Dandruff

Definition



Seborrhea

Seborrhea consists of a fine scaly rash with oily skin, in well-defined
areas of the face (mid-forehead, sides of the nose, eyebrows and lids),
scalp, chest and back. Redness and weeping of the skin are occasionally
seen. The cause is unknown. As opposed to simple dandruff, which is the
normal flaking of the skin of the scalp, seborrhea results in copious scaling
of larger amounts of skin, and is often the underlying cause of so- called
severe dandruff.

Dandruff

Dandruff is not truly a disease. The scalp area contains a very high number
of sebaceous glands; their function is to produce sebum which protects,
lubricates, and moisturizes the skin and hair follicles. In such metabolically
active skin regions, there is rapid turnover of the surface cells of the
skin.

On the spectrum of normal skin turnover and subsequent scaling of the shed
scales and cells, there is wide variability. Once this becomes cosmetically
significant (obviously a subjective matter), the term dandruff is used.

Almost every adult has some scaling. Treatment is generally a question of
choice. If, however, there is redness, weeping, severe itching, or crust
formation, seborrhea is likely.

Alteratives

Anti-microbials

Lymphatic Tonics

Diaphoretics

Nervines

Diuretics

Hepatics

Vulnerary

Anti-Pruritic

Anti-Inflammatory

Astringent

Emollient