I have been having excessive dandruff for around 2 months, and whenever I comb my hair, a lot of dust and flakes fall along with my hair. Sometimes, my scalp also itches badly. I travel nearly 30 km daily by local train for college. Could this be making the condition worse, and which treatment may help reduce it?
Veda Maddala
M Pharmacy
Excessive dandruff with itching and visible flakes falling during combing is usually due to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, where the scalp becomes irritated because of yeast overgrowth, oil imbalance, or sensitivity of the skin. It often worsens in hot, humid conditions, during sweating, or when the scalp stays dirty or oily for long periods. Daily travel, especially in crowded local trains with dust, sweat, and pollution exposure, can definitely make the scalp more irritated and can trigger more flaking and itching if the scalp is not washed or cleaned properly after coming home. For control, medicated anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide are commonly used and work best when used regularly, keeping the shampoo on the scalp for a few minutes before washing. On other days, a mild, gentle shampoo helps maintain cleanliness without over-drying. Avoid scratching, as it worsens inflammation and increases hair fall. Try to wash your scalp after heavy sweating or travel if possible, and keep it dry and clean. If dandruff continues despite regular care for a few weeks or is associated with increasing hair fall or redness, a dermatologist review is important for stronger or combination treatment.
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