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- $Unique_ID{BRK00734}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Where Does Dandruff Come From?}
- $Subject{dandruff Skin scalp seborrheic dermatitis medicated shampoo shampoos
- tar selenium sulfide sulfur salicylic acid pyrithione zinc corticosteroid
- lotion}
- $Volume{L-20}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Where Does Dandruff Come From?
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-
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-
- QUESTION: While it might not be a question of the greatest medical
- significance, I'll bet a lot of your readers would like to know the answer to
- a mild dandruff problem. It is not devastating, but I can't wear a dark suit
- or jacket. Where does it come from and what can I do?
-
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-
- ANSWER: You are right in believing that this common problem affects many
- people. Since the skin is constantly growing and shedding its outer layers, a
- light sprinkling of dandruff may be considered normal. This should be
- controlled by regular shampooing and thorough, careful rinsing. The overuse
- of hair sprays may contribute to the number of unwanted flecks. Often an
- intense scaling may be part of a skin condition known as seborrheic
- dermatitis. In such cases, medicated shampoos containing tar, selenium
- sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, or pyrithione zinc may be prescribed for
- regular use. When there is considerable inflammation, a corticosteroid lotion
- may be rubbed into the scalp until the situation is controlled. A caution or
- two, if you do use medicated shampoos. Since they too may cause irritation of
- the skin, it is important to use them only as directed by your physician or
- pharmacist. Read the labels carefully and stop using the product if the
- dandruff situation becomes worse. Keep coal tar and other medicated shampoos
- out of your eyes. Use lots of water to wash out the eyes if you don't. You
- should be able to control your problem using these measures.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-