Dandruff, or pityriasis capitis, is a condition affecting about half of all Caucasians to some degree by the time they reach the age of 20. The skin on the scalp is different than the rest of the body, having greater exposure to environmental effects, including sun and varying weather temperatures, as well as styling products and shampoos and conditioners. As a result, there are problems that affect just the scalp and not other parts of the body, including dandruff.

Understanding dandruff will allow people to deal with the problem, which can be a source of embarrassment. The epidermis, or the top layer of the skin, has dead cells that wear away and are replaced by new cells. Dandruff is an increase in the regular loss of cells from the skin surface, resulting in a quicker growth rate of the tiny yeast called Pityrosporum ovale, which is usually present on the scalp at all times but can clump together if there is too much. 

Dandruff is simply clumped together flakes of the yeast. People with greasy scalps tend to be more prone to scaling away of the scalp, but luckily dandruff treatments are available at drug stores that is able to treat mild and moderate cases of dandruff.  Dandruff shampoos contain substances that fight the yeast. One of the most common ingredients in dandruff shampoo is zinc pyrithione. 

A dandruff shampoo still cleans the way a normal shampoo would, but it also helps combat the scaling and reduces dandruff. Many people find regular use of the dandruff shampoos helpful, but if suffering with severe dandruff, a physician should be consulted.  Introducing ways of treating dandruff and embarrassing flakes that can accompany the scalp disorder can be relatively easy for most. 

Experts do recommend if using therapeutic shampoos, like dandruff shampoo, to regularly change brands to improve overall maintenance and help the healing process continue.    

Important Dandruff Tips:
Stress, a fungus called Pityrosporum ovale, or a vitamin A deficiency, may be at the root of your dandruff problems or exacerbating the condition. Getting enough vitamin A ensures normal oil production in the scalp. A person with deficiencies might suffer a reddened scalp that can cause flakes to appear. Good sources of vitamin A include dark green vegetables and yellow fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, kale, squash, apricots and cantaloupe.