Dandruff

Question 1

What are 4 symptoms of dandruff?

Answer 1

1. Greyish-white flakes or scales on an itchy scalp.
2. Visible dead cells (flakes) can often be seen on the patient’s clothing.
3. Condition associated with the yeast Pityrosporum ovale.
4. Treatments are either antifungal or cytostatic (reduces rate of cell turnover).

Question 2

Does dandruff require a counselling room?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What are 3 red flags for referral with dandruff?

Answer 3

1. OTC treatment failure with a medicated shampoo.
2. Suspected fungal infection.
3. Hair loss.

Question 4

Does dandruff have a PSA self-care card?

Answer 4

Yes (Dandruff)

Question 5

What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for dandruff?

Answer 5

Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo (Head and Shoulders)

Question 6

What are the directions for Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo (Head and Shoulders) in dandruff?

Answer 6

Adults and Children (all ages): Apply ONCE a day into wet hair and rinse until symptoms of dandruff have resolved. Can be used ongoing ONCE a week as prophylaxis to prevent symptoms from recurring.

Question 7

What are 2 non-preferred over-the-counter options for dandruff and why?

Answer 7

1. Coal Tar 0.5% Therapeutic Shampoo (Neutrogena T/Gel) Adults and Children over 2 years: stains/stinks
2. Selenium Sulphide 25mg/mL Lotion (Selsun Gold): unsafe in first trimester of pregnancy + can discolour hair and materials.

Question 8

Is Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo (Head and Shoulders) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

Is Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo (Head and Shoulders) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

What is the age range for Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo (Head and Shoulders)?

Answer 10

Safe in all ages

Question 11

What are 6 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for dandruff?

Answer 11

1. Shampooing daily with a mild, hypoallergenic, nonmedicated shampoo helps prevent dandruff.
2. Ensure to thoroughly wash out shampoo.
3. Use a conditioner to moisturise your scalp.
4. Avoid using hair gels and other products that contain alcohol, which tend to dry out skin.
5. Avoid wearing dark clothes whilst experiencing symptoms of dandruff as white flakes are most obvious when contrasted against dark clothing.
6. Dandruff should improve within 1 to 2 weeks of beginning treatment.

Question 12

How does seborrhoeic dermatitis differ from dandruff?

Answer 12

In seborrhoeic dermatitis, scales are yellowish and greasy-looking and there is usually some inflammation with reddening and crusting of the affected area; typically affects centre of face, eyebrows, nasolabial folds, and mid chest to treated same way as dandruff.

Question 13

How does psoriasis differ from dandruff?

Answer 13

In psoriasis, Scales are silvery-white and associated with red, patchy plaques and inflammation; typically affects the knees and elbows, face rarely being affected.

Question 14

How does contact dermatitis differ from dandruff?

Answer 14

Contact dermatitis of the scalp is typically associated with use of new hair products.