While having dandruff is not fatal or contagious, it is certainly undesirable. The presence of flakes on the scalp causes discomfort and affects social image. With it being a common complaint, we look to understand the processes leading to the formation of dandruff and how you can treat it.

Understanding the scalp

Due to its large number of sweat and oil glands, the environment of our scalps is favourable for bacteria growth. It provides a nutrient-rich environment of minerals and sebum that is perfect for bacteria to grow.

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, develops due to three main reasons:

• Abnormal sebum production (and other abnormalities of the outermost skin layer)
• Yeast colonization
• Individual susceptibility

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis

Yeast colonization

The yeast responsible for dandruff formation is called Malassezia and is found on all hair scalps. It uses sebum lipids as a source of nutrient. In healthy scalps, Malassezia accounts for approximately half of the natural bacteria found in our scalps. In scalps with dandruff, more than three-quarters of the bacteria found is this yeast organism.

Sebum production

On the scalp, face, chest and back, sebum secretion is the highest. During the onset of puberty, the oil glands are activated, resulting in increased sebum production. The sebum secretion rate increases throughout the teens, remains steady through the 20s and 30s, then lessens with age.

Given that the yeast Malassezia feeds on sebum for nutrients, it proliferates as more sebum is secreted. When the yeast feeds on and subsequently degrades the sebum, it produces fatty acids that cause irritation, inflammation and scalp flaking.

However, certain patients can have normal sebum production even when they suffer from dandruff. Similarly, individuals with excess sebum production sometimes do not have dandruff. As such, sebum production by itself is not a decisive factor.

Individual susceptibility

While mentioned earlier that the fatty acids broken down by Malassezia can be irritating to the scalp, it is only so to certain individuals who will suffer symptoms of itch and flaking. The lipid content of our skin barrier differs from individual, which can be attributed to genetic factors.

Other factors that can affect scalp health and trigger dandruff include environmental stresses (climate and seasonality), emotional stress, diet or hormonal changes.

Stratum corneum of dandruff scalp

As the major protective barrier against external insults, the stratum corneum prevents unwanted agents from invading the skin,such as microorganisms, toxic agents, oxidants and ultraviolet radiation. It also prevents excessive water loss and the overall health of the scalp.

Patients with dandruff have reduced levels of lipids (fats) in the stratum corneum of their scalps. A change in lipid level will adversely affect the skin barrier function, allowing more water to be lost to the environment.

A weaker skin barrier can exacerbate desquamation, the process where dead skin cells are shed. This also contributes to the characteristic itching of dandruff.

Treatment options

To restore the scalp to a healthy condition, an effective anti-dandruff treatment will have agents targeted to reduce Malassezia levels. Common antifungal agents used are zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole.

Zinc pyrithione offers antimicrobial potency. This ingredient is able to significantly reduce the yeast found on the scalp and normalize sebum production.

Selenium sulfide prevents the cell growth and division of the yeast, in turn reducing the amount of Malassezia found on the scalp. Side effects of Malassezia include odour, hair discolouration and the sense of hair being more oily.

Ketoconazole controls Malassezia activity by stopping the yeast from producing a substance called ergosterol, an essential component in the cell membranes of yeast. As such, it clamps down on the yeast colonization and controls the flakiness.

To remove the flakes from the scalp, salicylic acid or sulfur are often recommended. They work by loosening the cell-to-cell adhesion between the flakes, allowing them to get washed off.

Deep Cleanse™ Shampoo

For a dermatologist-formulated anti-dandruff shampoo, consider adding Deep Cleanse™ Shampoo to your cart. Harnessing the power of zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid to create a detoxifying formula, this shampoo provides a deep cleanse for the hair and degreases oily scalps. Deep Cleanse™ Shampoo uses pharmaceutical grade ingredients to also calm irritated and sensitive skin.

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