Why do we have dandruff for?

Answer 1

It is one of those things like pimples that is meant to annoy us.

Answer 2

As skin grows, epidermal cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off the head. In most people, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. However, certain conditions cause cell turnover to be unusually rapid, especially common in the scalp. In people with dandruff, skin cells may die and be replaced about once every two weeks, as opposed to around once a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large clumps, which appear as small, white or grayish patches on the scalp.

Dandruff is believed to be the result of a combination of factors. Some of these factors are well studied, whereas others have not been thoroughly investigated.

The most common cause of dandruff is the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. The fungus metabolizes human fat, resulting in a lipid byproduct that is antigenic. Hence, the dermatitis in areas where sebum is found, areas with many sebaceous glands (on the scalp, face and upper part of the body). When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching. Other fungi may have a similar role in causing dandruff, as may certain bacteria.

Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Other causative factors include family history, food allergies, excessive perspiration, use of alkaline soaps, yeast infections, and stress. Even the season of the year can contribute to the problem: Cold, dry winters are notorious for bringing on dandruff or making it worse. Symptoms of dandruff can also be aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh shampoos, and hair dyes. In rare cases, dandruff may be caused by over use of hair gel or spray.

The current drug of choice is Nizoral (Ketoconazole), though coal tar and other less expensive shampoo choices may be made as a first attempt for milder forms. Coal tar has been in increasing disfavor in the United States due to suspected carcinogenic properties. Tea tree oil has been found to be an effective treatment as well. Tea tree oil can be added to shampoo, or it can be found in tea tree shampoos.

Dandruff is sometimes the symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. Joseph Bark notes that "Redness and itching is actually seborrheic dermatitis, and it frequently occurs around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp." Dry, thick, well-defined lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp.

Seasonal changes, stress, and certain diseases seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis. The cold, dry air of fall and winter often triggers a flare-up. Emotional stress can worsen the condition as well.

Simple dandruff does not cause hair loss.


[edit] Nutrition
Dandruff can in some cases be linked to poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in the mineral zinc. Zinc can be found in food like shellfish (especially oysters), Meat, Fish, Eggs, beans, and in turkey, and some nuts.

Answer 3

dead dry skin on scalp...just like anywhere else on body...however due to excess hair and products it tend to build up more...extreme cases of dandruff can actually be psoriasis or dermatitis, which is a build up off skin due to cells reproducing too fast. This is genetic and can be managed with special products from a dermatologist

Answer 4

dandruff is just dry scalp and the actual dandruff is the dead skin flaking off your scalp that gets stuck in your hair. Why do we have it?.... well for those that do have it just have dry scalp.
just like having dry skin or ashy elbows.

Answer 5

The dead skin on your scalp flakes off just like it does all over your body. That's what dandruff is.

BTW I don't have dandruff.

Answer 6

We have dandruff because it is natures way of giving people one more thing to feel insecure about.

Answer 7

its basically a flaky scalp, and when the scalp is irritared the flakes of dead skin from the scalp start to flake. that is basically al dandruff is. it is nothing to worry about. there are plenty of treatments to get rid of dandruff if it is a problem for you

Answer 8

if your asking what the purpose of dandruff is, there isn't one. dandruff is just dry skin that flakes off of your scalp.

Answer 9

because your head drys out which makes you have dandruff

Answer 10

its basically dry scalp. just like dry and flaky skin on other parts of the body.