How Dandruff Can Cause Psychological Distress
At one point or another, many of us have experienced an itchy scalp and the embarrassing flurry of small but perceptible flakes that accompanies a scratch of the head. Dandruff is a common problem. In fact, it is estimated that about 50% of the population at large will experience a case of dandruff or its more acute and chronic form, seborrheic dermatitis, at some point.
If you have suffered from dandruff, you know how emotionally distressing the condition can be. The psychological impact of this familiar scalp problem was the focus of a recent survey and the results confirmed what many of us have felt: dandruff affects our self-esteem.
According to a 2015 survey conducted by the British Skin Foundation (BSF), uncontrolled dandruff can cause a great deal of psychological distress. The survey indicated that dandruff affects both behaviors and perceptions:
- Nearly three quarters of respondents said that they feel unattractive; around the same number admitted to trying to hide the condition from loved ones and friends
- A third of those surveyed stated that they avoid social situations
- One fifth said they were subjected to bullying or verbal taunting
Overall, the participants revealed that dandruff had a negative effect on their overall quality of life, particularly because the condition tends to be perceived by others as sign of poor hygiene.
Unfortunately, stress can exacerbate skin conditions and dandruff, creating a cycle of irritated skin and frustration. However, understanding both the physical and psychological considerations of dandruff can help you manage it.
Treating Dandruff with Dr. Marder Skincare Total Relief Hair Products
To keep dandruff under control, it is important to wash hair regularly with a shampoo that has been specifically formulated to address the condition. Routine washing an anti-dandruff shampoo will loosen excess scaling and remove buildup.
Dr. Marder Total Relief hair care products were designed to comprehensively to treat the scalp and relieve the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Dr. Marder Total Relief Shampoo and Conditioner work together to soothe and calm the scalp. Each product contains therapeutic doses of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients: hydrocortisone 1% reduces skin inflammation and fungi-fighting pyrithione zinc helps keep Malassezia – a yeast associated with seborrheic dermatitis – under control.
If you suffer from dandruff, it is important to minimize anxiety and stress. Keeping a healthy outlook and being proactive in caring for the scalp can help the skin’s healing process.