Experts rule out link between dandruff and dietary system

Dandruff — the annoying small, loose flakes of dead skin cells trapped in the hair — is not contagious and does not cause baldness.

However, medical experts warn other skin disorders that might be more serious and consequently lead to hair loss can be mistaken for dandruff.

They say stress and poor hygiene, in addition to other factors could trigger irking condition that causes itching and scratching and usually seems endless.

But they rule out any relationship between dandruff and unhealthy dietary system. Dermatologists believe dandruff could be controlled by following a few simple structures unless excessive flaking was accompanied by other symptoms that indicate existence of certain skin disorders. Dandruff is an inflammatory disease of the scalp with gradual onset.

Replacement of skin cells is a natural process that occurs approximately in every four week, explained an Abu Dhabi-based private sector dermatologist. “Dandruff is a normal result of accumulation of dead flakes of skin in hair that need to go off but get blocked in hair,” he said. It is not infectious and does not affect the hair follicle, a condition that might result in hair loss, he added. “However, other skin disorders such as psoriasis and seborrhoea can be mistaken for dandruff.

Excessive flaking accompanied by itching, redness and irritation may be the symptoms of one of these diseases”. He cautioned that skin allergies, fungal infections, head lice and the frequent use of harsh shampoos can produce same symptoms of dandruff.

On why we do get dandruff, the expert said dandruff is a normal result of excessive flaking of hair that needs to find a way out of the scalp. “If we want to trace causes of dandruff, we could say genetic make-up, hormonal imbalances, poor hygiene, stress or exposure to high temperatures or UV radiation may make individuals more prone to dandruff”.

The expert ruled out existence of any relationship between dietary system and dandruff, refuting claims that nutrition may play an important role in prevention and control of dandruff while poor nutrition on the other hand aggravates flaking of dead skin cells. “I do not think there is any relationship between dandruff and malnutrition. Generally speaking malnutrition is reflected in different unhealthy status of the body but there is no link between dandruff and malnutrition”.

Providing some useful tips to get rid of dandruff, dermatologists advise that routine washing of hair with anti-dandruff shampoos is very helpful. Daily washing of the hair is not required.