and dandruff related to pathologies. Concerning dry and oily dandruff, they generally appear at the puberty and tend to decrease after the age of 30. Stress can significantly promote an increase in dandruff.
Dry dandruff is the most common. They are very thin and easily detach from the scalp. Running your hand through your hair is enough to make it fall out! The scalp is dry, without erythema and without oozing.
Oily dandruff, rarer, is much larger than dry dandruff. They are bound together by sebum. Present in large quantities, they can seriously damage the hair. They are usually located around the ears and temples. While dry dandruff is mostly white and gray, oily dandruff can be yellow. In affected individuals, itching important are often present.
Dandruff can also occur in diseases such as dermatitis seborrheic of the scalp, the psoriasisthe ichthyosis where the ringworm.
How to get rid of dandruff?
The purpose of the treatments is twofold: quickly eliminate dandruff and prevent recidivism. Specific shampoos are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and may be sufficient when the amount of dandruff is not too great. They generally contain the following active ingredients: pyrithione zincpiroctone olamine, sulfide of selenium Where acid salicylic. They act against the detachment of scales (keratolytic), against the proliferation of the fungus Malassezia globosa (anti-fungal), against the multiplication of scalp cells (antiproliferative), against redness and itching (anti-inflammatory).
It is recommended to use the anti-dandruff shampoo 2 to 3 times a week for 2 to 4 weeks, then only once a week alternating with a mild shampoo. Do not rub hard but massage gently and respect the exposure time if there is one indicated on the shampoo instructions. Avoid them hair dryerthe styling sprays and gels.
On the other hand, if this is not effective enough, you have to go to a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment on a case-by-case basis.
Interested in what you just read?
Subscribe to the newsletter Health question of the week : our answer to a question you ask yourself (more or less secretly). All our newsletters