Many people suffer from dandruff problems. More and more people are irritated with this chronic scalp disorder and they find that it can cause social or self-esteem problems. Dandruff is commonly found in people between the ages of 12 and 80. A cradle cap, a form of dandruff, can happen in newborns and infants.
What is dandruff (also called scurf and historically termed Pityriasis capitis)?What are its causes? It is described as small, loose flakes of dead skin on the scalp or trapped in the hair.
One may even experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation or scabbing. However, it is neither cause contagious disease nor balding. It is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. According to leading dermatologists or skin specialists, dandruff is a common skin condition which is brought about by flaking, itching, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp.
It is believed that dandruff is caused by a type of fungus. Scientists had identified new fungi of the Malassezia that seem to exist in overabundance on the scalps of those affected with the disease. When this fungus grows excessively on the scalp, it causes the scalp to flake and itch. Other possible causes are poor skin conditions (eczema, which causes increased shredding of normal scalp skin cells), poor diet, poor hygiene, genetic disposition (known as seborrheic dermatitis, aka seborrhea) and hormonal imbalances.
Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate hair rinsing, improper use of hair-drying products, cold weather, dry environment and tight fitting hats are some of the external contributors to dandruff.
There is no immediate cure for dandruff but it can be lessened and controlled. Here are some ways to get rid of the dandruff problem.
Dermatologists believe that washing one's hair regularly and using the correct type of shampoo helps. Use a medicated shampoo such as selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue), zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders, ZNP), or NizoralAD. For more severe cases, try tar (lonil T, T/gel, Pentrax) or sulfur (Meted or Sebulex). Purchase two or three and alternate them for best results. As dandruff is a nature process, it can only be reduced and controlled.
Avoid using hair products that contain alcohol, as they will dries out the scalp and worsened the dandruff problem. As onions are rich in sulfur in general, you can cut a fresh onion in half and rub it on the scalp. Though it looks strange, but it helps. You my also use a sulfur based soap to wash your hair once a week. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is also suggested to use to massage into the scalp, as this oil helps to relieve scaling and itching.
In mild dandruff, frequent washings alone can be helpful. For more serious and recalcitrant dandruff conditions, a tar shampoo should be used to reduce the growth of top skin cells on the scalp. For best result, it is recommended that the shampoo be left on the hair for at least 10 minutes until the end of the shower, then rinse, lather, and rinse again. The important thing is to ensure that the scalp is clean.
Before shampooing, brush your scalp carefully to loosen scales. Apart from this, the scalp should be massaged gently to loosen flakes and the hair and scalp rinsed thoroughly. Yoga headstands help improving circulation. Vigorous brushing of the scalp and hair is also recommended. Brushing the scalp with a good hair brush encourages blood circulation to the scalp and may deter dandruff. Alternating hot and cold water on the head also increases circulation of the scalp.
According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche, nutrition plays an important role in controlling dandruff. Dandruff can be caused by inefficient carbohydrates and fatty-acid metabolism. Diet supplement with B-complex vitamins which may alleviate dandruff condition.
For instance, nutritional yeast and raw wheat germ are two good sources of B vitamins. Eggs and cabbage are also preferred as they provide vitamin B6 in addition to supplying sulfur which is a nature's beauty mineral for the scalp. The intake of milk and other dairy products, seafood and fatty treats should be limited as these foods tend to exacerbate dandruff.
Reduce salt, sugar, alcohol and animal proteins in your diet helps eliminating dandruff problem. Alternatively, eat mostly whole grains, leafy fresh vegetables, beans and fruits. Consuming one tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily (flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids), which may be effective in curing a variety of skin conditions including dandruff.
By following these steps, dandruff will become less noticeable. Excessive use of hair curlers, hair sprays and gels and hair coloring products should be reduced, as these usages tend to irritate the scalp and may exacerbate dandruff condition. In contrary, take some preventive measures such as frequent hair washing, reducing stress and eating healthy foods to say no to dandruff.
