About Dandruff & Scaling Scalp Conditions

What is dandruff?

Dandruff, the most common scaling scalp condition, is simply a build up of dead skin cells on the scalp.

Skin cells are being shed from our scalps all the time, but are usually shed as very fine particles which we don't even notice. Dandruff sufferers produce skin cells on the scalp more quickly than normal, and because more of them are being produced, they clump together to form visible white flakes.

Dandruff is also linked with the presence of higher than normal levels of a natural yeast called 'malassezia furfur'. We all have small quantities of this on our scalp with no ill effect, but in dandruff sufferers the yeast thrives on the clumped skin cells, making the condition even worse.

What are the symptoms of dandruff?

The excess skin cells fall off the scalp into the hair as white flakes. They may then fall out of the hair on to the shoulders.

For many, one of the worst symptoms of dandruff is intense itching. This is thought to be caused by increased levels of a yeast called malassezia furfur.

Who is most likely to suffer from dandruff?

Dandruff affects both men and women. It can appear at any time, but is most common in people in their twenties and thirties, and often disappears later in life

Oilatum Scalp Treatment is suitable for people prone to stubborn dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and other itchy, flaky scalp conditions