Pityriasis Capitis in Indians: Everything You Need to Know

Pityriasis Capitis, commonly known as dandruff, is an innocuous, chronic condition that happens when the scalp ends up dry or oily and produces white flakes of dead skin that show up in the hair or on the shoulders.

Dandruff problem normally begins between the ages of 10 and 20 and influences up to 40% of individuals beyond 30 years old.

– Can be self-diagnosed
– Can be treated and controlled
– A chronic condition, long-term yet can be controlled with proper treatment
– Can be managed and treated through simple home remedies as well

Pityriasis Capitis is caused because of dry or oily skin, sensitivity to hair-care products, or skin conditions, for example, dermatitis. The excess of a yeast-like organism can likewise cause dandruff. This overgrowth can be caused by pressure, hormones, an excess amount of oil on the scalp, or issues with the immune system.

While the cause of dandruff is not entirely known, it is attributable to two main causes – environmental factors and genetic factors.

How is dandruff produced?
The skin is constantly renewing itself. It produces new cells every day, and once these cells die, they are pushed outside and replaced by new cells. The old, dead cells are usually very small and are hardly visible. We don’t even notice the old skin cells shedding off in usual cases. However, for people who have dandruff, this whole cycle of cells dying and getting replaced by new cells happens very quickly, especially in the scalp region. The cells shed in less than a week, around 2-7 days, as opposed to in normal conditions, where the process takes a month. What happens as a result is that large chunks of dry skin are shed in oily clumps, that manifest as whitish-grey flakes or dandruff. This oily dandruff sheds and falls on your shoulders, clothes, and face, causing discomfort.

3 main causes of dandruff:

• Secretions from sebaceous glands in the skin – these secretions are oily in nature, which gives dandruff and oily texture
• Metabolic secretions of skin microorganisms
• Skin sensitivity to allergens

Here are the other common causes of Pityriasis Capitis:

• Dry skin
• Sensitivity to hair products(contact dermatitis)
• Fungal growth caused by stress, hormonal changes, too much oil on the scalp, issues with the immune system
• Infrequent shampooing
• Cold dry weather
• An unhealthy diet rich in unhealthy fats, oil, and sugar
  Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema

Seborrheic dermatitis: This is the most common type of dandruff problem that affects the scalp. It causes redness, scaly patches, and white dandruff. It also affects other oily areas of the body such as the sides of the face, nose, and eyebrows.

These are all the possible causes of Pityriasis Capitis. If you want to get rid of dandruff problems and are seeking dandruff treatment, visit a dermatologist to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here’s a list of the most common symptoms of dandruff:
– Flaky scalp
– Dry itchy scalp
– White flakes of dead skin in the hair start appearing.
– Flakes are generally dissipated all through the scalp.
– In case seborrheic dermatitis is the reason for dandruff, the symptoms typically show up gradually.
– The scalp winds up dry or oily, is red, and feels bothersome. As skin cells die, they turn to yellowish scales.
– A severe case of seborrheic dermatitis, symptoms show up in various parts of the body. Yellowish or reddish flakes can show up on the hairline, around the ears, or on the nose and chest.

If you’re experiencing recurring symptoms of Pityriasis Capitis or your dandruff isn’t going away in spite of home remedies and basic treatments, you should meet a dermatologist and seek effective dandruff treatment to get rid of severe dandruff.

Risk factors of Pityriasis Capitis:

• Age: Most people get dandruff during young adulthood that continues into their 40s. It is less common among the elderly.
• Gender: According to some researchers, men suffer more from dandruff than women. They speculate that male hormones may play a role.
• Some illnesses: Diseases such as Parkinson’s and others affecting the nervous system increases the risk of Pityriasis Capitis. A weakened immune system also leads to severe dandruff in some cases.

Dandruff is often a chronic condition that can be treated with proper care and treatment. It is usually self-diagnosable when you start observing white flakes on your clothes and hair.
Here are some common ways to address dandruff, including some effective home remedies for dandruff treatment. You can also talk to a dermatologist to seek out some remedies to get rid of dandruff.

1. Frequently shampoo your hair:
Try using non-medicated shampoos and wash your hair at least 3 times a week to prevent the build-up of dandruff. Shampooing regularly and frequently helps keep the scalp oil-free, removes dry flakes, and keeps the head clean. If this doesn’t work you can always try an anti-dandruff shampoo. It is one of the easiest ways to treat dandruff at home.

2. Use Anti-dandruff shampoo:
Today, there are several brands selling anti-dandruff shampoos in the market. Read the ingredients on the shampoo bottles and look for ingredients such as Ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sulfur, coal tide, or zinc pyrithione. These are essential ingredients that are present in all anti-dandruff shampoos. However, once your condition is diagnosed, anti-dandruff shampoos can be prescribed by a dermatologist.

3. Reduce stress:
While stress does not directly cause dandruff, it influences chronic conditions that lead to dandruff. Stress can exacerbate symptoms such as dryness and itching, as well as suppress the immune system, which reduces the body’s inability to fight harmful fungi and bacteria. Since chronic dandruff is often caused by fungal infections of the skin, a weakened immune system can cause dead skin cells to shed much faster than usual.

4. Consume more Omega-3s:
Omega 3 fatty acids play a very important role in the body. They make up the cell membranes surrounding your cells and also improve heart function, lung function and immune system. Furthermore, omega 3 fatty acids are very important for maintaining healthy skin. Omega 3 deficiency causes dry skin, itching, and even dandruff. Fish are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Chia seeds and flax seeds are good vegetarian sources that provide omega 3 fatty acids and help get rid of dandruff.

1. What causes dandruff?
The most common causes of chronic dandruff include dry skin, sensitivity to hair products (contact dermatitis), fungal growth caused by stress, hormonal changes, too much oil on the scalp, issues with the immune system, infrequent shampooing, cold dry weather, unhealthy diet rich in unhealthy fats, oil, and sugar, skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

2. What are the symptoms of Pityriasis Capitis?
Itchy, red, dry, and scaly scalp, white flakes of dead skin in the hair, where the flakes are dissipated all through the scalp. You’ll notice them on your neck and shoulders too.

3. Can you treat Pityriasis Capitis?
Dandruff is often a chronic condition that can be treated with proper care and treatment. Most common Pityriasis Capitis treatments include using anti-dandruff shampoo, regularly washing your hair, using coconut oil, tea tree oils, reducing stress, and increasing consumption of omega 3 fatty acids.

4. How do I book an appointment with a dermatologist?
You just have to download the MFine app, or log onto MFine, search for a dermatologist near you and book an appointment by filling out your details. You can teleconsult with your dermatologist online on MFine and discuss your Photomelanosis condition comfortably with him/her.

5. Is my information secure on the MFine app?
MFine takes your privacy very seriously. At MFine, we provide the utmost confidentiality to all our patients. No information is exchanged between your doctor and anyone else.