What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is the excessive or prominent shedding of head of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff can be chronic (long term),or the result of certain triggers. People with dandruff may also experience irritation and redness on the scalp.
Almost anyone can have dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible
Not enough hair brushing –
People who do not comb/brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff -this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provided.
Dry Skin –
people with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often.
Certain skin Conditions –
People with Psoriasis, eczema and some other skin disorders to get dandruff much more frequently than other people.
Reaction to hair/skin care Product –
Some people react to same hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Many experts say that shampooing too often may cause dandruff as it can irritate the scalp.
Diet –
Some experts say that people do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, vitamin Bland some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.
Mental Stress –
Expert believes there is a link between stress and many skin problems
Other Lifestyle triggers: Include bathing in very hot water an unclean environment: poor quality of water in which you wash your hairs; excessive use of cosmetics, hair gels, dyes.
What Cause of dandruff?
The following conditions can predispose us to the dandruff Formation:
- Fungal overgrowth on hair (pityrosporum ovals or Malassezia globes)
Seborrhea dermatitis (Irrigated, oily skin)-this is a skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed or flaky .Seborrhea dermatitis of the scalp is a severe form of dandruff
. When babies have it, it is referred to as cradle cap.serborrheic dermatitis cause larger, grassier flakes than most other types of dandruff.seborrheic dermatitis affects not only the scalp, but yhe skin in other parts of body too.
How Do I treat Dandruff?
Dandruff cannot be cured, but can be controlled with regular hair washing, Particularly with medicated shampoos. These shampoos use a combination of ingredients which principally fall into following groups:
These regulate the abnormal shedding of skin from the scalp and also loosen the attachment of scalp and also loosen the attachment of scales to the scalp so that they are easily washed off. Some of these agents are ZPTO, salicylic acid, sculpture steroids and tar.
These decrease the fungal growth on the scalp, thus reducing dandruff. This category include ketoconazole, sertaconazole,cicclopirox olamine and selenium sulfide.
These are several naturopathic and herbal agents that claims to anti-dandruff and keratinolytic properties are mostly used in over- the- counter,
Anti- dandruff shampoos, either alone or in conjunction with one of than above agents.
How to Use Shampoo for the Treatment of Dandruff?
Treat dandruff Completely.Vey often, people use anti-dandruff remedies for week or so and soon as the dandruff shampoo should be used at least twice a week for six weeks. Continue till the problems reduces and then use once a week for at least four more weeks
More than the type or Brand of shampoo, correct application is the key. Wet your hair and apply the shampoo, gently massaging it onto the scalp for one two minutes. Leave it on For Five minutes before raising it off thoroughly. This should result in the scales being separated and washed off. Apply shampoo a second time if during the first application there wasn’t enough lather.
If you are prone to frequent recurrences of dandruff, continue to use an anti dandruff shampoo once a week on regular basis.
How can I reduce the appearance of dandruff In The First Place?
- Avoid Blow-drying your hair daily :
It will make your scalp dry and irritable, thus causing added flaking. If you do have to blow-dry your hair, keep the drier at least 10 inches away from he scalp.
- Avoid extremely hot water showers :
Very hot water can strip natural oils from the scalp, making it flake scalp.
What Are The Possible Complications Of Dandruff?
A person with dandruff of seborrieic dermatitis will hardly experience complications. If one were to occur, it would more likely to be caused by one of the Dandruff treatment.
If you find one of your dandruff shampoos, or scalp treatment is causing irritation, stop using it and ask your doctor to suggest another one.
Myths about Dandruff
Dandruff causes hair loss: Hair roots are much deeper in the scalp whereas dandruff is the result of superficial flaking. It is a very common condition and, not surprisingly, people with hair loss also suffer from it. However ,dandruff does not cause hair loss.
Dandruff is contiguous and can spread by sharing comb: You already have organisms which cause dandruff on your scalp, they just aren’t active. So you can’t get it from or give it to other.