Is Dandruff Contagious?

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects most people at some point. It is an aggressive condition of the scalp that may cause embarrassment among the public. It is a common skin problem to produce flakes on the skin of the scalp. People ask questions regarding whether dandruff is contagious or a severe problem to consider.

This article uncovers the typical details regarding dandruff and clears the answer of whether is dandruff contagious. Stay connected with the article to know every aspect related to dandruff.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin problem arising over the skin of the scalp, leading to white flakes being visible on the scalp. It is caused by a fungus known as Maslassezia Globosa. This fungus utilizes the scalp’s excess sebum to convert it into oleic acid. Dandruff may cause itchiness and severe red patches on your scalp with dead skin cells appearing as oily yellowish-white flakes. In contrast to dandruff on the scalp, some people may exhibit rare cases of developing dandruff on the face and back as well.

Dandruff may appear specifically dependent on the weather conditions. It may be aggravated by moist weather, hormonal changes, stress, and improper cleaning of the scalp. These factors can produce excess oil on the skin of the scalp, providing an optimum environment for fungal growth. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis.

What are the common symptoms associated with dandruff?

Dandruff may appear as of the following:

• White skin flakes on your scalp, hair, eyebrow, mustache, or beard
• Itching on the scalp
• Scaly and crusty scalp appearing as cradle cap in infants
• Redness on the scalp

What is the common cause of dandruff?

Some people believe that dandruff may be because of poor hygiene or improper cleaning of the scalp and hair. A lack of shampooing can build oil buildup on the scalp, resulting in dandruff. But besides these myths, dandruff can also appear on a clean scalp. Dandruff becomes more noticeable if you wear dark clothes. Flakes can easily fall off from the scalp to your clothes.

Is dandruff contagious?

Dandruff is not infectious or contagious. You can’t get an infection from any nearby person. Moreover, you cannot give dandruff to any other person. Contagious diseases spread through contact with the diseased person. Dandruff is not contagious to spread the skin problem to any other person.

Is dandruff hereditary?

Dandruff is not a hereditary problem. But you can inherit skin-related issues from your parents. The fungal infection produces oleic acid on the scalp. Sensitivity to oleic acid can be hereditary to induce body reaction against oleic acid. Skin vulnerability to produce oleic acid can be inherited. In addition, there are studies that suggest excess sebum production can be inherited down the generations in the form of hormonal levels.

The way your body reacts to oleic acid indicates either a hereditary problem or a normal skin-related problem.

How can I prevent dandruff from growing on the scalp?

Once you have dandruff on your scalp, there are maximum chances to have dandruff in the future. There is no such possible cure to treat threats of dandruff in the future. You can only prevent it by using anti-dandruff shampoo. Aside from treating flakes of dandruff, you can follow some preventive measures in the form of hygiene protocols.

Also read: Ear pain and headache

How can I get rid of dandruff?

Mild dandruff can be easily managed with the help of medicated anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos help to clean the scalp and remove the itchy flakes of dandruff on the scalp. Follow the treatment protocols to get rid of this prickly situation.

• Frequent shampooing of your scalp with a longer lathering duration can help clean your scalp without producing excess sebum.
• Avoid using hair sprays or hair pomades to produce excess sebum on the scalp.
• Use shampoos containing antifungal and antiseptic properties containing salicylic acid, coal tar, sulfur or zinc, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, and ciclopirox.
• Follow the mentioned precautions over the shampoo for the active functioning of the ingredients.
• Precaution for shampoos with coal tar: coal tar can discolor blonde, gray, or white hair. In addition, it can make your scalp sensitive to sunlight. Prefer wearing a hat while using coal tar-based shampoos.
• Use a conditioner with 0.01% fluocinolone, zinc, and acetonide topical oil.

When is there a need to visit a doctor?

Mild dandruff is not a problem. Following some home-based remedies for common treatment plans can help you get rid of dandruff. But, if the problem is still the same even after following the protocols, you may need to visit a dermatologist to get rid of this problem. Severe dandruff may appear as eczema, psoriasis, or any other fungal infections. These problems require proper treatment methods.

Conclusion

Is dandruff contagious becoming a common question among people suffering from this skin problem? Dandruff may arise on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, or head. It mainly occurs because of a fungus converting extra sebum to oleic acid. It can cause itchiness on the scalps. Besides all these factors, dandruff is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another.

Dandruff is a mild form of dermatitis. Mild dandruff can easily be managed by following home remedies. But in the case of severe dandruff, it is better to visit a dermatologist to avoid any serious problems.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)