Understanding and Treating Dandruff (Caspa) | Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

Understanding Dandruff (Caspa) in English

Dandruff, known as caspa in Spanish, is a common scalp condition characterized by itchy, flaky skin on the scalp. It affects nearly half of all adults at some point in their lives. While dandruff itself is harmless, it can cause social anxiety and discomfort. Thankfully, there are many effective treatments available both over-the-counter and prescription. By understanding the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for dandruff, you can successfully manage this annoying condition.

Defining Dandruff

The medical name for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs when the scalp sheds dead skin cells faster than normal. These skin cells clump together with oil from the scalp, forming visible flakes. Dandruff can be white, yellow, or gray in color. It is not contagious or dangerous, but can cause itchiness and irritation.

Recognizing Dandruff Symptoms

The most common symptom of dandruff is flakes of dead skin in the hair and on the shoulders. These flakes may be small and dry or large and greasy. Other dandruff symptoms include:

• Itchy, irritated scalp
• Red, greasy patches on the scalp
• Skin lesions if scratched excessively
• More severe symptoms in winter months

Understanding Root Causes

Dandruff can have several underlying causes, including:

• Yeastlike fungus - A yeastlike fungus called malassezia lives on everyone's scalp and feeds on scalp oils. For some people, the fungus irritates the scalp, causing faster turnover of skin cells.
• Dry skin - Skin naturally replaces itself every 30 days but dry skin speeds up the turnover. Common causes of dry skin include cold winter air, overuse of hair products, and underlying skin conditions like eczema.
• Irritated, oily skin - Skin irritation and excess oil production can also accelerate skin cell turnover and worsen dandruff.
• Stress and illness - Stress and illness like colds or flu may temporarily cause increased skin cell shedding.
• Neurological disorders - Movement disorders and nerve damage may impair proper scalp exfoliation and worsen flakes.

Getting a Dandruff Diagnosis

In most cases, a dermatologist can diagnose dandruff simply by examining the scalp during an office visit. They inspect for skin lesions, inflammation, and the presence of greasy scales or dry flakes. To rule out other skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis, they may scrape off flakes for microscopic examination. This allows them to distinguish malassezia fungus overgrowth from other causes.

Treating and Managing Dandruff Flare-ups

While no treatment can permanently cure dandruff, consistent management can keep symptoms under control. Over-the-counter shampoos, lifestyle changes, and prescription options help minimize flakes and itchiness.

First-line Treatments

Most people with dandruff find relief by using anti-dandruff shampoos containing:

• Pyrithione zinc - Zinc pyrithione kills fungus to reduce yeast and skin cell buildup.
• Coal tar - Tar shampoos slow skin cell turnover to treat chronic dandruff.
• Ketoconazole - The antifungal action fights malassezia fungus overgrowth.
• Selenium sulfide - Selenium disrupts malassezia fungus cell function and growth.

In addition to medicated cleansers, be sure to:

• Shampoo hair frequently enough to control flakes.
• Massage shampoo gently into the scalp to loosen skin buildup.
• Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed to remove flakes.
• Use conditioner only on hair ends, not the scalp.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Certain lifestyle measures can also improve dandruff symptoms when combined with topical treatments:

• Soak up sunlight in moderation to slow skin turnover.
• Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or counseling.
• Avoid hair gels, mousses and styling products that may irritate.
• Shampoo immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.
• Drink plenty of water and eat omega-3s to improve skin hydration.

Advanced Treatment Options

For stubborn, severe dandruff, prescription medications may be necessary:

• Steroid solutions Corticosteroids reduce inflammation that worsens flakes.
• Antifungal pills Oral antifungals combat fungal overgrowth internally.
• Immunosuppressants - Drugs like methotrexate target an overactive immune system.
• Phototherapy - Light boxes emitting UVB rays slow skin turnover.

Before trying systemic treatments, exhaust OTC options first. Then see a dermatologist to explore prescription therapies suitable for your case.

Preventing Dandruff Flare-ups

While dandruff usually cannot be prevented entirely, individuals can often reduce recurrence frequency and severity. Helpful proactive measures include:

• Stick to a consistent anti-dandruff shampoo routine.
• Brush hair daily to evenly distribute scalp oils.
• Stay hydrated and eat omega-3 foods like salmon.
• Take steps to reduce stress when possible.
• See a dermatologist at the first signs of a flare-up.

Controlling dandruff takes patience and persistence. But with the right shampoo regimen plus lifestyle changes, most people see great improvement over time.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a dermatologist if OTC treatments fail to provide relief after 2 months. Also seek medical advice about bothersome symptoms such as:

• Red, swollen, oozing or crusted skin
• Rapid spread of rash over the scalp or body
• Hair loss or breakage
• Intense itching disrupting sleep or daily life

With customized therapy, providers can identify any underlying issue and get severe dandruff under better control.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.