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Dandruff: What Is It and Can It Be Cured? | The Doctor Weighs In
By: Fayne Frey, MD
Dandruff is common and often embarrassing. It is usually treated with a dandruff shampoo but if it doesn’t get better, be sure to consult a dermatologist.
However, Dandruff is a skin condition that primarily affects the scalp. It causes those annoying flakes to fall from your scalp onto your shoulders. You know the ones that make you afraid of wearing your favorite black sweater. “It’s so embarrassing” is the most common complaint I hear from patients with dandruff.
Myths about dandruff
Before discussing the condition and treatment options, let’s dispel some of the myths:
- First of all, dandruff is not contagious
- Nor does not cause hair loss
- It is not caused by poor hygiene
Rather, dandruff is a very common chronic scalp condition that affects almost half of the population regardless of gender or ethnicity. The good news, this flaky scalp is fairly easy to control.
Dandruff is easy to identify. It is those white flakes of dead skin that are seen on the scalp, in the hairs themselves and/or on the tops of the shoulders, especially when wearing dark-colored clothing. The condition may cause mild itching…
