Skin OTC - Dandruff

Question 1

What causes dandruff? (2)

Answer 1

Result of hormonal changes at puberty.
Associated with yeast (Pityrosporum ovale)

Question 2

What are the symptoms of dandruff?

Answer 2

Excessive skin scales production.
White/grey scales of skin (can become unsightly)
Itchy

Question 3

What are the treatment options for Dandruff?

Answer 3

Mild medicated shampoo used 2 or 3 times weekly.
Selenium shampoos (Selsun) = reduces cell turnover.
Zinc Pyrthione (Head + Shoulders, Polytar AF)
Tar based (Polytar, Aplphosyl 2 in 1, T-Gel)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

Trial and error to find effective remedies.
Condition usually recurs if tx stops.
Counsel how long application has to be left on.

Question 4

What are the referral symptoms of dandruff? (3)

Answer 4

Signs of infection
Tx failure
Suspected psoriasis