Myths about Dandruff

Dandruff is due to dryness of the skin.

False. Dandruff is caused by a rapid turnover of cells, so more dead cells are shed from the surface. In fact, dandruff occurs in areas where the grease glands of the skin are most active, and the skin is not usually dry.

Dandruff is more common in males than in females

True. Probably because the grease glands are affected by hormones.

Dandruff is affected by the weather

Probably true. Sunlight inhibits the growth of the Pityrosporum ovale yeast.

Dandruff results from poor hygiene

False. Dandruff is caused by rapid turnover of skin cells, probably as a reaction to the Pityrosporum ovale yeast. However, dandruff sufferers do not have more of the yeast than other people - they are just more sensitive to it.

Dandruff is contagious

False. You can’t ‘catch’ dandruff from someone else, such as by using his/her brush or comb.

Wearing a hat worsens dandruff

Possibly true. Pityrosporum ovale yeasts thrive best when protected from sunlight. Also, wearing a hat prevents sweat from evaporating, and this may encourage the yeast.

 

Myths about Dandruff