From the Guidelines
The medical term for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. This common scalp condition causes flaking, itching, and redness of the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when there is an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia on the skin, combined with inflammation and increased oil production, as mentioned in the study 1. To treat dandruff, use anti-dandruff shampoos containing active ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid. Some key points to consider when treating dandruff include:
- Applying the shampoo to wet hair, massaging into the scalp, leaving on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing, and using 2-3 times weekly.
- For severe cases, a dermatologist might prescribe stronger medicated shampoos or topical corticosteroids, as seen in the study 1.
- Regular use of these treatments helps control the yeast growth and reduce inflammation, which addresses the underlying causes of the flaking.
- Maintaining good scalp hygiene and managing stress can also help control dandruff symptoms. It's worth noting that seborrheic dermatitis can also affect other areas of the body, such as the ears, central face, and other sebaceous areas of the skin, as mentioned in the study 1. However, the treatment approach remains similar, focusing on reducing yeast growth and inflammation.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ketoconazole Cream 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of ... in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. The medical term for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis 2.
From the Research
Medical Term for Dandruff
- The medical term for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which is characterized by red scaly lesions predominantly located on the scalp, face, and upper trunk 3.
- Dandruff is a condition that affects the seborrheic areas of the body, and is often associated with itchy, flaking skin without visible inflammation 4.
- Pityriasis capitis is another term used to describe dandruff, which is a common dermatological disease that affects a significant portion of the world population 5.
Causes and Pathophysiology
- Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are thought to be caused by a combination of intrinsic and environmental factors, including sebaceous secretions, skin surface fungal colonization, individual susceptibility, and interactions between these factors 4.
- Malassezia yeast is believed to play a major role in the development of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, and is often found on the skin of individuals with these conditions 3, 6.
- Abnormal immune responses and host epidermal conditions are also thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis 5.
Treatment Options
- Various treatment options are available for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, including topical corticosteroids, antifungals, and shampoos containing ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione 3, 7, 6.
- Oral therapies, such as itraconazole and fluconazole, may also be prescribed in severe or unresponsive cases of seborrheic dermatitis 7.