Common Questions And Myths

Human skin renews itself constantly; new cells are pushed from the deepest layers to its surface, where they form an outer layer of dead cells which are continually shed. This shedding of the scalp is usually invisible. But in people with dandruff, this cell turnover becomes unusually rapid and prone to clumping so that the dead cells are shed as visible flakes on the scalp.

Today there is ample scientific evidence that dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast commonly found on the scalp.

It is quite normal to find yeasts living on the scalp; everybody has them. Even in people with no visible signs of dandruff, studies show that yeasts account for an average 46% of the microbes normally found on the healthy scalp. Although these yeasts are harmless when their numbers are in balance, over-proliferation of these yeasts is linked with scalp problems.

A yeast balancing shampoo, such as Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo contains 2% ketoconazole, the most effective ingredient available to tackle yeast overgrowth – the root cause of dandruff. A yeast balancing shampoo, such as Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo contains 2% ketoconazole, one of the most effective ingredients available to tackle yeast overgrowth – the root cause of dandruff.

Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo contains the active ingredient ketoconazole. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted on ketoconazole over the past twenty years. These trials have consistently shown ketoconazole to be extremely effective in the treatment and prevention of dandruff. This proven record of effectiveness together with its excellent safety profile has led to ketoconazole becoming the leading prescribed dandruff ingredient in the UK and resulted in Nizoral being used by millions of people around the world.

Both Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo and Nizorelle^TM Dandruff Control Shampoo contain the active ingredient ketoconazole, but at different strengths. Nizorelle^TM Dandruff Control Shampoo can be used for mild dandruff and contains 1% ketoconazole, where as Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo contains 2% ketoconazole and is appropriate for moderate to severe dandruff.

Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo is available in Boots, large Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, large Waitrose stores and all leading pharmacies.

Nizoral dandruff shampoo (100ml) is available over the counter in pharmacies.

You can also purchase any of the products from the Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo range online. Click here for more details

Nizorelle^TM Dandruff Control Shampoo is available in Boots and large Sainsbury’s stores.

You can also purchase any of the products from the Nizorelle^TM Dandruff Control Shampoo range online. Click here for more details

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene but by the increased presence of a yeast which occurs naturally on everyone’s scalp. It causes no symptoms at all in small numbers, but when these otherwise harmless skin yeasts start to multiply they can lead directly to dandruff.

Washing your hair frequently with a regular shampoo is no cure for dandruff, since you only wash away the symptoms and not the cause of dandruff. In fact, shampooing your hair too much can make dandruff worse. You may need a shampoo with an anti-yeast agent, such as Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo, to clear your scalp of dandruff.

Even though some cosmetics can irritate the scalp, sprays and gels alone are not responsible for dandruff. However, hair products can sometimes cause allergic scalp reactions which can result in intense skin inflammation, severe itching and redness.

A dry scalp can be caused by a lack of the naturally produced grease called sebum. Dandruff, however, is not caused by a lack of sebum. The scalp doesn't produce visible flakes because it’s dry, but because there is a higher turnover of skin cells.

That's not true either. Dandruff is not caused by greasy hair. Sebum, a naturally produced grease, does not influence dandruff. When scientists investigated the problem more closely, they discovered that the sebum of people with dandruff contained a higher level of cholesterol, which allows some yeast to grow more easily on the scalp.

It's important to understand that dandruff is NOT contagious and therefore it cannot be transmitted through the shared use of hairbrushes or from pillows. The flakes seen on pillows or brushes are only dead skin cells.

In many cases the development of dandruff can be genetic. However, this doesn’t mean that dandruff is an inevitable fate that can’t be sorted out. Indeed, today there are shampoos that are available over the counter in pharmacies that can both treat dandruff and prevent it coming back.

A lot of people have stress but no dandruff and vice versa. The link between stress and dandruff is weak. However, as stress can diminish the ability of your body to fight yeasts, it can promote the problem.

Wearing a hat from time to time doesn't cause dandruff. But if you wear a hat or cap "day and night" it can become a problem. Headwear can cause increased scalp perspiration. Where the headwear prevents the moisture evaporating, the acid sweat becomes alkaline and can help the growth of yeast.