Your skin regularly produces new skin cells and sheds off the old cells. When this process becomes fast, you get dandruff. The causes are as follows: yeast infection on the scalp, fungal infection on the scalp, eczema of scalp where the skin becomes itchy and red, allergic reaction to hair products, psoriasis (itchy and red scalp), dry skin due to winter and too much or too little hair wash.

The following symptoms are seen if you have dandruff: dry skin that flakes off in the cold season, greasy or oily areas on the scalp, mild redness in the scalp, hair loss and itching of the scalp and irritation.

Frequent washing with an anti dandruff shampoo can help in keeping away dandruff. However, you may use mild or moderate anti dandruff shampoo depending on your need. Daily washing of hair will help the dandruff flakes to go away; otherwise, they will stick to the scalp.

Dandruff is a chronic condition; the following treatment options are available: shampoos containing zinc, selenium and tar derivative to slow the rate of cell death; shampoos with antifungal agents to keep infection away; shampoos that contain salicylic acid to remove the scales and in severe infection, corticosteroid containing lotion to be applied on the scalp.

Even if the dandruff goes away with the treatment, it may come again when you stop using the anti dandruff shampoo. It is a chronic condition that can be controlled but cannot be completely cured. Stress and season change can trigger dandruff. So you may need frequent treatment.