Dandruff is an extremely common condition that affects most people at least once in their lives. Find out if your child has dandruff and how to treat it effectively
Dandruff is a very common condition – with 50% of the world’s population affected by the itchiness and flakes that come with it at some point in their lives
DANDRUFF IN CHILDREN
Dandruff typically begins in puberty. Babies and younger children with dandruff-like symptoms may in fact be suffering from “cradle cap.”
If you suspect your child may have cradle cap, consult with a pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment options.
DANDRUFF IN TEENS
As children approach puberty, natural hormonal changes begin to take place –and the scalp begins to produce oil, known as sebum.
A common microbe called Malassezia globosa thrives on scalp oils. Unfortunately, Malassezia also produces oleic acid, which irritates many people’s scalps, and triggers dandruff.
Good hygiene isn’t enough to get rid of the problem; it takes a special anti-dandruff shampoo to protect the scalp from dandruff irritation and prevent flakes.
HOW TO TELL IF IT’S DANDRUFF
Look out for the major symptoms of dandruff:
- Dry scalp
- Itchy scalp
- Flakes
- Redness
It could be mistaken for head lice too – here’s how to spot the difference between dandruff and lice.
HOW TO TREAT DANDRUFF EFFECTIVELY
First, avoid scratching as this makes the condition worse. Next, and most importantly, make sure your teen shampoos regularly with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Exclusive use of a dandruff shampoo is best, so the active ingredient is always present to protect the scalp from dandruff irritation, and prevent symptoms from reappearing.
Head & Shoulders Purely Gentle Scalp Care Shampoo is mild on your teen’s sensitive scalp while removing 100% of dandruff flakes1 and locking in moisture to keep the scalp healthy.
There’s also our Old Spice 2-in-1. This shampoo plus conditioner is specially designed to fight tough dandruff with the manly scent of Old Spice.
More about when dandruff starts
1 visible flakes, with regular use