Dandruff, sometimes called scurf or Pityriasis capititis, is an itchy skin disorder of the scalp that can develop during the normal growing process of the scalp's skin cells. In a healthy scalp, the old skin cells die and are sloughed off approximately once a month and replacement cells are manufactured quickly. In most people, these flakes of dead skin cells are too small to be seen. In a dandruff scalp, however, the skin cells are sloughed off every five to seven days in large, oily clumps before they are dead.

There are two types of dandruff. Internal dandruff may be caused by hormonal imbalance, stress, lack of sleep, a suppressed immune system, or heredity. Some medical reports have linked dandruff to allergies, particularly an allergy to chocolate, dairy, shellfish, or nuts. Others believe dandruff may be caused by consuming too much sugar, starch, and fat.

External dandruff, on the other hand, can be caused by the excessive use of hair styling products, hair coloring products, curling irons, hot curlers, or hair dryers. It can also occur if the hair is shampooed infrequently or the scalp is not rinsed completely. Cold weather, dry indoor heating, and tight hats might also trigger dandruff. For a majority of sufferers, dandruff is at its worse in the winter months.

Many skin specialists agree that dandruff can be caused by a sensitivity to the Malassezia furfur fungus, previously called Pityrosporum ovale. This fungus lives on our scalp and bodies, usually without any problems. For those who are sensitive to the fungus, though, it can cause an inflammatory response that causes the skin cells to flake off before they are dead.

For most sufferers, dandruff can be easily treated at home. Conventional treatment of dandruff typically starts with a special, medicated shampoo. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to their active ingredient.

Shampoos that contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc prithione have been shown to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff. Tar based shampoos are made with coal tar, which can help dandruff conditions by slowing skin cell turnover. Shampoos with salicylic acid help eliminate the scaling of skin cells, but they can leave the scalp dry. Because these shampoos only work temporarily, the hair must be washed often and the dandruff usually returns within days of stopping treatment.

For severe cases of dandruff, dermatologists can prescribe a special lotion or ointment to treat the problem. The most effective products contain selenium sulfide or zinc pyritheone. Antifungal pills can also reduce the symptoms. A new generation of treatments called immunomodulators has also been shown to help dandruff sufferers by reducing the inflammatory reaction in the skin.

Members of the holistic health care community believe that nutrition can play a big part in dandruff control. Inefficient carbohydrates and fatty-acid metabolization might trigger dandruff symptoms. To counteract these deficiencies, vitamin B should be added to the diet. Garlic and oil of oregano are also excellent for fighting dandruff. Some people claim that rubbing fresh onion on the scalp can also help reduce itchiness and flakiness. Because dandruff can be a sign of stress, individuals facing difficult situations should immediately improve their diet by eating more fruits and vegetables and increasing their water intake.

Because dandruff might be a sign of a more serious illness such as a hormone imbalance or severe allergies, those experiencing profound or persistent dandruff should consult their physicians. If the dandruff cannot be controlled by over-the-counter treatments, it is best to see a doctor to determine if the problem is really dandruff and not another health condition.