It feels embarrassing when oily, white flakes of dead skin are spotted on your hair and shoulders. Yes we are talking about the dandruff which means scaly and itchy scalp. This problem is common in the people of all age groups (children, adults, mid aged and old people).
Mostly dandruff problem gets worsen in winters. Even, small babies are not escaped from this problem, there is a type of dandruff called as cradle cap occurs in the babies which results in a crusty scalp. Moreover cradle cap is not a serious problem and resolves its own with time when baby is 3 years old.
Dandruff is a common scalp problem which is due to flaking of skin on scalp. But this is not a serious problem and can be controlled easily. Dandruff is mainly due to malassezia which is fat eating fungus. Minor cases of dandruff can be resolved by daily shampooing. But in persistent cases medicated shampoos and doctor's advice are mandatory.
Most of the time dandruff does not require doctor's care. But even after the use of antidandruff shampoos for several weeks and you still feel like scratching your head. Moreover your scalp is red or swollen then visit your physician. You may have the seborrheic dermatitis which is another condition, similar to dandruff.
In Ayurveda, dandruff problems are placed in the category of kshudra roga which is due to imbalance of all three energies –vata, pitta and kapha. Vata dosha, which is dry in nature and pitta dosha which symbolizes heat or fire in body. Aggravated vata and pitta dosha causes production of impurities, named as the ama. These impurities get accumulated in scalp's deep tissues, causes the dandruff which results in itchy and scaly scalp.