‘Dandruff can appear below the breast’....HOW TRUE IS THAT??

by GBENGA ADENIJI 

   

Hair with dandruff
| credits: www. lovehair.blogspot.com

In this interview with GBENGA ADENIJI, Consultant Dermatologist and Genitourinary Physician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Olusola Ayanlowo, talks about dandruff and its effects

 What is dandruff?

Dandruff is scaly disorders of the scalp and skin. It normally occurs in the oil (sebum) producing areas of the body and the scalp. The disease may be mild or severe. Normally, it has seasons or time in which it is active and when it is quiet.

What are the possible causes of the disease?

There are some factors associated with dandruff. Some of them include excessive sebum (oil) production in the skin, malassezia furfur (a type of fungal infection which can grow on the skin of adults) and immunologic abnormalities. It can be aggravated or made worse by change in weather; trauma particularly itching; and emotional stress. It is worse in winter in temperate countries and during harmattan seasons in tropical regions. It is important to also add that certain medications may also worsen the disease.

Does dandruff have any symptoms before manifestation?

Yes, it does. Some of the symptoms of dandruff before appearance include burning, itching and scaling of the scalp and body. The disease can spread from the scalp to other part of the face such as the back of the ears, forehead and back of the neck. It often occurs at puberty but may occur at all ages and in all races. In childhood, the disease is called cradle cap.

Is there any skin condition known as dry scalp which some people believe is different from dandruff?

There is no skin condition known as dry scalp.

What are the signs to know that an individual has dandruff?

There are ways to know if an individual has dandruff. Some of the signs or examinations involve red, scaly, oozing and crusting of oily and hair-bearing areas of the body. Some of these hair-bearing areas are the scalp, forehead, around the eye lashes, beard area, behind the ears, around the chin, chest and the back over the sternum and in between the scapula. Rarely, signs can occur in the body folds in the armpit, below the breast and in between the genital area.

Some people believe that dandruff is a reaction to hair oil, gels or shampoo. Is this true?

There is no truth in the belief.  It is not true. It is possible that some people react to certain hair products which may mimic dandruff. This is known as contact dermatitis.

Is the hair disease hereditary?

It is not hereditary but may be familial. This means that it can occur in families.

Can dandruff be avoided?

Yes, dandruff can be avoided. One can avoid it through frequent use of shampoos that are medicated and avoiding excessively oily petroleum based hair products. My advice to those who have minor dandruff case is to that they should not allow their hair to stay dirty for too long. For some ladies who do braids and Ghana weaving, it is advisable that they wash their hair at least every two weeks. They should also endeavour to use good anti-dandruff shampoos. There are some good ones. Those with severe case of dandruff manifesting on their faces should see dermatologists because dandruff is also associated with some other diseases.

If one can avoid having dandruff, is it possible for sufferers to also cure the disease permanently?

Dandruff can be suppressed for a long time. Individuals with dandruff will need to see a dermatologist for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment. This is because there are conditions that may mimic dandruff such as psoriasis (an auto-immune skin condition).

Like some disease which have myths attached to them, does any myth surround dandruff?

I am not aware of any myths associated with it.