If you're one of those people who are
unfortunate enough to suffer from dandruff, you've probably
already discovered how much of a nuisance it is in your
everyday life. Not only does it undermine your self-esteem
but it limits your wardrobe to light-colored clothing to
camouflage the unsightly flakes.
So what is dandruff and how can you get
rid of the itchy scalp and flaking that occurs? The answer
is not that simple because why you have dandruff may be a
mystery and the treatment may depend on the cause. Read on.
The Causes
Doctors dispute the actual causes of
dandruff and there is no definite reason given for those
annoying oily or dry flakes on the scalp that soon appear in
your hair. Your scalp sheds cells in a natural process but
for some people, excessive flaking occurs when dead skin
cells are shed at an increased rate.
Different theories include overactive oil
glands, clogged oil glands, stress, diet, hormonal imbalance,
poor hygiene, and possibly a fungus such as P. Ovale.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the fungus is often present in
dandruff but may not cause it. The dandruff may, in fact, be
causing the fungus.
Dandruff Treatments
Dandruff is not a threat to your health or
life, is not contagious and does not cause your hair to fall
out or (yikes!) complete balding. Getting rid of dandruff is
beneficial to relieve an itchy scalp and for cosmetic
reasons. If something's not right, it makes perfect sense to
seek help.
Keep in mind that there is no definitive
cure but there are several ways to manage it and keep in
under control. Some dandruff treatments may work, some may
not. Sometimes, what worked before quits working and you
have to move on to another remedy.
If your flaking is not too bad, you can
start by washing your hair more often in tepid water with a
mild shampoo. Every time you shampoo and condition your hair,
make sure you rinse thoroughly to ensure there is no product
left in your hair. Products not properly rinsed out can be a
single cause of flaking. Avoid styling products that contain
alcohol and use hair spray sparingly.
For serious dandruff, there are many
products on the market today that contain salicylic acid,
selenium sulfide, or coal tar to help control remove the
dead cells and control any fungus. The cost is higher than
other shampoos but it may be cheaper then visiting your
dermatologist. Follow the directions carefully and massage
thoroughly into your scalp for maximum results. Again, some
shampoos may quit working and you may need to try another
type.
See your dermatologist if symptoms
persist. There may be an underlying cause of excessive
flaking such as psoriasis or seborrhea dermatitis in which
over-the-counter treatments are not very effective. Whilst
prescription medications and shampoos can greatly reduce
discomfort and ease symptoms, a cure is not guaranteed.
Home Remedies
There are many things you can do at home
to increase you chances of success. Changes in your diet
should include reducing your sugar intake and possibly
yeast. You probably won't see results quickly but over time,
it can help.
Get proper rest and do all that you can to
reduce stress. You may need to put something on hold and
take some time to relax. Again, results won't be immediate
but reducing stress can not only be good for fighting
dandruff, it's beneficial to your overall health.
Listerine mouthwash can be used because of
it's antiseptic ability to reduce germs and fungus. It can
irritate your scalp so don't apply it if you have a "raw"
scalp or any open sores.
Aloe Vera is a popular home remedy for a
large variety of skin conditions and dandruff is no
exception. The best natural remedy is to take the gel from
Aloe Vera leaves, apply it directly to your scalp and leave
in for hours at a time or overnight, followed by shampooing.
Look for tree oil shampoo at a store that
specializes in natural and organic products. Known for it's
antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal abilities, tree oil
shampoo can be effective in treating dandruff. If your scalp
is sore, test a spot first to see if it causes further
irritation or allergies.
When babies have dry, thick flaking on
their scalp, it's known as "cradle cap." Often, rubbing baby
oil over their scalp softens the flakes for removal and
helps prevent more from forming. For small areas, adults can
try this too.
