Dandruff as a medical problem: what drugs to treat

In everyday life dandruff called grayish-white scales that appear on the scalp. The appearance of dandruff may not be associated with pathological skin changes. But dandruff always accompanies such skin diseases as seborrheic dermatitis, tinea, colorful pityriasis versicolor and some others. Dandruff as a medical problem can be considered as the questions correct it often require specialist input.

What causes dandruff

Most dermatologists believes that the appearance of dandruff is caused by a fungus Pityrosporum ovale. The microorganism is representative of normal skin flora person. But in certain conditions Pityrosporum ovale turns into a pathogen. This occurs when increased activity of sebaceous glands, reducing skin immunity and the weakening of the barrier properties of the skin. The process of transformation of the fungus can influence of high temperatures and large relative humidity of the human environment.

When Pityrosporum ovale turning into an aggressive form, he starts to destroy the skin barrier. This is accompanied by inflammation, which can be divided into two groups:

• Diseases in which Pityrosporum ovale is a direct cause of skin damage (pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis);


• Diseases that have other reasons, but the activation Pityrosporum ovale exacerbates their course (seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis).

When seborrheic dermatitis of the sebaceous glands are functioning in the mode of increased activity and produce a lot of secret. Sebum is secreted in seborrhea, more liquid than normal, and so it intercellular gaps penetrates into the stratum corneum. Gradually the lipid barrier of the stratum corneum is changing, and increases its permeability. There are numerous flakes – dandruff. This may be failures in the work of the immunity of the skin, and is activated Pityrosporum ovale, which fats are the main basis for life.

Before beginning the treatment of dandruff need to find out its cause.

If its appearance is connected with Pityrosporum ovale, the therapy must be directed at restoration of normal microflora and on the suppression of pathogenic. In seborrheic dermatitis special attention should be paid to the normalization of the sebaceous glands. Also a correction skin immunity and improve protective properties of the skin.

Treatment of dandruff

The composition of cosmetic and medicines used to treat dandruff, are substances of antifungal activity. They are divided into two large groups:

• Synthetic antifungal drugs;


• Substances of natural origin that have antifungal action.


• All synthetic drugs on the chemical composition can be divided into three groups. It:


• Derivative of imidazole and triazole;


• Derivatives of gidroperita;


• Zinc pyrithione.

Most often in the media for the treatment of dandruff contains ketoconazole (a derivative of imidazole). It inhibits the synthesis of some substances that are necessary for the formation of cell membranes fungus. Nizoral – the most famous dandruff shampoo, which includes ketoconazole.

Zinc pyrithione – another protivopolojnoe connection. The substance is blocking the transport of ions across the cell wall of fungi, as a result, the cell dies. Zinc pyrithione part of such drugs dandruff as “Head & Shoulders” (Procter & Gamble), EDC Zinc (Schering-Plough) and Zinkan (Lederle).

Also dandruff use of substances of natural origin. Plant extracts – most of them, as they contain substances antifungal activity (tannins and terpenes). One of the most powerful drugs dandruff are tea tree oil, and garlic.

Tea tree oil is a popular Supplement in the means of fighting dandruff. This oil contains a large number of terpenes. The success of its application in the treatment of various forms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis in various funds due to its high antifungal activity against Pityrosporum ovale.

The active ingredient in garlic – alliin, he is linked most medicinal effects. Antiseptic properties of garlic explains the antibiotic allicin – a compound that is formed from alliin under the action of the enzyme alliinase. For the treatment of dandruff make special applications with alliin and alliinase.

In the treatment of psoriasis, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis use of coal tar and Ichthyol. Coal tar is a mixture of a large number of hydrocarbons. She has expressed antifungal activity and cytostatic effect on skin cells, that is, inhibits their division. The Ichthyol has not only anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, as it inhibits the migration of immune cells to the site of inflammation.

To restore the lipid barrier of the stratum corneum use of vegetable oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids. If dandruff is associated with impaired functioning of the sebaceous glands, it is recommended to use local applications with plant extracts that regulate sebum. These properties are nettle, birch kidneys, chamomile, calendula, celandine, burdock, burdock, oak bark.

Immune protection of the skin strengthen vitamins, minerals and plant extracts. Mask balms and dietary supplements that contain these components are included in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

The choice of drugs for psoriasis extensive. If for some reason you can’t use synthetic compounds, they can be replaced by means of natural origin.

Based on the already developed many drugs. If dandruff is a manifestation of serious dermatological diseases, the treatment should be complex and get only your doctor.

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