Kelemumur (dandruff) is a common, harmless scalp condition that causes white flakes of skin in the hair and on the shoulders, sometimes with an itchy scalp. It is not caused by poor hygiene and you cannot catch it. It is linked to a yeast that naturally lives on the skin and to skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, and stress may make it worse. The main treatment is an anti-dandruff shampoo containing an ingredient such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or coal tar, used for up to 4 weeks. See a doctor if it does not improve, your scalp is red, swollen or very itchy, or you have patches of hair loss.
What is kelemumur (dandruff)?
According to the NHS, dandruff is a common skin condition. It is not harmful and you cannot catch it. It causes:
- white flakes of skin on the scalp and in the hair, often more noticeable in dark hair or when they fall onto your shoulders;
- a scalp that may feel dry and itchy.
DermNet, a dermatology resource, describes dandruff as a mild, non-inflamed form of seborrhoeic dermatitis on the scalp, with fine, bran-like flakes and no redness underneath.
Punca kelemumur: what causes dandruff?
According to the NHS:
- dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly;
- it may be caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin;
- skin conditions such as eczema can cause it;
- stress and cold weather may make it worse.
DermNet explains that the yeast involved is called Malassezia, and that seborrhoeic dermatitis is most common in young adults and older people, with oily skin one of the factors linked to more severe cases. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) adds that hair care habits and oily skin can play a part.
Is it dandruff or another scalp condition?
Flaking can also be a sign of another condition. The NHS lists these possibilities:
| What you notice | Possible cause | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| Scaly, itchy, red patches on the scalp, face and other areas | Seborrhoeic dermatitis | — |
| Red or silver rash on the scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss | Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) | Kurap |
| Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body | Eczema | Ekzema |
| Red, irritated skin, maybe blisters, after hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses | Contact dermatitis | Gatal kulit |
| Red, flaky, crusty patches covered with silvery scales | Psoriasis | Psoriasis |
| Greasy, yellowish crusts on a baby's scalp, eyebrows and nappy area | Cradle cap | — |
Do not worry if you are not sure what is causing your flakes. Follow the advice below, and see a doctor if things do not get better within a month.
Shampoo kelemumur: choosing an anti-dandruff shampoo
According to the NHS and the AAD, look for an anti-dandruff shampoo with one or more of these active ingredients, available from pharmacies and supermarkets:
| Ingredient | Notes (DermNet, AAD) |
|---|---|
| Ketoconazole | An antifungal that reduces Malassezia yeast |
| Selenium sulfide | Used in medicated shampoos for scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis |
| Zinc pyrithione | Used in medicated shampoos for scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis |
| Salicylic acid | Helps remove scale (a keratolytic) |
| Coal tar | Used for scaling; can make the scalp more sensitive to the sun |
| Sulfur | Listed by the AAD as a dandruff shampoo ingredient |
You may need to try more than one type to find what works for you. If one shampoo does not help, the AAD suggests alternating between shampoos with different active ingredients. A pharmacist can tell you how to use them.
Cara hilangkan kelemumur: how to use dandruff shampoo
- Follow the instructions on the bottle. Lather the shampoo onto your scalp; some need to stay on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing (AAD).
- Use it for up to 4 weeks to see if your dandruff gets better (NHS). DermNet notes that medicated shampoos are often used twice a week for at least a month, and longer if needed.
- Match it to your hair type (AAD): if you have fine or straight hair or an oily scalp, you may need to wash daily and use the dandruff shampoo twice a week; if you have coarse, curly or coily hair, wash when needed and use the dandruff shampoo about once a week, applying it only to the scalp, as the ingredients can dry the hair.
- You can use your usual shampoo and conditioner afterwards if needed for hair care.
Other tips for a flaky scalp
- Wash your hair regularly: the AAD says mild dandruff can often be treated at home by regular hair washing.
- Manage stress: the NHS and DermNet say stress may make dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis worse.
- Protect your scalp from the sun: the AAD notes that sunburn on the scalp can increase flaking, and coal tar shampoos can make the scalp more sensitive to the sun. Wear a hat or seek shade, and use sunscreen on the scalp if your hair is thinning.
- Watch for product reactions: if flaking and irritation started after a new hair dye, spray, gel or mousse, it may be contact dermatitis; stop using the product and see a doctor if it does not settle.
Dandruff in babies and children
- Babies: greasy, yellowish crusts on a baby's scalp are usually cradle cap, not dandruff. According to the NHS, it is harmless, not itchy, and usually goes away within a few months. Gently massage an emollient or coconut oil onto the scalp to loosen the scales, brush softly and wash with baby shampoo; do not use adult shampoos or perfumed products, and do not pick the crusts. See a doctor if crusts bleed, leak fluid or look swollen.
- Children: a fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis) is most common between the ages of 3 and 7 and can look like dandruff, sometimes with patches of hair loss or black dots where hairs have broken. According to a review in the medical literature, it needs antifungal tablets from a doctor, because creams and shampoos alone cannot reach deep enough into the hair roots.
- Itching with tiny eggs stuck to the hair, rather than flakes that brush off, may be head lice instead.
Dandruff and hair loss
Dandruff itself is not usually serious, but some scalp conditions can affect your hair: the NHS lists a red or silver rash with patchy hair loss as a sign of tinea capitis. If you are losing hair, see our guide to rambut gugur, which explains the common causes in women.
When should you see a doctor?
According to the NHS, see a doctor (at a klinik kesihatan or a GP) if:
- you still have dandruff after using an anti-dandruff shampoo for at least 4 weeks;
- your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy;
- your scalp is red or swollen;
- you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body.
A doctor can check for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff and may prescribe a stronger shampoo or treatment. Also see a doctor if you or your child have flaking with patches of hair loss.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What causes kelemumur (dandruff)?
According to the NHS, dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. It may be caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on the skin (Malassezia) and by skin conditions such as eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Stress and cold weather may make it worse.
How do I get rid of dandruff (cara hilangkan kelemumur)?
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo with an active ingredient such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or coal tar. Follow the instructions on the bottle; some shampoos need to stay on the scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. The NHS suggests using it for up to 4 weeks, and you may need to try more than one type.
What is the best shampoo for kelemumur?
There is no single best shampoo, as different people respond to different ingredients. Dermatologists suggest choosing a shampoo with zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or coal tar, and alternating between shampoos with different active ingredients if one does not work.
Is dandruff contagious?
No. According to the NHS, dandruff is not harmful and you cannot catch it from someone else. However, a fungal infection of the scalp (tinea capitis, a type of ringworm) can look like dandruff and can spread, especially among children.
Can dandruff cause hair loss?
Dandruff itself is not usually serious, but other scalp conditions, such as a fungal infection of the scalp, can cause patchy hair loss, and the NHS lists a red or silver rash with patchy hair loss as a sign of tinea capitis. See a doctor if you have flaking with patches of hair loss.
Is dandruff the same as a dry scalp?
Not exactly. Dandruff causes white flakes and may make the scalp feel dry and itchy. Very itchy, red or swollen skin, or flaky patches on the face and body, may be another condition such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis, so see a doctor if it does not improve.
When should I see a doctor about dandruff?
According to the NHS, see a doctor if you still have dandruff after using an anti-dandruff shampoo for at least 4 weeks, if it is bad or your scalp is very itchy, if your scalp is red or swollen, or if you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Brand names are not endorsed; choose a product based on its active ingredient and the instructions on the pack. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
