What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a condition that occurs when the scalp sheds its skin as flakes in hair and on clothing. Dandruff flakes grow in size with the accumulation of dirt and oil. Dandruff does not cause hair loss.

The word dandruff comes from (most likely) dand (origin unknown) and E. Anglian (England) dialect huff, hurf, meaning “scab”. This is probably linked to the Old Norse word hrufa, meaning “scab”. The Old High German word hruf means “scurf”.

In adolescents and adults, the flakes on the skin are referred to as “dandruff”. In babies, it is known as “cradle cap.” Dandruff may be a source of embarrassment to the individual as it affects the skin of the scalp, face, and eyebrows, nose, external ears and behind the ears.

What Is Dandruff And What Is Scurf?

Dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii, affects the scalp and causes flakes of skin to appear – it is a common condition. Our skin cells are forever renewing themselves. When the skin cells on our scalp are renewed the old ones are pushed to the surface and out of the scalp. For a person with dandruff the renewal is faster, meaning more dead skin is shed, making the dandruff more noticeable.

Dandruff can also occur if the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures. The skin is usually dry during winter due to low environmental humidity and this aggravates the dandruff. The humidity is also low in centrally- heated houses. Approximately 60% humidity is required to balance the skin moisture and anything lower than this will allow water, to evaporate leaving the skin dry.

Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, up to 800,000/cm2, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos.

Dandruff is usually of two types, depending on its severity. Simple dandruff lasts for 2 to 3 weeks and disappears spontaneously; if it persists longer it is more serious. Sometimes it can spread on to face and cause itching and redness of the skin. Medical help is required to tackle this persistent problem.

If dandruff persists, or if very large flakes are present, with symptoms showing around your nose, ears, or chest, you should see a doctor. You may be experiencing symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis (seborrhea), psoriasis, or eczema.

However, scurf causes no harm and is not contagious. It can be easily treated.

If you’re interested to learn – how to get rid of dandruff fast and forever – continue reading our website…

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11 comments - What do you think?

Categories: About Dandruff Tags: Pityriasis Simplex Capillitii, Scurf, What Is Dandruff

Lucy Benson

Dandruff is a very unpleasant condition. I had to deal with it. Luckily, my dandruff wasn’t so severe and simple dandruff shampoos helped me. However, every body is different and the reaction differs, that is why before choosing some remedies remember that something, what works for ones, not necessarily will work for you.
Dave Moor

While I was dealing with this medical issue, I get some recommendations such as to learn how to control stress, to spend more time on the sun (but do not overdo with it), to take care of my eating habits and of course they warned me to stop using the styling products. I thought that such things are trivial, but it appears to play an essential role in our body…
Kaylee Barnes

If it comes to me, then firstly, I thought that it is simple scalp being too dry. Products that moisture didn’t help, so that I started to search for the information, about my condition. I have found “No More Dry Scalp” ebook, where all my questions were answered. Luckily, my scalp condition wasn’t that severe and simple anti-dandruff shampoos helped (I used Nizoral shampoo).
Mia Kendall

It is believed, that the cause of seborrhea is unknown, although a yeast, which often lives on the skin, Malassezia furfur, may play a role. Dandruff can really cause the reduction of self – confidence. In my opinion, scalp seborrhea isn’t as bad as a facial one. Facial area is very visible, so that everybody will notice – it produces reddish-brown, dry-looking, or thick, greasy scales on the eyebrows, behind the ears and on sides of the nose. Moisturizing in this case will only worsen the condition, while the dandruff on your scalp can be hidden by avoiding to wear dark clothes. However, in both cases, it causes a lot of troubles and is a real headache.
Chloe Madison

While I was suffering from dandruff I felt itching. Dandruff is associated to impaired health, inappropriate diet, low functioning of individual’s immune system because of development of harmful conditions or infectious diseases. I was very happy, when I got rid of it. However I have gone through the great variety of dandruff shampoos, but it was worth it – I found the perfect match for me – Jason Dandruff Relief Shampoo. Maybe it takes for the dandruff to disappear, but when shampoo works – life becomes beautiful again!
Charlotte Belcher

The book recommended by Kaylee “No More Dry Scalp” was very helpful for me as well. There I found so many ways to get rid of dandruff that all I needed was time to try them!
Luke Beltran

I’m wondering about this Jason Dandruff Relief Shampoo. I’ve heard a lot about it, but is it true, that this product has an unpleasant smell? Because I am a little bit sensitive at this point and if it is true, then sadly I will not able to use it even though it may cure me…
Carlos Dooley

In my opinion, all that stuff with eating habits, time spent on the beach is only for strong – willed people. It requires a lot of sacrifices, so that the majority simply give up ( I also belong to that list). Maybe it is great to improve your health, but in my opinion the dandruff treatment should belong to the dandruff shampoos. I used the simple one from the market. Additionally I was making some mixtures from the vinegar acid. It worked for me!
Daniel Latham

If it comes to the treatment, then I know the very simple, easy way to control dandruff. Alternative or naturopathic approaches such as garlic, onion, sulfur, apple cider soap and oil of oregano can be effective. These product you can easily find in every local supermarket. Most can be eaten or applied directly to your scalp. Trust me, it works.
Justin Burrell

I have this issue for a long time and the very huge mistake I was making was using the shampoo with breaks… Only when I went to the doctor I found out that all dandruff shampoos or products MUST be used NONSTOP, otherwise the dandruff will return in about three days. That is why I couldn’t get rid of it for so long…
Levi Inman

Natural remedy suggested by Carlos seems to be easily prepared (with vinegar acid). I will try this.

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