What is Dandruff?
Dandruff which is also known as seborrheic dermatitis is the excess shedding of the top layer of the skin on the scalp, eyebrows or along sides of the nose. The above top layer of the skin is made up of dead cells that preserve the more fragile cells below. It is common for them to be shed or brushed off because the body is constantly producing new cells that simply move up to replace older ones. In dandruff, however, larger “scales” are being shed at an increased rate.
Dandruff is primarily an esthetic problem that many people would find unappealing or embarrassing. There’s nothing medically serious about it. It is not going to lead to hair loss, and it is not contagious. Itching may accompany peanuts. Hair follicles (roots of hair shafts) are not usually infected.
Dandruff occurs frequently both in men and women. It generally increases and reduces in adolescence and young adulthood. Someone with acne or oily skin also tend to have more problems with dandruff. Dandruff helps improve during the summer season, only if the weather is extremely warm and humid. Exposed to natural sunlight and reduced stress could help to control it.
Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff is caused when a type of fungus called Malassezia begins to grow on the scalp. However, this can result in scalp damage and can cause some severe dryness. There is a different type of dandruff wherein the scalp begins to produce more oil and as result dandruff appears to be more sticky and oily on the hair. There are some of the major causes of dandruff:
- Irregular Brushing and hair washing
- Not using shampoo constantly
- Stress and any kind of mental illness
- Parkinson’s Disease
Treatment
If dandruff and itching are prolonged or if condition worsens, it might be a good idea to see a doctor. They can understand the core problem that will respond to a particular diagnosis. Numerous over-the-counter products will help handle flaking and itchiness in the case of mild dandruff without a specific cause.
Before using an anti-dandruff shampoo, individuals should thoroughly try to eliminate as many gums or crusty patches of the hairline as possible. This will make the shampoo more efficient. Softly choose a comb or hairbrush to remove loose scales or flakes, and then wash with a medicated shampoo. Be careful not to replace patches or plaques too aggressively, as this may irritate your condition.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms with dandruff a person might notice are white flakes of dead skin in the hair on shoulder areas. The scalp may also become itchy and scaly.
Some other signs a person may show are:
- Dry, flaky skin which gets worse in cold weather
- Dry skin on face, forehead, ears and eyebrows
- Flaky skin on the chest or other parts of the body that have hair
- Greasy or oily areas of skin on the scalp or some other parts of the body.
- Mild redness in the affected area
- Temporary hair loss
Home remedies to Treat Dandruff
There seem to be a lot of home remedies that you can use on a regular basis, and that this will help get rid of dandruff forever. Even so, in order to do all this, you need to prepare certain ingredients and mix them all in an appropriate way. Once these are done, there’s a recommended way you need to apply it, and this will help you get rid of those nasty flakes that lower your confidence.
Here are lists of remedies that will help you to get rid of Dandruff completely:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Trying to treat dandruff at home requires a way of mixing the ingredients. Once you’ve combined all the ingredients in the correct manner, you can apply it. ACV is said to be one of the powerful organic remedies for the treatment of severe dandruff. There has been, however, a prescribed manner where you’d have to start preparing the paste. Here are some easy steps you need to know when preparing apple cider vinegar.
Preparation of Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Add apple cider vinegar to water
- After washing your hair, apply the mixture to your wet hair
- Gently massage your hair after mixing it
- Leave it to dry for 15 mins and wash it off.
Mehndi
Dandruff can be cured with the help of mehndi. Mehndi will work well on the hair and will help to soften the hair.
Preparation of Mehndi:
- Mix mehndi with curd and add a little bit of lemon juice
- Once the mixture is form keep the mixture for at least 8 hours
- After 8 hours it can be directly applied on the hair
- Dry the mehndi for 2 hours and wash it properly
Coconut oil with lemon
Coconut oil is also said to keep your hair nourished, and when it’s combined with just a little lemon juice, this can cure dandruff. It’s also an easy natural remedy to get rid of those tiny flakes that pull your trust down.
Preparation of coconut oil with lemon:
- Heat 2 tablespoon of coconut oil and mix it equally with the mixture of lemon juice
- Apply it on the scalp and massage your hair gently
- Leave for 20 minutes and rinse it off with shampoo
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are used for preventing dandruff. Fenugreek is said to help individuals suffer from severe blood sugar and strengthens testosterone and milk production for mothers. Fenugreek has numerous benefits, such as regulating cholesterol levels and keeps your appetite in check.
Preparation of Fenugreek seeds:
- Soak fenugreek seeds for overnight.
- In the morning blend it into a paste and add little lemon juice to the paste and mix it well
- Apply it on your hair and leave it for 30 minutes
- Wash your hair with shampoo
Myths and Facts on Dandruff
Myths
- Dandruff always comes from having a dry scalp
- Oil treatment can make clear up dandruff
- Before shampoo removing flakes will help out
- A person must wash their hair very often if they are having dandruff
- No need of exfoliating your scalp
- Dandruff is worse in summer
Facts
- Dandruff is a very common medical condition that almost all people have experienced at some point in their lives, regardless of age or ethnicity.
- Dandruff will affect the hair-bearing area or area with small hair follicles.
- Dandruff is seen in all ages from baby to an elderly person.
- Dandruff looks like a dry and fine flaky skin on the scalp.
- A person must rinse his hair 3 times in a week to get rid of dandruff
Other factors
Some other factors that can cause risk are:
- Winter temperature extremes can be a combination of cold weather and overstressed rooms.
- Inappropriate hair brushing, as brushing helps to dead skin cells
- Stress Relieve
- Age, as psoriasis is more likely to take place between adolescence and mid-life
- Hormonal factors as this is the most common factor found in male
FAQs
Choose anti-dandruff shampoo which contains zinc pyrithione. This will work as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.