Hair & Scalp
Dandruff in Islamabad
Scalp conditions and flaking
In plain terms
Understanding dandruff
What it is
What most people call dandruff is seborrhoeic dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction to a yeast called Malassezia that lives on everyone's scalp. The scalp is not dry. It is inflamed and shedding, which is exactly why moisturising it changes nothing.
Why it happens
The yeast feeds on scalp oil, so it flares where the skin is oiliest. Stress, cold weather, illness and hormonal shifts all make it worse. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and washing less makes it worse rather than better, because oil is the fuel.
What you might notice
Greasy yellowish flakes rather than fine white dust, itching, and redness that shows when you part the hair. The same thing often appears at the eyebrows, the sides of the nose and behind the ears, which is the clue that this is not simply the wrong shampoo. Persistent scratching can cause some shedding.
How it is treated
Medicated antifungal shampoos used correctly, which means left on the scalp for several minutes rather than rinsed straight off, and used regularly rather than only during a flare. Inflammation is settled with a short prescription course. After that it becomes maintenance rather than treatment.
When to get it seen
If a medicated shampoo used properly is not controlling it, if the scalp is sore or bleeding, or if the scale is thick and silvery, which suggests scalp psoriasis instead and is treated quite differently. Any patchy hair loss alongside it should be examined.
What it involves
Dandruff at her clinic
How long it takes. Controlled, then maintained.
Book appointmentQuestions about dandruff
How long before dandruff shows a result?
Controlled, then maintained. Skin is slow, and anyone quoting you a faster number is selling something.
Who will actually be treating me?
Associate Professor Dr. Lubna Rani Faysal. MBBS (Gold Medalist), FCPS (Dermatology), MHPE, 13 years in dermatology, and Associate Professor of Dermatology, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi.
Do I need to be seen in clinic, or is video enough?
Send a description and a clear photograph on WhatsApp and she will tell you which. Anything needing close examination or a procedure has to be in clinic, tuesday – saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 pm at F8 Markaz, Islamabad.
Book your dandruff consultation
Tuesday – Saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at F8 Markaz, Islamabad. Or ask first on WhatsApp at +92 370 549 7242.
Book an appointment