Berets and Dandruff

Dandruff (Latin: Pityriasis simplex capillitii) is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and common; about 487,000 cells/cm2 get released normally after detergent treatment. 

Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, up to 800,000 cells/cm2, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos.

 Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the pre-pubertal age and of any sex and ethnicity. In some cultures dandruff is considered aesthetically displeasing. It often causes itching. It has been well established that keratinocytes play a key role in the expression and generation of immunological reactions during dandruff formation. The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with season as it often worsens in winter.

Those affected by dandruff find that it can cause social or self-esteem problems. Treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons.

Research by the US Army (of all places), found that a weekly dose of 5ml alcohol based zinc solution, sprayed on the inside of the beret cures dandruff in 87% of all cases within 30 days. The combination of wool's natural breath-ability, zinc, lanolin and the natural oils present in wool have been trialed over a 3 year period and are now released by the US Army Dept. of Scientific Field Research.