Dandruff In Kids: Causes, Treatment And Home Remedies

Dandruff in kids is a common skin condition that causes tiny, white flakes to shed off from the scalp. These tiny flakes are dead cells that fall off from the uppermost layer of the skin (1). Though common in children, dandruff, also called seborrheic dermatitisⁱXA skin condition characterized by redness, dryness, and scaly patches on the scalp. , can affect infants, teens, and adults. The global prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis is estimated to be around 3-5%, according to the National Eczema Association. However, the prevalence of dandruff was higher in the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the reports of a study conducted by multiple institutions. Generally, children with oily skin tend to get more dandruff than dry skin (2). Pediatric seborrheic dermatitis doesn’t cause any serious problems, but it can cause an itchy and flaky scalp in kids, which can be bothersome. Hence, prompt children’s scalp treatment is vital to alleviate itching and avert dandruff-related hair problems. So, keep reading to explore more about dandruff in children, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and effective home remedies you can try.

Possible Causes Of Dandruff In Children

Dandruff can occur at any age, and the exact cause is unknown. Here are some observations with regard to dandruff in children.

1. Dandruff, a common children’s scalp condition, often begins during adolescence. Doctors believe it is due to the increase in hormones during the teenage years (3). The rise in hormones leads to excess production of sebum or oil, which could cause dandruff.

2. According to the University of Michigan, eczema, a skin condition, could increase shedding of skin from the scalp, thus causing dandruff (4).

3. A fungal infection could also lead to dandruff. A fungus named Malassezia is quite commonly associated with it (5).

4. If the child has dry skin, then it could make the child more prone to dandruff. Seasonal changes, like the winter, may worsen the child’s dry scalp and skin and cause dandruff (6).

5. Contact dermatitis (a skin rash due to allergen or irritant), and infrequent shampooing are some factors that may cause dandruff (6).

6. Child scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition that is characterized by red, scaly plaques and causes the child’s scalp to flake with intense itching or burning sensations.

7. Some other factors that may increase the occurrence of dandruff include neurological problems, immune system problems, and stress.

Some children may know they have dandruff due to falling flakes, while some may not. Symptoms of dandruff in kids vary from one to another.

Symptoms Of Dandruff In Children

The most common symptoms include (6):

• Dry scalp
• Itchy scalp in children
• White flakes in children’s hair that fall on the shoulders
• Itching may cause redness of the scalp
• Hair loss (temporary) or child’s hair shedding
• An oily area on the scalp
• Scalp rash in kids

Dandruff in children is not contagious, which means a child cannot get dandruff from others.

Dandruff Treatment For Children

Dandruff doesn’t harm the scalp. Taking care of a kid’s hair and scalp health is crucial to prevent discomfort caused by severe itchiness resulting from untreated dandruff. The following steps may help reduce dandruff.

1. Washing hair frequently with a regular shampoo might help in removing the flakes.

2. If this is not helping, then an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo could help. Your child’s doctor may recommend an appropriate shampoo.

3. If the doctor suspects fungus on the scalp, then they may recommend specialized anti-fungal, anti-dandruff shampoo (2).

4. Shampoos with salicylic acidⁱXA chemical that aids in eliminating dead skin cells and excess oils and cleansing the scalp. can help reduce dandruff (7). Other compounds that could provide relief are selenium sulfideⁱXMedication or agent used to treat dandruff caused due to infections. , sulfur, zinc pyrithioneⁱXA chemical ingredient in shampoos, which helps manage dandruff associated with inflammation and skin irritation. , and tarⁱXA component used in anti-dandruff shampoos and provides relief from dryness and itchiness of the scalp. (8). Consult a doctor before picking a shampoo with these compounds for your child.

Observing some non-medicinal methods at home can help provide relief to the child from dandruff.

Home Remedies To Prevent Dandruff In Children

Some of the natural remedies for child’s hair and scalp maintenance that you may consider are:

• According to a research study, 5% of tea tree oil could be effective in treating dandruff with no adverse effects. The study had participants who were 14-year-old and older (9).

• Shampoos and conditioners containing aloe vera could reduce seborrheic dermatitis (10).

• Children’s scalp massage with coconut oil may reduce the severity of dandruff.

• Lemon juice or lemon juice mixed in coconut oil may also help in getting rid of dandruff (11).

• You may also try a mixture of yogurt, egg yolks, and honey (12).

• Ginger and Indian gooseberry are also considered effective in treating and preventing dandruff (13).

• Neem, apple cider vinegar, fenugreek seeds, and baking soda are also used (14).

The efficacy of these remedies in curing dandruff among children is unknown as the studies were carried out on adults. However, you may try them as they may not be harmful to a child. Apply the substance on a small patch of the scalp to see if it suits your child. If the substance causes discomfort or scalp irritation in children, then wash it immediately.

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