Our body continuously sheds dead skin cells, as a natural process. This also
takes place with the skin cells on the scalp. Dead cells of the scalp are
pushed out to the surface of the skin. When the scalp cells shed themselves at
a rapid rate, it leads to the problem of dandruff. This rapid dead cell
turnover appears as flaky bits that can be annoying and embarrassing. The
dandruff scales may appear as dry and grayish flakes that are found throughout
the hair. It is essential though to identify that the condition is dandruff and
not psoriasis.
A microorganism called pityrosporum-ovle is identified to be the cause for
dandruff. This organism is found in low numbers in all healthy scalps. But
excessively oily scalps with increased scaling can cause these yeast organisms
to multiply manifold and lead to dandruff and itching and inflammation.
Millions of people are plagued by dandruff problem and the causes for this are
many. Some persons may suffer hormonal imbalance or allergic hypersensitivity.
Emotional stress and lack of rest may also bring on a bout of acute dandruff.
Some people are hereditarily prone to dandruff. Many a time the cause of
dandruff may be the improper and excessive use of hair products such as hair
sprays and gels. Inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair may also be a cause
for increased dandruff. Excessive exposure to dust and UV light or harsh
chemicals and hair dyes can lead to a prolific increase in the number of
microbes that can leave a residue on the scalp and aggravate the dandruff
condition.
A sudden change in weather can bring about a bout of dandruff. Sometimes food
allergies or excessive sweating have known to aggravate dandruff. Dandruff is
usually present on oily scalps. Oily scalps tend to be a breeding ground for
dandruff infection since the pityrosporum-ovle get the fatty acids necessary
for their survival from the oils secreted by the sebaceous glands. In such an
environment, the yeast infection multiplies and grows. Since sebum is not
produced in large quantities until puberty, it is rare to see young children
afflicted with dandruff.
Dandruff Shampoo
The vital elements in dandruff shampoos are anti-microbials. This can be in
the form of zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole. Dandruff
shampoos containing selenium sulphide or sulfur must be avoided by people who
have colored hair. Another element that can be useful in treating dandruff is
coal tar, which can slow down the growth of skin cells. A person suffering from
dandruff may experience intense itching or some inflammation.
Dandruff shampoos are effective in curing dandruff by reducing the growth of
cells. Dandruff shampoos must be left on for about five minutes and then rinsed
off. Massage the scalp gently to loosen the flakes. Any hair product must be
thoroughly rinsed off so as to prevent buildup. This ensures effective
treatment of dandruff. Some well-known dandruff shampoos:
- Selenium sulfide- based dandruff shampoos such as Selsun and Exsel kill yeast and inhibit dead cell turnover.
- Salicylic acid dandruff shampoos such as T-Sal, Ionil and Sebulex are sometimes harsh and may leave the scalp excessively dry.
- Popular dandruff shampoos such as Head and Shoulders and Zincon contain Zinc pyrithione.
- Tegrin, Sebutone, Ionil and Z-Tar and T-Gel shampoos contain coal tar.
- Shampoos containing Ketoconazole such as Nizoral have been known to attack yeast and fungal infections and thereby control dandruff.
Dandruff Cure
Most of the time, dandruff is cured by over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.
Since zinc is effective in curing dandruff, a person suffering from acute
dandruff would do well to take a zinc vitamin supplement to promote healthy
hair and skin. The beneficial effects of beta-carotene on skin care and hair
care are well known. The dandruff solution for an acute breakout is the use of
steroid lotions such as Temovate, Lidex, Synalar, betamethasone valerate, or
Dermasmoothe. These lotions must be taken under prescription.
This type of dandruff treatment is applied to the scalp on dampened hair at
bedtime. Hydrocortisone cream is prescribed for persons suffering acute
dandruff problem. Including sources of biotin in your diet - whole grains,
nuts, sardines, liver, cauliflower, bananas and mushroom and yeast can also
help in treating dandruff. Including nutritional supplements such as Vitamins A
and B complex as well as Omega 6 is also recommended in the overall solution to
dandruff.
If you are seeking to get rid of dandruff and want some home remedies and
solutions, look no further:
- Aloe Vera gel is said to cure dandruff.
- Lime juice is applied to the scalp to control dandruff.
- Another home remedy is to boil a handful of neem leaves in some water. This can be filtered and used to rinse the hair. The medicinal properties of neem can help you get rid of dandruff.
- A mixture of vinegar and water applied on the scalp is a home remedy to treat dandruff.
- Boil a mixture of 4-5 dried thyme and two cups of water for 10 minutes. When the mixture cools down, massage it on the scalp and leave it for half an hour. Wash it afterwards and see the results. You will have a dandruff-free head.
- You can also soak ground fenugreek seeds overnight in water and massage the paste on the head, leaving it for a few minutes. Wash it afterwards using a mild shampoo.
- Massage your scalp with a mixture of almond oil and olive oil. Wash and rinse thoroughly. This home remedy can prove effective as a dandruff treatment.
- Another effective home remedy to get rid of dandruff is to apply pour apple cider vinegar on to the hair and scalp and wrap the hair in a towel. After an hour, rinse and wash your hair thoroughly.
- Applying flaxseed oil or Vitamin E oil on the scalp at night and washing off in the morning is also known to cure dandruff as well as soothe and nourish the scalp.
- Adding grapefruit seed
extract or tea tree oil to your shampoo is effective in dandruff
treatment.
