Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Dandruff

Not brushing the hair regularly to allow for normal shedding of dead skin cells can result in dandruff. The rate of shedding is increased if the scalp is already inflamed or itchy.

An overgrowth of yeast fungus (pityrosporum ovale) can lead to dandruff. The condition may improve in the summer and get worse in winter, because UVA light from the sun counteracts pityrosporum ovale.

Dandruff can also be due to nutritional deficiencies, for example, a lack of vitamin B or essential fatty acids, or a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is more common in people with HIV, and those with an underlying neurological illness such as Parkinson’s disease.

• DandruffDeafblindnessDecongestant drugsDeep vein thrombosisDehydrationDementiaDental abscessDental care for babies and childrenDental decayDepressionDEXA scanDiabetesDiabetes insipidusDiabetic retinopathyDialysisDiaphragms and capsDiarrhoeaDietDifferential testDilatation and curettage (D&C)DiphtheriaDiverticular problemsDouble visionDown's syndromeDrug misuseDry eye syndromeDupuytren's contractureDysenteryDyslexiaDysphagiaDyspraxia

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