How to cure dandruff in a teenager

During adolescence, hormonal changes occur in the body, which affects both the appearance of the teenager and his psyche. Some skin manifestations of this process cause discomfort in the child. One of the pressing issues in this area is dandruff in teenagers.

What it is? These are exfoliated parts of the epidermis that are rejected at excessive speed. Outwardly, they resemble snow flakes. Other causes of dandruff in children and adolescents:

1. diseases of the digestive tract;
2. endocrine diseases;
3. fungal infection of the scalp;
4. hypo- and hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands;
5. stress;
6. prolonged exposure to cold or hot temperatures;
7. incorrectly selected hair care products;
8. exposure to chemicals - varnishes, paints.

In dermatology, the occurrence of dandruff is considered a manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis. Most often accompanied by itching. Flaking occurs due to severe dryness of the scalp. The sebaceous glands produce an insufficient amount of secretion. If you do not pay attention to the problem and do not take the necessary measures, the condition begins to worsen.

The causes of dandruff in children can often be infectious. This can be bacteria or fungi; most often this process is associated with the fungal flora that is normally found on the scalp. With increased work of the sebaceous glands, the number of fungi increases.

The symptoms that accompany this process are the presence of white “flakes” on the scalp, clothing, comb, and headdress. The next symptom is brittle and dry hair, possibly even excessive hair loss. And all this is accompanied by unbearable itching.

Dandruff in children is classified into dry and oily. With dry skin, the symptoms are pronounced; with oily skin, the scales most often remain on the skin, but are accompanied by itching.

Treatment: traditional methods

What to do if unpleasant symptoms appear? Treatment is based on general recommendations and the use of local medications. If there is a somatic pathology, the infection must be directed towards their treatment. The best remedy is proper nutrition and adherence to sleep and rest patterns. Local treatment is based on therapeutic hair care, the use of Sulsena products, head massage and traditional methods of treatment.

How to cure dandruff in a teenager? First, we select the right hair care products, carefully read the composition of the shampoo, it should be as natural as possible and not contain lauryl sulfate. Shampoos that are sold under brand names and claim to help get rid of this problem most often have no effect. Medicinal shampoos are sold in pharmacies and prescribed by a qualified specialist.

Nizoral shampoo relieves unpleasant symptoms by getting rid of the cause. It also helps against parasitic fungi that cause seborrhea. It prevents the proliferation of fungal colonies, destroys their cell wall and promotes rapid death. Even with prolonged use, the drug is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream and does not affect the body.

How to cure dandruff in a child with shampoo? We use it a couple of times a week, usually for a course of 1 to 2 months. Leave the shampoo on the hair for 3-5 minutes, rinse, and then apply again. Upon completion of the course, you need to choose the right hair care. Contraindications to the use of medicated shampoo is hypersensitivity to its components.

Salicylic shampoo has an antibacterial and antifungal effect, relieves inflammation, strengthens hair follicles, and is used for overproduction of sebum. At the beginning of use, a slight burning sensation may occur.

Shampoos with tar reduce unpleasant symptoms, have an antiseptic effect, and reduce flaking. You should not use it if your teenager has scratches on his head.

Sulsena hair care can be used for dandruff in teenagers. This dandruff remedy helps reduce fungus. It can be used for other reasons: stress, hormonal changes, seborrhea. The paste helps normalize the secreting function of the sebaceous glands, relieves unpleasant symptoms, and strengthens hair follicles. Treatment with this paste is long-term – up to 3 months. We use 2-3 times a week.

Therapeutic hair care is prescribed only by a doctor; it is not recommended to choose it yourself.

Treatment with folk remedies

Children's dandruff is most often caused by gastrointestinal pathology, so treatment should begin with nutritional correction and taking multivitamins.

If a child or teenager is constantly experiencing stress or nervous tension, treatment includes sedatives of plant origin - tea with mint or chamomile, valerian.

How to treat dandruff: folk remedies. The safest for children is oil. Indications for the use of oils: seborrhea, dry skin, aggressive effects of temperatures and chemicals.

Oil is an anti-dandruff remedy for children, which is hypoallergenic, helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, strengthens hair, and relieves excessive dryness.

For seborrhea, grape seed oil, peach seed oil, and wheat germ oil are used. For dryness, use castor and burdock oil. It must be rubbed into the child’s scalp 30 minutes before washing the hair. If the symptoms are pronounced, the oil is rubbed in before bed and left overnight.

Not only vegetable oils are used, but also essential oils. Cheap and accessible is tea tree oil, which is used in cosmetology and dermatology. It can be added to shampoo, used together with vegetable oils for wraps, and as part of masks. Add 3 drops to the shampoo with each wash. For wraps, add 5 drops of essential oil to two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat in a water bath, then apply to the scalp for 30 minutes or overnight.

Teenage dandruff can be eliminated with the help of medicinal herbs. They are used for rubbing the head, washing, rinsing. For rubbing and medicinal wraps, a tincture of calendula and castor oil flowers is used. Use 1 tbsp. castor oil and 2 tbsp. tinctures. Decoction of burdock roots, 2 tbsp. plants 200 ml boiling water, cook over low heat for 10 minutes. After cooling, it is necessary to strain. Rub the resulting decoction into the scalp before bed. The same can be done with nettles and birch buds. You can apply a warm decoction to the scalp, cover with plastic and wrap in a towel.

For rinsing hair, decoctions are prepared from coltsfoot, birch leaves, rosemary, and chamomile. Usually use 2 tbsp per glass of boiling water. plants.

Prevention. First, choose the right care, taking into account the characteristics of the child’s skin. The next thing to do is to teach your teenager how to wash their hair correctly and choose the optimal water temperature.

After the course of treatment, it is necessary to treat the combs, send hats and pillowcases to the dry cleaner. Seasonal prevention can be carried out using Sulsena paste, using the paste once a week for a month. Folk hair care products are used to prevent relapses.

Professional skills: Chief physician of the medical center, practicing cosmetologist.

Brief biography and personal achievements: Teaching activities: teaching the subject “Social Medicine and Health Organization”, including for foreign (English-speaking) students, conducting consultations and pre-exam preparation.

Scientific and research activities: writing scientific publications, accompanying documents, organizing interaction of the department with specialized leading clinical and cosmetology centers for joint research work, participation in conferences, symposiums, etc.

Note to parents: not only acne, but also dandruff causes problems with self-esteem for teenagers. We tell you how to deal with it quickly and effectively.

1. The main causes of dandruff in teenagers
2. Types of dandruff
3. Dandruff symptoms
4. How to get rid of dandruff
5. Composition of anti-dandruff cosmetics
6. Review of anti-dandruff products
7. Tips for use

The main causes of dandruff in teenagers

“Snowflakes on the shoulders” is what they write about dandruff in glossy magazines for teenagers. But no matter how you hide behind beautiful words, the problem will not disappear without proper treatment and care of the scalp.

By the way, dermatologists and trichologists have a less attractive term for dandruff - seborrhea. It is also called one of the forms of seborrheic dermatitis. The reasons for this are as follows.

Metabolic disorder, as a result of which the sebaceous glands begin to synthesize more sebum than expected.

Active reproduction of the Malassezia bacterium on the scalp, which leads to the formation of those white flakes.

Imbalance of the skin microbiome caused by stress, fatigue, and aggressive environmental influences.

Parents often convince teenagers that they themselves are to blame for the appearance of dandruff. © iStock

Parents often convince teenagers that they themselves are to blame for the appearance of dandruff: they do not follow the rules of hygiene, they are addicted to fast food, fatty snacks and soda. In some cases, this is true - by changing your lifestyle, diet and care regimen, the problem can be brought under control.

Types of dandruff

Modern doctors consider dandruff as the mildest manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis. There are several forms of dandruff.

Dry: The scales are small, dusty, noticeable on dark things.

Bold: large scales stick together near the mouth of the follicles. The scalp is oily.

Mixed form: With seborrheic dermatitis, in addition to dandruff, greasy hair is also observed.

Dermatologists and trichologists have a less attractive term for dandruff - seborrhea. © iStock

Dandruff symptoms

As in adults, the following symptoms are most often observed in adolescents with dandruff:

increased oiliness of the scalp;

peeling in the form of dry white scales;

inflammation of the scalp;

If treatment is not started in time, constant exposure to waste products of pathogenic microflora can weaken the protective function of the skin. The consequences are not very pleasant:

the appearance of a secondary infection;

weakening of the immune system;

progression of disease symptoms.

How to get rid of dandruff

Treatment of dandruff is a long process, and you will first need to consult a specialist. After all, your task is not just to eliminate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, but also to prevent their reappearance.

Which doctor should I contact? If you feel that the quality of your hair has deteriorated, your scalp has become greasy, itching has appeared, and white flakes are noticeable on your clothes and comb, you can consult a dermatologist.

Modern doctors consider dandruff as the mildest manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis. © iStock

Also in modern clinics, trichologists are doctors who deal with hair problems. After a series of studies, the trichologist will make a diagnosis and develop a treatment regimen.

Composition of anti-dandruff cosmetics

Products in the anti-dandruff category (usually shampoos and peeling shampoos) include such ingredients.

Selenium disulfide fights Malassezia bacteria, restores the microbiome of the scalp, eliminates flaking.

Laureth sulfate - a surfactant that acts softer than lauryl sulfate and cleanses the skin.

Salicylic acid has a keratolytic effect, removes sticky skin flakes from the scalp.

Lipohydroxy acid Provides gentle, targeted exfoliation of epidermal cells.

Pyroctone olamine has an antifungal effect.

Cocamidopropyl betaine — A surfactant obtained from fatty acids of coconut oil. Mild cleaner.

Niacinamide soothes the skin.

Tocopherol (vitamin E) protects skin lipid structures from oxidative stress.

Pyrithione zinc.

Review of anti-dandruff products

Anti-dandruff shampoo Scalp Purifying Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo, Kiehl’s

The active ingredient is zinc pyrithione (1%) with antifungal and antiseptic properties. Also contains refreshing menthol and aloe extract for hydration. The product gently cleanses the skin, helps prevent itching, redness, and peeling.

Intensive anti-dandruff care shampoo for normal and oily hair Dercos Technique, Vichy

The formula is based on a powerful component with a wide spectrum of action: selenium disulfide. Thanks to it, the microbiome of the scalp is restored and dandruff is prevented from reappearing.

Shampoo for dandruff-prone hair, Fructis, Garnier

The 2-in-1 formula is suitable for normal hair. Already after the first use, dandruff decreases, the anti-relapse effect lasts for 6 weeks.

Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo with micro-exfoliating effect Kerium DS, La Roche-Posay

Gradually reduces flaking, soothes the scalp, relieving itching. After the first use, the feeling of discomfort disappears, and after three weeks, dandruff is eliminated. Use 2 times a week for 3 weeks.

Tips for use

Skin flakes, called dandruff, as well as itching bring a lot of unpleasant sensations. To get rid of them, especially impatient teenagers use too aggressive shampoos, which can only worsen the situation.

Avoid aggressive cleansers. They can dry out your scalp, and in response, it will begin to produce even more sebum.

Use a mild, paraben-free shampoo with a neutral pH and anti-dandruff ingredients.

Often at the age of 12, problems with dandruff arise. It causes irritation and spoils a person’s appearance. Therefore, this scourge must be fought. In order to rid a child of dandruff, it is necessary, first of all, to find out the causes of the disease. Then it will be possible to choose a treatment that will really help. The choice of medications must be approached especially responsibly, since drugs for adults cannot be used for children.

Causes of dandruff

The causes of this disease can be very different:

Fungus

The human head has a huge variety of microorganisms. They all need to exist in balance. If any changes occur in the balance, the fungi begin to multiply at high speed. Because of this, the scalp begins to flake off faster and more, which leads to the appearance of dandruff.

Failure in the process of cell death

Scalp cells undergo keratinization after 28 days. After which they begin to peel off. If there are any problems, exfoliation begins 5-14 days earlier. Cells that were not keratinized stick together and become dandruff.

Diet

Eating affects the secretion of subcutaneous fat. In order to avoid problems with this process, during adolescence you should follow a special diet, which involves excluding smoked and fatty foods. Junk food can cause dandruff.

Unsuitable care products

Using inappropriate personal care products also leads to the appearance of seborrhea. Typically, from the age of 12, children use personal care products to maintain a good appearance. The drugs create a film on the head. Dust accumulates on it. After the film dries, the skin becomes dirty, which prevents cell respiration. This causes dandruff to appear.

Allergy

Allergens can cause the scalp to flake, which creates dandruff. Endocrine system. Often, seborrhea occurs due to changes that occur during adolescence.

Stress

This factor causes dandruff to appear in people of all ages: little boys and girls, teenagers, adults. This includes dandruff.
First you need to identify the specific factor that caused dandruff. Based on the cause, the method of treatment and medications should be selected.

Seborrhea detection

There are oily and dry seborrhea. Both are characterized by their own distinctive factors.

Oily seborrhea is characterized by:

1. Rapid hair contamination.
2. The appearance of acne on the scalp.
3. Yellow dandruff color and sticky consistency.

Dry seborrhea manifests itself differently:

1. Dry and brittle hair.
2. Skin irritation.
3. Light shade of dandruff.
4. Exfoliated skin can simply be removed or combed out.

Seborrhea treatment cannot be delayed. The disease can further develop and lead to complications, such as:

1. The appearance of fungus or bacteria on the head.
2. Hair loss, even baldness.

Children need to fight seborrhea. Treatment should be selected by a specialist: a dermatologist or trichologist. The doctor will prescribe a general examination of the body to find out the cause of the problem, and then select medications for a specific case.

Treatment

There are 2 types of treatment: general and local.

The first includes:

1. Schedule. Your teen will need to have enough time to sleep and exercise.
2. Correct, balanced diet. Food is selected that contains the amount of substances required to cure the child. Flour, sweets, fried foods, salt and spices are strictly controlled in the diet. In some cases, vitamins are prescribed.
3. Medicines. To improve the condition of the body as a whole, take tinctures of various plants.

Local treatment contains products applied to problem areas:

1. Shampoos. They get rid of annoying ailments. Typically, they can be used from the age of 12. You should wash your hair with this product no more than a few times a week. The shampoo is applied to the head, soaked in the hair for 5 minutes and massaged into the head, then rinsed off. This procedure should be repeated 2 times per wash so that it effectively treats seborrhea.
2. Vegetable oils. They are used to remove dry dandruff. There are oils such as: almond oil; from linen; from sesame; from cedar; and a mixture of burdock and castor oil.
3. Masks. They are needed to get rid of oily seborrhea. There are many masks made from different ingredients. The product is applied to the head. After 30 minutes it is removed with warm water.
4. Massage. This procedure is performed to overcome dry seborrhea. Use your fingers or a special brush to massage your head for 15 minutes.

ethnoscience

People have been inventing and using their own folk remedies for a long time. Thanks to such recipes, you can also find a way to get rid of dandruff.
One well-known folk treatment is to mix tea tree oil with regular shampoo. Washing your hair with this shampoo should help treat even severe dandruff.

Another popular method is to replace shampoo with infusions of nettle, chamomile or onion peel. You should simply rinse your curls with the selected liquid. Based on reviews, this simple folk method helps cure dandruff in a teenager. It should be remembered that an infusion of onion peels changes light hair into a darker color, so for such hair it is better to use a chamomile infusion.

Preventing dandruff

Removing dandruff from a teenager or an adult is a long and not the most desirable process. Therefore, you need to know what to do to prevent this problem from occurring.
First of all, it is important to maintain the correct daily routine and nutrition of a 12-year-old child. An incorrect daily routine and junk food often cause dandruff in a teenager.

A suitable shampoo should be used. Using products intended for other types of hair causes diseases, including seborrhea.
It is necessary to observe the deviations that occur during the transition years and adapt to them. These changes are very often the cause of dandruff in girls aged 12 years.

If dandruff cannot be avoided, then you need to consult a doctor to find out how to get rid of dandruff in a teenager. There are also general recommendations:

1. After recovery, soak the hats in vinegar and put them in a bag for a couple of days.
2. After treatment, combs should be replaced.
3. Adult medications should not be used by children and adolescents.

Conclusion

Dandruff is a rather serious disease. It should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications. It doesn’t matter at what age the problem appeared: 12 years old, 13 years old, 14 years old, or a 15 year old teenager – you need to get rid of dandruff immediately.
Comprehensive treatment helps to quickly cure dandruff.