Dandruff

Various causes are responsible for the formation of dandruff. The hair base can be dry but also oily. As dandruff can also be an accessory symptom with other skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis, eczema), these should be excluded through an examination by the dermatologist. A distinction can be made between internal and external influencing factors. The following are seen as key internal causes for dandruff disorders:

• genetic disposition for disruptions to sebum production
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Changes in the hormonal balance e.g. during puberty
• Psychological burden (stress)

External causes:

• Fungal diseases of the scalp (e.g. colonisation of the scalp by yeast-like fungi of the species - Malassezia)
• Infections of the scalp caused by bacteria
• Infestation with lice
• Exsiccation eczema of the scalp (pityriasis capitis simplex)
• Atopic eczema on the head (neurodermatitis)
• Contact eczema
• Seborrhoeic head eczema
• wrong hair care (too frequent hair washing, hot blow drying, care products that irritate the skin)
• Climate (greater burden e.g. in the winter)
• Diet, drinks (spicy foods and alcohol)