Dandruff

Question 1

Dandruff (pityriasis capitis) is mainly

Answer 1

• a physiological process
• the result of normal desquamation of scale from the scalp

It is most prevalent in adolescence

• worst around the age of 20.

Question 2

Treatment (if necessary)

Answer 2

Shampoos:

Zinc pyrithione e.g.

• Dan-Gard
• Head and Shoulders

or

Selenium sulfide e.g.

• Selsun

Method:

• massage into scalp
• leave for 5 mins
• rinse thoroughly twice wkly

Question 3

Persistent dandruff indicates:

Answer 3

Persistent dandruff with severe flaking and itching indicates:

• seborrhoeic dermatitis

or

• psoriasis in which the scalp skin feels lumpy

Question 4

Treatment of Persistent dandruff

Answer 4

Shampoos:

• coal tar + salicylic acid compound (Sebitar) shampoo or
• Ionil T plus shampoo

Method:

• as above
• followed by Sebi Rinse or ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo

If persistent, esp. itching, and Nizoral shampoo ineffective

• use a corticosteroid (e.g. betamethasone scalp lotion).