Dandruff is a condition that is characterized by white, dry, scaly flakes of skin that form on your scalp. Dandruff flakes are often visible in the hair and fall onto your shoulders. Dandruff can be present in people of any age, and is usually not serious enough to require a medical diagnosis. Dandruff has no cure, but certain treatments including modifying your diet may offer some help.
Potential Causes
Dandruff has been associated with several different causes including oily skin, Parkinson's disease, hormonal changes, stress, immunodeficiency disorders and poor hair hygiene. The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine says that a fungus that is common to everyone's scalp may create dandruff on people who have naturally oily skin.
Foods that Help
Foods that may offer help to those who suffer from dandruff include those that are higher in zinc, B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods containing these nutrients include red meat, oysters, cheese, shrimp, crab, poultry, peas, beans, black-eyed peas, eggs, dairy and leafy greens. Different people will likely get different results, so experimentation may be a key to find the right foods that will help you.
Foods to Avoid
Fungus-forming foods such as refined sugar and yeast should be avoided if you are trying to control dandruff. These include breads, pastries, doughnuts, sugary cereals, snack foods and sodas. Foods that are high in saturated fat and trans fat should also be avoided, as they cause the sebaceous glands to be more active, says Duke University.
Dandruff Treatments
Using special shampoos to help control dandruff is a common treatment. Many over-the-counter shampoos are available that claim to help reduce dandruff flakes. Shampoos with either selenium sulfide, salicylic acid or pyrithione zinc applied regularly will offer the best relief. If your lifestyle includes a high amount of stress, take measures to reduce your stress levels. Include yoga, meditation, tai chi, or other relaxing form of exercise to your routine to calm your body and mind.
Considerations
While dandruff is generally a minor problem, it is possible for medical attention to be required. If your dandruff is accompanied by a persistent itchy or irritated scalp that doesn't improve with over the counter treatments, contact your physician to determine if there may be an underlying cause.
