Dandruff is a cosmetic problem that affects many people. It can be an embarrassing social problem in chronic conditions where white flakes can be seen on clothes and skin as well. This condition is easily minimized by using the right medicated shampoo or by just washing your hair regularly.
Hair Fall
Dandruff is most often accompanied with hair fall due to excessive scratching. If you are scratching your scalp the old hair becomes loose and falls out of the follicle. This is not something that should cause a lot of concern unless the amount of hair fall is substantial. Most people lose about 100 strands every day. Vigorous brushing can also cause the hair to fall out of the follicles.
Itching
Dandruff is almost always accompanied with an itchy scalp when the cause is a dry scalp. Fungal infections can also cause dandruff where the fungus feeds on these cells and causes itching. According MayoClinic.com, other causes of dandruff include sensitivity to hair products or regular use of chemicals, which tend to burn the scalp.
Treatment
Over the counter shampoos and dandruff treatments usually do a good job in treating dandruff. Sometimes just changing you shampoo and washing your hair regularly is enough. However, if this does not work, then you may want to consult a dermatologist for dermatitis, which is a skin condition that has symptoms similar to dandruff, causing dry, flaky skin.
Natural Remedies
A number of natural remedies are helpful in treating dandruff. If dry scalp is causing dandruff, then massage your scalp with warm oil and wash after 20 minutes. You can also add 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar when shampooing to alleviate dandruff. MayoClinic.com also suggests getting a little sun is helpful in getting rid of dandruff.
Considerations
If the dandruff treatments do not seem to help and you are noticing waxy flakes, then it may be a fungal infection, which can be treated by using prescription anti dandruff treatments. You should contact your doctor if you see no improvement after using anti-dandruff treatments.
