Dandruff is a common skin condition which affects approximately 50 percent of the population worldwide. It causes greasy, big and yellow flakes of skin to appear on the scalp. Also, it is more prevalent in men than women. There are many misconception regarding dandruff. Here are 7 common myths about dandruff.sni
MYTH 01: Dandruff is contagious
No, it is just a myth. Dandruff does not spread from one individual to another. However, our skin contains a fungus called malassezia. This fungus can be transmitted to the other person through towel and comb sharing and touching. But it is unlikely for the dandruff to be transmitted from one to another individual.sni
MYTH 02: Poor hygiene can cause dandruff
This is also a myth. Usually the main culprit of dandruff is overgrowth of fungus in our skin called malassezia. Its overgrowth can be due to multiple factors like genetic factors, stress factors, oil production and use of harsh chemicals. So, there are multiple reasons. Poor hygiene alone cannot cause dandruff.sni
MYTH 03: Normal shampoos can treat dandruff
Not true. Normal shampoos can clean scalp but they cannot remove the main reason of dandruff that is a fungus. There are specialized anti-dandruff shampoos which contain zinc, pyrithione, tar, salicylic acid and ketoconazole etcetera which can kill the fungus and improve dandruff.sni
MYTH 04: Dry scalp can produce dandruff
Dry scalp and dandruff are two different conditions. In dry scalp, moisture of skin is less and its flakes are powdery, white or grey in color. Whereas, the main reason of dandruff is oily scalp and fungus overgrowth which results in greasy, bigger and yellow scales. So this myth is not true.sni
MYTH 05: Dandruff can cause hair loss
Dandruff does not usually result in hair loss. However, sometimes dandruff can cause irritation, itching and temporary hair fall. Hair can regrow in this case.sni
MYTH 06: Dandruff occurs only in winters
Not true. Dandruff can occur in all seasons; both winters and summers. But cold in winters and excessive dryness of scalp can produce dandruff. Other dandruff producing factors include genetics, stress and excessive use of harsh chemicals.sni
MYTH 07: You can get rid of dandruff completely
Unfortunately, no such treatment is available which can cure dandruff completely. Dandruff can be controlled, managed or improved. But our body decides when it will go away.sni
