Dandruff shampoo usually helps to break up flakes or address excess fungal growth, which can worsen if a vitamin deficiency is present (Image: Getty )
People suffering from dandruff and finding themselves washing their hair multiple times a week with anti-dandruff shampoo are advised to consult their doctor. This common skin condition could be an indicator of another underlying health issue.
A blood test may be necessary as it is the primary method doctors use to detect any potential vitamin deficiencies. Some are associated with poor skin health, like dandruff.
Vitamins are natural compounds that provide essential nutrients for your body to function correctly. An imbalance, whether a deficiency or excess of certain vitamins and minerals, can lead to various health issues, including a flaky scalp.
While a vitamin deficiency does not directly cause dandruff, it can exacerbate the condition and worsen symptoms by increasing inflammation and the risk of fungal infection. Dandruff is often triggered by a fungus known as malassezia globosa, which thrives on the excess oil on your scalp.
This naturally occurring yeast breaks down the oil into fatty acids, potentially leading to a fungal infection. According to Head and Shoulders, nearly half of people are sensitive to these fatty acids, resulting in symptoms such as redness, itching, and scalp flaking, reports Surrey Live.
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Treatments such as dandruff shampoo usually help to break up flakes or address excess fungal growth (Image: Getty)
Another common cause of dandruff is a skin disorder called seborrhoeic dermatitis, which, according to Bupa, affects up to five in every 100 adults. A deficiency in certain vitamins can worsen scalp conditions. Vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, and B7 are commonly associated with a flaky scalp.
When these vitamins are lacking in the body, they can result in a poor immune system and increase inflammation risk. Vitamins B and zinc are vital for bolstering your immune response and fighting off dandruff-related issues.
When the body is deficient in such vitamins, it can weaken the immune system, making it more prone to fungal infections. Inadequate levels of vitamins A, D, niacin, zinc, or iron can also lead to dry skin.
Vitamin A
This fat-soluble vitamin is essential for maintaining your eyesight. Vitamin A is beneficial for your eyes and skin. A lack of sufficient vitamin A can lead to problems like dry skin, dry eyes, poor vision, exacerbated eczema, and even stunted growth in children.
Vitamin A also aids in fighting inflammation and supports skin health, which is probably why it is frequently mentioned in discussions about dandruff. To increase your vitamin A intake, consider incorporating more foods like cheese, eggs, fatty fish, milk, yoghurt, kale, broccoli, spinach, and seeds into your diet.
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Vitamin B
These vitamins are crucial for our health, being water-soluble and therefore essential for our bodies. Vitamins B1 and B2 play a key role in controlling blood sugar levels, aiding food metabolism, and promoting growth.
Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining a healthy nervous system, while B7, also known as biotin, helps metabolise fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. A common problem many encounter is a deficiency in vitamin B12, which can wreak havoc on both the circulatory and nervous systems. A lack of vitamin B can lead to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, weakness, memory problems, weight loss, brittle hair, hair loss, and ulcers.
To combat vitamin B deficiency, it’s recommended to include a range of food groups in your diet. Meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables all offer different forms of vitamin B. Specifically, meat, eggs, and dairy products are rich sources of B12. Keeping a balanced diet is key to warding off any vitamin B deficiencies.
Vitamin C
This water-soluble vitamin is crucial for wound healing and infection management. The body requires it to produce collagen, an important fibrous protein found throughout the body.
A deficiency in vitamin C can weaken the immune system and result in persistent inflammation. Symptoms of deficiency may include skin bumps, delayed wound healing, joint pain, dry skin, brittle bones, bleeding gums, and fatigue.
Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwis, and lemons are packed with vitamin C. Other sources include bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Dandruff can cause unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms (Image: Getty)
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is a common health issue, second only to a lack of vitamin B12. Our bodies usually produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but as we often spend much time indoors, we miss out on beneficial rays and are more likely to encounter harmful ones.
This vital nutrient plays a key role in maintaining robust bones, enhancing the immune system, aiding calcium absorption, and regulating blood sugar levels. A deficiency can lead to serious issues, affecting bone density, heart health, and energy levels, and may even contribute to conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased feelings of depression and stress. To ensure you get enough, try to catch some morning sun, which helps your skin produce it naturally. Foods rich in vitamin D, such as tuna, salmon, cod liver oil, egg yolk, red meat, and fortified products, should also be included in your diet.
Zinc
Zinc deficiency can cause a rash similar to eczema, typically found around the mouth, eyes, and various skin folds, exhibiting signs such as dryness, scaling, and redness.
A lack of zinc has been linked to dandruff because zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy scalp and regulating cell turnover. It’s essential for proper cell growth and skin healing; when there isn’t enough zinc, these functions can be affected, leading to skin irritation and a compromised barrier.
Managing dandruff
Managing dandruff can be straightforward with the right approach. If you discover that you’re lacking certain vitamins, your doctor might suggest supplements to enhance your intake and recommend foods rich in those vitamins. It’s best to consult your GP before taking any over-the-counter supplements.
A balanced vitamin intake can aid in treating dandruff, but using a dandruff shampoo is also crucial. For effective management, it’s generally recommended to wash your hair at least three times a week with a dandruff shampoo to control flakes and alleviate scalp irritation. If your dandruff is more severe, you might need to wash daily with a medicated shampoo.
According to the NHS, « Dandruff is not a result of poor hygiene, although it may be more noticeable if you don’t wash your hair regularly. » To combat dandruff, consider trying an anti-dandruff shampoo, which you can find at pharmacies or supermarkets.
Look for shampoos containing ingredients like:
- zinc pyrithione
- selenium sulphide
- ketoconazole
- coal tar with salicylic acid
A pharmacist can help you understand how to use the shampoo effectively. It’s advisable to use it for about a month to see if it improves your dandruff. You may need to try different types to find the one that works best for you.
People with oily scalps or fine hair may need to wash their hair more frequently than those with dry or curly hair. It’s important to stick with a dandruff shampoo instead of switching to a regular one, as consistent use is essential for effective dandruff management.
If you have severe dandruff or if over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, or if changes in your lifestyle and diet haven’t helped, consulting a dermatologist for personalised advice is a wise choice.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff can arise from various factors, such as skin issues, yeast, and environmental influences.
- Seborrheic dermatitis can lead to an excess of yeast on the scalp, resulting in itchiness, redness, and flakiness.
- Eczema may cause the skin to become dry, red, flaky, and itchy.
- Psoriasis is a skin disorder that can create red, flaky, and crusty patches.
- Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that thrives on the oils present on the scalp.
- Cold weather can cause dandruff to worsen during the winter months.
- Hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can boost sebum production.
- Some individuals may be sensitive to hair care items, including dyes, hairsprays, gels, or mousses.
Other factors, such as infrequent shampooing, vitamin deficiencies, and stress, can also contribute to dandruff. It’s important to note that dandruff is not contagious and can be managed effectively with the right treatment.
The NHS says: « See a GP if you still have dandruff symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month, your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy, your scalp is red or swollen or you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body. The GP can check your scalp for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff. »
Dry or oily hair?
In your scalp and skin, a gland known as the sebaceous gland exists. This gland plays a crucial role in producing an oil called sebum, which protects the outer layer of your body. Sebum comprises fats, lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, vitamins, and phytonutrients.
When your hair feels excessively dry, it is often due to a lack of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A (retinol), essential for regulating the sebaceous gland. Additionally, vitamins D and E also contribute to this process.
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