Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes flaking of the skin of the scalp which is followed by mild itching and that is why treatment of dandruff is necessary, sometime.
It also becomes a social or self-esteem problem. Dandruff affects about half of the adult population in the world. This condition may worsen in the winter. Males are more commonly affected by dandruff than females.
A more severe form of dandruff is known as seborrheic dermatitis, which includes inflammation of the skin of the scalp.
Signs and Symptoms of dandruff
Signs & Symptoms of dandruff depend on the type of disorder behind that. Here are some commonly noticed signs & symptoms of dandruff that are experienced by many people.
• Itchy scalp – The most common symptom of dandruff is an itchy scalp. The itching is caused by the due formation of dry flakes on the skin of the scalp. These visible flakes are the result of dead cells formed on the scalp.
• Patches on skin – Red and greasy patches on the skin of the scalp and a tingly feeling on the scalp are also symptoms.
• Hair fall –
In some cases, hair fall may occur due to dandruff in the hair. We generally lose 30-50 hair every day, which is normal, but in the case of dandruff, this range of hair loss can be increased which is an alarming symptom.
• Dry and Dull Hair – Dandruff extracts the oil from the scalp, which causes lifeless and dry hair. Hair starts appearing dull and unmanageable even after proper brushing.
Causes of dandruff
The exact causes of dandruff are unknown but believed to involve several genetic and environmental factors. It is not due to poor hygiene. The underlying mechanism involves the overgrowth of skin cells of the scalp.
Some possible causes are:
1. Seborrheic dermatitis
It is a skin disease where people have irritated and oily skin that causes dandruff.
The skin may become red & oily and secured with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis is firmly connected with Malassezia, a growth that regularly lives on the scalp and sustains the oils that the hair follicles emit.
It doesn’t more often than not cause an issue; however, in a few people it ends up plainly overactive, making the scalp to create additional skin cells. When these skin cells die and fall off, they form dandruff after mixing with the oil from the hair and scalp.
2. Not enough hair brushing
Brushing or combing the hair consistently diminishes the danger of dandruff since it helps in the ordinary shedding of skin.
3. Dry skin
Dandruff is common in people who are having dry skin. When overheated rooms combine the cold winter air, skin becomes drier and leaves itchy flakes of dandruff. Dandruff flakes are smaller and non-oily, that sheds from dry skin.
4. Shampooing and skincare products
Certain hair care products loaded with harmful chemicals can trigger a red, itchy, scaling scalp.
5. Some skin conditions:
Psoriasis, eczema, and some other skin disorders may tend to get dandruff more frequently than others. Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that can cause dandruff.
Not sufficiently taking nourishment that contains zinc, B vitamins, and a few sorts of fats may increase the risk of developing dandruff.
There may be a link between stress and many skin problems.
Dandruff is more likely from adolescence through middle age, although it can be life-long. Blame it on the hormones, men are more commonly affected by dandruff than women.
According to a study, bacteria (mainly Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus) are more likely to form dandruff than fungi. Bacterial presence was in turn influenced by water and sebum amount.
Complications of dandruff
Usually, dandruff does not cause any complications. The possible reasons for any complications can be:
If there is any broken skin on the scalp, it can cause infection to the scalp. If the skin on the scalp becomes excessively itchy, the constant scratching can break open the skin a little, which is how the bacteria can enter and cause an infection.
2. Adverse reaction on skin
The most likely complication is an adverse reaction to any treatments you may be using. If you have sensitive skin and your scalp/face becomes irritated or inflamed by the medicated shampoo, you need to stop using it and consult your doctor to find a more appropriate treatment option.
3. Acne and Pimples
Although not directly related to scalp or hair, you might notice a sudden outbreak of pimples and acne when having dandruff. Many individuals with the issue of pimples have gotten rid of it only after getting rid of dandruff.
How to Remove Dandruff? (Treatment of dandruff)
Everyone wants to know – How to get rid of dandruff? But, there is no known cure. Treatments of dandruff depend on the type of cause for dandruff. Following are some home-based treatments for different types of dandruff.
1. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
There are many options in the market when you look for an anti-dandruff shampoo. But you should try to pick a mild and natural one so that you can shampoo as often as needed.
A mild anti-dandruff shampoo will help to remove the flakes from the scalp while restoring the natural sheen and luster of the hair. Shampoo containing Aloe Vera, Dead Sea Salt, Tea tree, chamomilla, and other natural herbs are beneficial for the dry & itchy scalp.
You should leave the shampoos on the scalp for around 5 minutes, so that its ingredients may get enough time to work on the flaky and itchy scalp.
2. Curd and Lemon for the treatment of dandruff
Lemon and curd form the best dandruff remedies at home for cure of dandruff. Add a few drops of lemon into the curd and apply the mixture to the scalp. Leave this pack at least for half an hour, and wash it off gently with water.
For better results, you should repeat this method three times a week.
3. Anti-fungal treatment
Anti-fungal treatments including ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and selenium disulfide have been found to be effective. But you should always use these types of products after consulting your physician.
4. Coal tar for the treatment of dandruff
Coal Tar causes the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer and slows skin cell growth.
Always try to treat your problem naturally. Try some homemade solution to treat dandruff and itchy scalp. Use natural & effective Shampoo. Take a balanced and nutritious diet. Give importance to personal hygiene. For more help contact our specialist.
Be confident and look confident!
3 thoughts on “How to Remove Dandruff – Cause and Treatment of Dandruff”
Every winter, i suffer from dandruff. I just hate it.
Nice work! Keep it up.