Dandruff

Dandruff

Simons 5 tips:

Limit use of harsh hair products eg. hair colours etc
Take time to brush hair gently and regularly (distributes natural oils and stimulates blood flow to the scalp)
Use an antifungal treatment shampoo eg Sebizole (ketakonazole 2%) or Itchy Scalp Shampoo
Switch to a gentler shampoo
Seek further medical advice if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, or redness or scaly skin develops

Dandruff is the term used to describe the shedding of large amounts of flakes of scalp from the scalp. It is particularly noticeable when we wear dark clothing because it shows as a shower of small white flakes. Normally a small amount of flaking of dead skin occurs and it is removed either by brushing or shampooing them away.

The increase in dead scalp flakes is usually caused by the scalp producing more layers of skin because it is affected by a fungal infection or from seborrhoeic dermatitis. Normally the skin covering the scalp falls off gradually and isn’t generally noticed on the clothing. When someone has dandruff caused by a fungal infection (malassiza yeast), the skin produces more flakes and the scalp is often greasy and itchy. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is related to eczema or psoriasis but affects areas producing sebum, such as the scalp. People with eczema elsewhere on their body may also suffer from this inflammatory condition, which is also helped by antifungal treatments that treat dandruff.

Dandruff is generally worse in the winter months, as it appears to be relieved by exposure to sunlight. The condition may spread to other hairy areas, noticeably the eyebrows, eyelashes, face, armpits and groin. Dandruff is not a contagious condition, so is not transmitted from person to person, and is not a reflection of personal hygiene.

Flaking skin on the scalp should first be treated with antifungal shampoos containing zinc, selenium or a specific antifungal agent called ketoconazole. The shampoo should be applied to the scalp and left in contact with the scalp for several minutes before rinsing off. If used in the shower then the scalp should be shampooed at the beginning and rinsed off at the end of the shower to allow reasonable contact time with the scalp. Shampoo containing zinc or selenium may be used daily if required, but those containing ketoconazole should only be used twice a week. All dandruff treatment should be continued for four weeks after symptoms have cleared, then may be used each week to ensure the symptoms do not recur. Ongoing treatment with shampoo or conditioning preparations that contain tar as an antiseptic may also be helpful.

If you or anyone in your family is bothered by flaking scalp then consult your community pharmacist. They can help with treatment and advice for this embarrassing condition, or refer you for further treatment if the condition becomes severe or appears to be unrelieved by treatment.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

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