Dandruff is a scalp condition that many people experience at some point. If you have dandruff, don't despair, because there are many treatments that can control the problem. Dandruff appears as white, dry scales that can result in flakes that fall on your clothing and cause an annoying scalp itch.
Identification
Dandruff is the result of excessive dry skin that sheds from your scalp. There is usually no redness or scabbing with dandruff. It is a non-contagious dry scalp condition that is usually worse during colder months. The microorganism that causes dandruff is known as pityorosporum ovale. More serious cases of dandruff may be caused by a yeast-forming organism called malassezia on the scalp, according to the American Osteopathic College Of Dermatology.
Causes
Dandruff can be caused by several conditions, such as dry, cold winter air and overheated rooms. Seborrheic dermatitis results in red, greasy looking skin covered by white, flaky or yellow scales. If this condition affects your scalp, it can appear as dandruff, as can eczema. Not shampooing your hair enough can also result in dandruff because of the build-up of oils and skin cells on your scalp. Other causes are psoriasis, an accumulation of dead skin cells, and contact dermatitis, a skin reaction caused by certain hair or skin products, reports MayoClinic.com.
Risk Factors
Dandruff tends to start during young adulthood and can last into middle age. Males are more susceptible to dandruff because of their hormones. If your scalp is oily, the fungus malessezia, which is present on the scalps of many healthy people, may feed on the oils, increasing the risk of dandruff. You can get dandruff if your diet is lacking in zinc, B vitamins and healthy fats. Certain illnesses and conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, stress, heart attack, stoke or a compromised immune system, may cause of dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com.
Why Dandruff Itches
When the microorganism pityrosporum ovale feeds on the oils of your scalp, it causes them to release pro-inflammatory free fatty acids that result in inflammation and hypersensitivity, and this causes the itch. This micro-organism can also release toxic chemicals, which contribute to fungal infections.
Commercial Treatments
Shampoos made with selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione or nizorol A-D can help control your dandruff. Tar- or sulfur-based shampoos are also used to prevent dandruff. Alternating among two or three shampoos containing these chemicals may control your dandruff more efficiently.
Natural Remedies
Apply coconut oil to your scalp at bedtime. in the morning, apply a small mixture of lemon juice and vinegar to your scalp with a cotton ball before washing it out. Mix a cup of warm water with the juice of one lemon as your last rinse. Henna, alma and shikakai powders can also control dandruff, because they have natural astringent and anti-fungal properties. Make a pack by mixing one of the powders or a combination with warm water and apple cider vinegar in equal parts, then allow the mixture to sit overnight. The pack should have the consistency of mashed potatoes. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, and cover your head with a plastic cap. Leave the pack on for about three hours before rinsing it out.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Dandruff
- American Osteopathic College Of Dermatology: Dandruff
- Natural Home Remedies.com: Natural Home Remedies For Dandruff
- Henna For Hair: Emblica Officinalis, Alma Powder
- Apex International: Shikakai Powder
- Himalaya Health Care: Evaluation Of The Clinical Efficacy And Safety Of Anti-Dandruff Shampoo In The Treatment Of Dandruff
