Dandruff in Children and Teenagers: Causes, Treatment, and Home Remedies

Dandruff appears to be a common scalp condition that usually causes flaky skin and an itchy scalp, according to Kids Health. This typically occurs when massive dead skin cells build up on the scalp. It is also a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, and its cause is unknown. It is a type of eczema that can evolve where the skin is oily and hairy. Moreover, there are factors that can worsen dandruff - stress, cold and dry weather, and allergies to certain hair and scalp products.

Nevertheless, dandruff is not contagious but is very common in kids, teenagers, and adults. Usually, dandruff starts once children reach puberty, as this is generally the age when the oil glands become more active. Dandruff is more likely to affect boys and men. This condition usually starts between the ages of 10 and 20 and affects more than 40 percent of individuals over 30.

Understanding the causes of dandruff in kids will help parents with effective preventive measures. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents gently exfoliate the babies' scalp as it will help lessen and shed the scalp of excess skin. AAP told parents to use a soft bristle while bathing the toddler.

What are the possible causes of dandruff?

Anyone can have dandruff, as many teens and adults live with it. The hormone levels are normally high, particularly during the teen years, which causes more oil production, and this could be the main reason why such a condition begins around puberty.

Healthcare providers diagnose dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis only based on symptoms such as an itchy scalp and flakes on the shoulders, along with some exams. Dr. Amy McMichael, chair of the department of dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told the outlet that over-shampooing puts an individual at risk of getting dandruff.

Dr. Alicia Zalka, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., told WebMD that food with high sugar and processed foods lead to insulin spikes, eventually stimulating hormone surges that can typically trigger the output of oil. Thus, the general restriction of any fatty and fried foods, refined sugar, processed food, and gluten may reduce flaking.

Treatments and home remedies

Regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to lessen oil and skin cell buildup helps, but if this does not work, try using a medicated dandruff shampoo, as some kids can tolerate consuming a medicated shampoo two to three times a week with shampooing daily on other days if needed.

Dr. Alan J. Bauman, a hair-restoration doctor in Boca Raton, added that sweets and yeast-containing foods such as bread and beverages like beer and wine could trigger fungal growth. Parents over bathe babies, which usually leads to skin problems; in most cases, it can build up on their scalps. Sadly, there is no cure for dandruff; however, it can be controlled, thus, reserving a permanent space in the shower for specialized treatment.

A study entitled Treatment of Dandruff With 5 percent Tea Tree Oil Shampoo determined it might be an effective treatment against dandruff, per Healthline.