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That couldn’t be farther from the truth; dandruff can happen to anyone.
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But the comforting truth is there’s usually a specific trigger behind its sudden arrival.
We consulted four board-certified dermatologists for how to quell your sudden bout of dandruff.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a commonscalpcondition that manifests as loose, white scales or plaques.
It can be due to multiple factors and come about at any time in your life.
Dandruff isn’t limited to the scalp alone.
Do I have dandruff or a dry scalp?
To address dandruff, you first need to ensure that what youre experiencing is actually dandruff and notdry scalp.
The flakes from dandruff are usually larger, can have a yellow hue, and are sometimesoily.
If you’re unsure which you have, she recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist for a diagnosis.
Why do I suddenly have dandruff?
There are numerous reasons why you might be suddenly dealing with dandruff.
“Not washing thescalpcan cause a buildup of oils and an overgrowth of normal flora, says Dr. Prather.
That flora includes a throw in of yeast called Malassezia, which can cause greasy, yellow scales.
This ultimately causes dandruff.
However, there doesnt need to be an overabundance of yeast to trigger dandruff.
To find a happy medium, theres no exact one-size-fits-all method.
Achieving the right balance between washing your hair adequately and overdoing it truly depends on the individual.
Pay attention to the ingredients in your favorite products especially sprays.
tool is important, too.
She suggests eating a diet filled withOmega-3sand leafy greens, which should help lessen your symptoms.
You’re not excluded if you don’t live in the South.
Your gym in the Midwest winter can be equally problematic.
Sweat from working out can flare scalp dandruff, says Dr. Prather.
“Increased levels ofstresscan trigger dandruff, she says.
When our cortisol, the stress hormone, rises, it triggers inflammation and sebum production.
If the sebum builds up on the scalp, that can lead to dandruff.”
What ingredients help with dandruff?
The good news is that there are tons to choose from, many available over the counter.
Two dandruff-fighting ingredients to look for in your shampoo are zinc pyrithione andketoconazole, which both target yeast.
She likes the tea tree oil-spikedCLN Dermatologics ShampooandVanicream Dandruff Shampoo.
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