Dandruff is a common scalp disorder that affects 1 in 5 people, or over 1 million people in Singapore alone. It is identified by white or yellow flakes resulting from the abnormal shedding of scalp skin cells, caused by an accelerated cell turnover rate.
While dandruff doesn’t cause any physical harm it can lead to discomfort and significant emotional distress, including embarrassment and self-consciousness. At DrScalp, we aim to educate and empower you with knowledge about dandruff, including its causes, potential complications and treatment options.
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While poor hygiene can cause dandruff, it’s certainly not the only possible culprit. Dandruff may be caused by one (or a combination) of the following factors:
Unable to pinpoint the cause of your dandruff? Let our team help you: book an appointment for consultation with DrScalp today.
If you have dandruff or are prone to it, dandruff treatment could help you. While the internet is rife with home remedies, those may throw off the pH balance of your scalp and make your dandruff worse.
At DrScalp, we’re dedicated to caring for your scalp. Simply book a trial visit to get your scalp analysed for the price of just $88 today. Don’t miss out on this promotion!
The most common antifungal drug used in dandruff treatment concoctions. Dandruff treatments typically contain 1-2.5% zinc pyrithione.
An antifungal agent, selenium sulphide is effective in the treatment of excess shedding and irritation. 1-2.5% of selenium sulphide is usually used.
Less toxic than zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine is known as a ‘second generation’ anti-dandruff agent, with more shampoos starting to include it in their formulation in recent years.
Tar coal has anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. 0.5%-3% of tar has proven effective in the treatment of dandruff.
Some common symptoms of dandruff are:
Such symptoms tend to worsen when the weather is cold and dry, or during periods of stress.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis can be considered a more severe type of dandruff. Like dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis manifests on the scalp and causes itchiness. Unlike dandruff, however, it is scaly in appearance and can appear on other body areas such as the face, eyes, ears and chest.
Signs of seborrhoeic dermatitis appear over time. Here are two indicators that you may have the condition:
Seborrhoeic dermatitis presents itself in areas where large oil glands are concentrated. The inflammation is a result of products that break down oil produced by oil glands, and the body’s reaction to yeast on the scalp.
A cradle cap can be considered the baby’s form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Typically, it manifests itself as a thick, yellow-crusty scalp lesion. Cradle caps can also show up in the form of a stubborn nappy rash, splits in the skin and behind the ears and red facial pustules.
Following are some factors that may affect the frequency at which seborrhoeic dermatitis occurs, as well as the severity of symptoms.
Psoriasis is a fairly widespread skin condition that affects up to 3% of the population. When it occurs on the scalp, it can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff. It’s important to note however that psoriasis is not the same as dandruff. The table below highlights the differences between dandruff, psoriasis and cradle cap.
Aspect | Dandruff | Psoriasis | Cradle Cap |
% of population affected | ~20% | ~3% | 10% of infants up to the ages of 1 month |
Appearance | White or yellowish flakes | Small patches of redness with prominent thick scaling | Crusty yellow patches or slightly red scaly patches on the scalp |
Symptoms |
|
|
|
Regions affected | Scalp | Scalp, elbows and knees | Scalp |
Chronic dandruff could be an indication of a more serious issue, such as psoriasis or a fungal infection. Despite the element of shame attached to dandruff, dandruff is very common and can be treated. If not treated in time, dandruff could lead to hair loss.
If used improperly, home remedies (e.g., dandruff shampoos) may lead to unwanted outcomes such as dryness, oily scalp and skin, skin irritation and even temporary hair loss. Whenever possible, choose products like DrScalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, whose formulation centres around natural ingredients such as lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus.
Step by step, here’s how the dandruff treatment process works at DrScalp:
1. Our advanced AI-powered system will meticulously analyse the current state of your scalp.
2. To ensure a thorough scalp cleanse, we utilise a high-frequency machine that not only disinfects your scalp but also enhances its softness and nourishes hair follicles
3. Our expertly trained professionals will apply a specialised shampoo to eliminate sweat and impurities from the surface of your scalp
4. A scalp cleanser will be administered to dissolve excessive sebum buildup that can clog your hair follicles
5. Micro mist treatment is used to improve the effectiveness of the scalp cleanser
6. Stubborn, excess sebum is gently scrubbed away
7. Enjoy a soothing massage while your scalp is massaged to remove any remaining sebum
8. Your hair is rinsed and conditioned for a soft and smooth texture
9. An oxygen spray is used to soothe and moisturise your scalp
10. Your hair is professionally blow-dried to perfection, ensuring a polished finish
11. Following the treatment, we conduct a second scalp analysis to showcase the improvements made after just one session
With consistent dandruff treatment, the condition of your scalp can improve significantly, improving your overall appearance and boosting your confidence in social settings. At DrScalp, we offer you a personalised treatment plan based on the condition of your scalp. Our line of anti-dandruff products is designed to complement the in-clinic treatments and help you get rid of your dandruff ASAP.
DrScalp’s anti-dandruff shampoo, conditioner and tonic are formulated by our research team to gently purify the scalp, provide essential nutrients (e.g., vitamin E) to the hair, soothe scalp itchiness and more. Key ingredients used include various herbal extracts (e.g., Coptis Chinensis (Huang Lian) Root Extract) which are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial; Capryloyl Glycine, which works to curb fungal and bacterial growth; and three essential oils (lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus) for purification, soothing and sebum regulation.
As you can see, dandruff is a highly treatable condition. Don’t let embarrassment get in your way – give us a call today, and let us help you.
In Singapore, the cost of dandruff treatment is dependent on the treatment type. On average, you can expect to fork out $100-$300 per session.
If you’re hesitant to commit, don’t worry: try dandruff treatment for yourself with a trial session of A.I. Scalp Analysis with Bioscience Solutions, no strings attached.
DrScalp’s dandruff treatment is suitable for anyone who has dandruff. With no side effects, even pregnant and nursing women can go for it without worry.
To prevent dandruff, it’s important to practise good hygiene. First and foremost, we recommend you find an anti-dandruff shampoo that suits you – for this, you might have to shop around or consult a professional.
After you’ve settled on a product, make sure you shampoo your hair and rinse off thoroughly on a regular basis. Massage the scalp region well in the process. In addition, try to avoid running your hand through your hair, and limit hat/cap-wearing as friction can further irritate the skin on your scalp.
DrScalp uses A.I. technology to do a thorough scan of your scalp, determining aspects such as oiliness content level, melanin level, diameter of hair and number of hair strands. You will receive the utmost attention and care every step of the process.
When choosing a medical provider, it’s important to choose one that is trustworthy. Our Bioscience team, the team in charge of research and development, is helmed by Dr. Tom K.C. Kuo and Dr. Kevin C. Weng, two professors who have over 20 years of experience each. If you have any queries about our products and services, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
FAQ
No, dandruff is not contagious. It results from factors like dry skin and a yeast-like fungus. It cannot be transmitted through contact or sharing personal items. Dandruff is a common scalp condition with various causes, and practising good hygiene and targeted treatments can effectively manage it without posing any risk of transmission.
No, dandruff treatment is not and should never be painful. If your scalp itches more or burns after using a certain product, stop using it immediately and seek professional advice/help.
No, there are typically no side effects associated with dandruff treatments in the clinic.
No, stress on its own does not cause dandruff. However, if you’re prone to dandruff or have dandruff, stress could cause a flare-up or exacerbate the amount of flaking. Studies have found that the severity of dandruff symptoms is partially tied to your immune system: the weaker your immune system, the more severe the symptoms.
If you have dandruff, it’s advisable to avoid or limit your consumption of processed food, sugar and saturated fat. Additionally, you should also avoid using hair care products that contain synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde, sulphates, parabens and silicone.
The effects of dandruff treatment can be seen after just 1 session. As everyone’s condition is different, consult your dermatologist or doctor for the recommended frequency and number of treatments.
Regular shampoos may not effectively treat dandruff. Anti-dandruff shampoos, with active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, target specific causes such as fungal overgrowth. Choosing specialised products for dandruff is crucial for effective relief and a healthier scalp.
Diet plays a role in managing dandruff. Including nutrient-rich foods like vitamins B and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote a healthy scalp. Limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats may reduce inflammation contributing to dandruff. While diet alone isn’t a complete solution, it complements other strategies for a healthier scalp.
No. At DrScalp, aftercare is integrated into our dandruff treatment sessions so you don’t have to pay us a separate visit.
No, dandruff treatment is not permanent. Regular care and maintenance is required to keep your hair dandruff-free. For healthy hair, visit the dermatologist for treatment at least once every 3-4 months, after your dandruff has been fully eradicated. In between treatments, use hair care products formulated specially to tackle dandruff.
Your dandruff keeps coming back because the stuff in your shampoo that’s supposed to get rid of it might not be reaching the root of the problem. Imagine your scalp as a garden, and the shampoo as a spray. Right now, it’s like the spray is mostly staying on the surface, not reaching the deeper areas where the issue starts.
Research, especially on shampoos with zinc pyrithione, shows they mainly work on the surface, missing the spots where the trouble begins. So, it’s like we’re weeding the top of the soil but not getting to the roots.
At the time of this writing, no subsidies for hair loss treatment are available in Singapore, be it under Medisave or CHAS coverage.
Borda, L. J., & Wikramanayake, T. C. (2015). Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of clinical and investigative dermatology, 3(2), 10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. https://doi.org/10.13188/2373-1044.1000019
Clavaud, C., Michelin, C., Pourhamidi, S., Ziane, S., Rawadi, C. E., Muller, B., . . . Guéniche, A. (2023). Selenium disulfide: a key ingredient to rebalance the scalp microbiome and sebum quality in the management of dandruff. European Journal of Dermatology, 33(S1), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2023.4400
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