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Symptoms and Treatment |
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Symptoms include scaly, flaky red skin (as you can see from the picture
opposite). When it affects the scalp it can also cause severe dandruff
(usually forming larger, greasier flakes than other types of dandruff)
and an itchy scalp. Whilst its cause remains unknown, there are several possible factors that may be involved: genetic, environmental, hormonal and the immune system. However, perhaps the most likely cause is the yeast (or fungus) called malassezia furfur* (formerly known as pityrosporum ovale). It's possible that an inflammatory response to this yeast might occur. |
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* Note that other strains of malassezia (globosa and restricta) have also been linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Research also suggests that, since this condition mostly affects areas where sebaceous glands are abundant (i.e., the scalp), this yeast feeds upon the sebum these glands produce, allowing it to proliferate.
This theory is also supported by the fact that anti fungal agents have proven to be effective against this condition. This yeast usually exists on your body and scalp all the time without causing any problems. So it may well be that a combination of high sebum levels and inadequate washing is what triggers this disorder.
Treatment
Malassezia cannot live in acidic (low pH) conditions. Skin has a slightly acidic pH of 5. But, oils (including sebum) are neutral - they do not have a pH value. So, if your scalp is constantly saturated in sebum, your scalp may be open to the spread of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Shampoos can vary in pH between 4 and 8.5. Anti fungal and anti dandruff shampoos should be low in pH (i.e., 4 or 5).
Anti fungal shampoos will contain anti fungal agents such as:
- Ketoconazole
- Zinc pyrithione
- Selenium sulphide
- Coal tar
- Salicylic acid
- Tea-tree oil
Note: coal tar is a known human carcinogen (cancer forming).
Salicylic acid will remove dead skin cells and decrease the rate at which they form. Zinc pyrithione kills malassezia furfur. Selenium sulfide and Ketoconazole will each accomplish what salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione achieve combined.
So, by looking for a good shampoo that contains one or more of these ingredients, you can ensure that the product you purchase should be able to get rid of dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Research suggests that Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo (which contains Ketoconazole) is often recommended as the best, most effective anti fungal shampoo.
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Reference:
wikipedia
