Treating childhood dandruff
DANDRUFF may be harmless, but its telltale signs — flaking scalp, irritation, as well as other associated symptoms such as itchy scalp and irritation or a combination of the three — can cause children quite a bit of discomfort and in older children, some amount of embarrassment.
“Dandruff affects just about anyone; the condition which is scientifically termed pityriasis capitis or seborrheic dermatitis is often seen in small children and bears a very strong resemblance to cradle cap, which is a similar condition seen in infants, which is marked by a pale yellow, scaly, oily crust that babies can get on their scalps,” paediatrician Dr Anona Griffith said.
Dandruff is, however, according to Dr Griffith, usually caused as a result of a build-up of dead skin cells on the scalp. While the scalp shedding dead skin cells is normal in children with dandruff, the turnover rate of dead skin cells tends to be significantly higher.
Dr Griffith also pointed out that the source of the condition still remains a mystery among experts in the medical community; however, some have theorised that the condition may be caused by a number of contributing elements including a fungus, an overgrowth of yeast as well as some genetic predisposition.
“Dandruff is not only harmless, it is also not contagious – it cannot be passed from person to person and contrary to what is often taught, it is not caused by poor hygiene. Most research, though inconclusive, points to the most likely reason being fungal,” Dr Griffith shared.
While no cure exists for the condition and children will have flare-ups from time to time, Dr Griffith said to avoid the possible discomfort parents can manage the condition at home with the use of medicated anti-dandruff shampoo.
There are some cases where a case which is originally thought to be dandruff may turn out to be another condition of the skin such or psoriasis or eczema, and so you may want to have your family doctor investigate it.
“You want to have your doctor examine your child’s scalp to rule out the possibility that you are dealing with another condition. If the prescribed medication does not improve the condition within three weeks, also if the flakes appear as thick, flaky patches, if the child also has rashes over his/her body, and of course if the child is still itchy and his/her scalp becomes irritated and sore despite getting treatment, then help should be sought,” Dr Griffith advised.
If what your child has is just a case of dandruff, Dr Griffith recommends the following general care guideline:
1. Oil such as olive oil may be applied before washing to help lift scales before washing. You can also use a comb to help with this after the oil has been applied. Or you can just use the brush to remove the dead flakes. Brush the scalp lightly to prevent irritation of the scalp.
2. Apply the medicated (anti-fungal) shampoo prescribed by your child’s doctor to the scalp. The most commonly prescribed shampoo is two per cent ketoconazole shampoos such as Nizoral, or selenium sulphide based shampoos such as Selsun.
3. Massage the shampoo into the scalp and leave it for about five minutes. You also want to wash your hair frequently — at least twice weekly. When the dandruff is under control you can cut back from washing your hair two to three times weekly to just once weekly. This should be enough to keep build-up at bay.
Once you have the dandruff under control you don’t need to use the shampoo all the time. Use it alternately with another regular shampoo that works for your hair.
