The exact cause of dandruff, is unknown. However, most experts do agree that it is not caused by poor hygiene.
Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that causes flakes of skin to appear. Dandruff is a common condition, which is marked by itching. In some cases it can be embarrassing and not easy to treat.
People with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. People with dandruff caused by dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; the flakes are not oily.
Some people think their dandruff is caused by their scalp being too dry. They try to deal with this by not washing their hair with shampoo, or wash it less often, believing that washing worsens the problem. This is a myth (not true). Dandruff differs from a dry scalp in that it usually gets better when you shampoo more frequently
People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff, so it is logical to assume that yeast may play a part.
Yeast-sensitive people who get dandruff find that it gets better during the warmer months and worse during the winter.
People who do not comb/brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff - this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provides.
Irritated, oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis). This condition, one of the most frequent causes of dandruff, is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis may affect not only your scalp, but also other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, the sides of your nose and the backs of your ears, your breastbone, your groin area, and sometimes your armpits
Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick, silvery scales. Psoriasis commonly occurs on your knees, elbows and trunk, but it can also affect your scalp.
Eczema. If you have eczema anywhere on your body, it could also be on your scalp, possibly leading to the development of dandruff.
Certain illnesses. For reasons that aren't clear, adults with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
Oily hair and scalp. Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp. For that reason, having excessively oily skin and hair makes you more prone to dandruff.
Poor diet. If your diet lacks foods high in zinc, B vitamins or certain types of fats, you may be more likely to have dandruff.
Treatments
In general, daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and skin cell buildup can often help mild dandruff.
But dandruff shampoos aren't all alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that works for you. If you develop itching, stinging, redness or burning from any of these products, discontinue use.
Healing shampoo
If you've shampooed faithfully for several weeks and there's still a dusting of dandruff on your shoulders, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. You may need a prescription-strength shampoo or treatment with a steroid lotion.
Zinc pyrithione shampoos: These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which can reduce the fungus on your scalp that can cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Tea tree oil, which comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agent. It's now included in a number of shampoos found in natural foods stores
Tar-based shampoos . Coal tar, a byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing how quickly skin cells on your scalp die and flake off.Using a conditioner after shampooing can help relieve dryness.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid: These "scalp scrubs" help eliminate scale, but they may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking.
Selenium sulfide shampoos ( Selsun Blue). These shampoos slow your skin cells from dying and may also reduce malassezia. Because they can discolor blond, gray or chemically colored hair, be sure to use them only as directed, and rinse well after shampooing.
Ketoconazole shampoos ( Nizoral). Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail.
Home Remedies
•Salt: The abrasiveness of ordinary table salt works great for scrubbing out dandruff before you shampoo. Grab a saltshaker and shake some salt onto your dry scalp. Then work it through your hair, giving your scalp a massage. You’ll find you’ve worked out the dry, flaky skin and are ready for a shampoo.
• Lemon: Juice out half a lemon which is approximately 2-2 and a half spoons and dilute it with the water of your last rinse. This not only leaves a refreshing smell in your hair, but also helps you get rid off the stickiness. This works great for the oily heads.
• Mouthwash: To treat a bad case of dandruff, wash your hair with your regular shampoo; then rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash. You can follow with your regular conditioner.
• Beets: The roots and the tops of beet must be boiled in water and this solution must be massage into the hair scalp every night. Use a white beet particularly for this.
• Cider vinegar: Dilute water and cider vinegar in equivalent quantities and apply on the hair with cotton whilst shampooing. Add some cider vinegar in your last rinse water too.
• Olive oil: Massage with olive oil to prevent dried and flaked scalp. But this has to be done post shower.
• Baking Soda: To get dandruff under control, wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Do this every time you normally wash your hair, but only use baking soda, no shampoo. Your hair may get dried out at first. But after a few weeks your scalp will start producing natural oils, leaving your hair softer and free of flakes.
• Aspirin, Is your dandruff problem getting you down? Keep it in check by crushing two aspirins to a fine powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time you wash your hair. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.
Home recipe
1-INGREDIENTS: Coconut oil
hot water
INSTRUCTIONS: Apply to scalp and scrub dead skin with fingers or
brush then hold head under hot water in shower for at least
15 minutes You should see immediate results that last 6 month to a
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2- INGREDIENTS: Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil (or any other baby oil)
INSTRUCTIONS: Best to apply over the whole head in the evening and leave until the morning.You will not have to repeat to many times, but do daily until all dandruff is gone.
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3- INGREDIENTS: 1 tblspn of Olive oil
1 tspn of limejuice
1 Terry towel
INSTRUCTIONS: Mix 1 tblspn of Olive oil with 1 tspn of limejuice. Apply well on the
scalp and cover the head by tying an terry towel .Keep it on overnight and shampoo the next morning
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4- INGREDIENTS: Aloe vera, Aloe vera shampoo
INSTRUCTIONS: Put the aloe vera gel where there is lots of
dandruff.Leave it for ten minutes. Then use a shampoo called Palmolive naturals Aloe vera shampoo and aplly the shampoo on your hair. Rinse your hair with water.
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INGREDIENTS: Baking Soda
Shampoo
INSTRUCTIONS: Add the baking soda to the shampoo. Mix Well. Leave it on till it starts burning. If it don't start to burn its not working.shampoo and aplly the shampoo on your hair. Rinse your hair with water.
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