Severe Dandruff: Easy to Identify – Hard to Treat?

Dandruff is a condition that can be suffered in varying degrees, ranging from extremely mild to severe. In most cases it is not necessary to consult medical advise when dealing with dandruff. However, it can be crucial to see a dermatologist when suffering from severe dandruff over a long-term period or when it is related to some other condition that needs medical attention.

In general terms, dandruff problems can only be controlled but not prevented. There are two types of dandruff – dry and oily. Moderate and severe dandruff is usually classified as oily dandruff but can nonetheless result as a condition recognized by the extreme dry, flaking and itching of the scalp, sometimes with a very distinctive bad smell attached to it. While mild hair dandruff looks like fine white powder, more severe dandruff results in an over-production of large white  or yellow oily flakes that are clearly visible.

While most of mild dandruff can easily be treated with chemical-based anti dandruff shampoos and conditioners, severe dandruff might require different treatments. The most commonly used chemicals such as selenium sulfide, pytithione zinc and ketoconazole might do more harm than good for the already irritated skin and possibly cause unwanted adverse side-effects.

If you do suffer from severe hair dandruff it is advisable not to use ordinary soap to wash your hair, as it is not designed to cleanse scalp and hair. Try to avoid washing your hair too intensively as this can irritate the scalp and increase the cell turnover and flakes. As severe types are considered more oily than the mild ones it is important to avoid oily and greasy based applications. Last but not least a general rule for every dandruff sufferer is not to consume alcohol, fried and spicy food as well as fast food.

No matter what you try to get rid of your dandruff problem if neither the anti dandruff over the counter products nor any home remedies have helped even after six weeks you should consult a dermatologist. If you scalp is red and itchy or if the skin is flaky around the eyebrows, round the nose, behind the ears or in between the shoulder blades it could suggest that you suffer from more severe dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis.