SHARJAH - One of the common skin problems in the Middle East, dandruff is a form of skin eczema (seborrheic eczema) that affects the parts of the body with high oil production.According to Dr Mathew Thomas, Specialist Dermatologist, Aster Medical Centre, Sharjah, seborrheic eczema normally affects scalp, ears, face, middle of chest and back, and folds of skin, such as underarms, skin below the breast or groins.It affects 2-5 per cent of the population with the disease being more common among males. Infants, adolescents and middle-aged persons are usually affected.The cause of this skin ailment is complex, says Dr Thomas. Dandruff is thought to be due to a combination of an over-production of skin oil (sebum) and irritation from a yeast called malessizia. It can run in families. Stress, fatigue, extremes of temperatures (usually improves in summer and worsens in winter), oily skin, infrequent shampooing, skin disorders (such as acne and psoriasis), or obesity may increase the risk.”Seborrheic dermatitis (which includes dandruff) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin problem. The common symptoms of dandruff are: yellowish greasy scales involving almost the entire scalp, in severe forms it may spread beyond the hairy scalp, in infants it may affect the scalp, called cradle cap and people with dandruff may also experience irritation, itching and redness on the scalp.Common myths about dandruff are: Dandruff causes permanent hair loss, frequent oiling of the scalp will help to cure dandruff and dandruff is infectious.“This chronic disease requires initial therapy followed by regular maintenance therapy. Topical low-dose corticosteroid and anti-fungal preparations are used initially with medicated shampoos. Symptoms usually disappear in a couple of days. Maintenance of the results are achieved by regular shampooing (twice a week). Common antidandruff shampoos include selenium sulfide, ciclopirox, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithrone, tar, salicylic acid etc.”Dandruff affecting the eyelashes can be very disturbing. Scrubbing the eyelashes with baby shampoo on a cotton swab may help. Specific ophthalmic medications including cortisone creams or drops should be used only under medical supervision.