What causes excessive dandruff in children's scalps?
Sep 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, excessive dandruff in children may be caused by improper daily care, dry scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis (scalp fungal infection), or folliculitis. It is important to maintain scalp cleanliness and hydration, use shampoo products suitable for children's scalps, and avoid over-cleansing or frequent use of oil-removing products. Additionally, maintaining good daily habits and avoiding irritants or infections that may affect the scalp is recommended.
In general, excessive dandruff in children may be caused by improper daily care, dry scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), or folliculitis. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Improper Daily Care
Parents may not provide sufficient scalp cleansing for their child or may use unsuitable shampoo products, leading to buildup of oil and dirt on the scalp, which causes increased dandruff. It is advisable to increase shampooing frequency and use mild, child-friendly shampoo products suitable for the child's scalp.
2. Dry Scalp
Insufficient sebum secretion or over-cleansing can deprive a child's scalp of essential oil protection, causing dryness and resulting in significant dandruff production. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners are recommended, while products containing strong degreasing ingredients should be avoided.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with factors such as genetics and microbial infection, leading to excessive sebum production on the scalp and causing abundant dandruff in children. This condition is usually accompanied by symptoms such as oily scalp, redness, and itching. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include topical medications such as ketoconazole cream, miconazole nitrate cream, or desonide cream.
4. Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
Tinea capitis is caused by fungal infection from dermatophytes. The fungi multiply on the scalp, disrupting its normal structure and triggering inflammatory reactions that lead to increased dandruff in children. Symptoms may also include scalp itching, red patches, and hair breakage. Treatment should follow medical guidance and may involve antifungal agents such as terbinafine hydrochloride cream, clotrimazole cream, or itraconazole granules.
5. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections (such as *Staphylococcus aureus*) leading to inflammation of hair follicles. This may result in increased dandruff in children, often accompanied by symptoms including scalp itching, tenderness, and pustules. Medical treatment may include topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or compound Honeysuckle granules, as directed by a physician.
To prevent excessive dandruff in children, it is important to maintain regular scalp cleanliness and hydration, use shampoos suitable for children’s scalps, and avoid over-washing or frequent use of products with strong oil-removing ingredients. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and protecting the scalp from irritants and infections are essential.
