Dandruff Cure - How to Get Rid of Dandruff

Definition

Dandruff is also called as scurf and it is historically termed as pityriasis capitis. Dandruff is caused due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation.

The good news is that dandruff can usually be controlled. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. What's more, researchers have identified a yeast-like fungus that may cause or aggravate dandruff, a discovery that may lead to better treatments.

Causes

1. Hormonal imbalance may be one cause of dandruff. This makes the body to release more dead skin in scalp.
2. Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair may also be the cause.
3. Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of hot hair curlers or curling irons.
4. Dandruff can be a manifestation of an allergic reaction to chemicals in hair gels, hair oils, or hair sprays.
5. It may be result of fungus called malassezia. Malassezia lives on the scalps of most healthy adults without causing problems. But sometimes it grows out of control, feeding on the oils secreted by your hair follicles and causing irritation that leads to dandruff.
6. Emotional tension or stress may also lead to the dandruff in hairs.

Symptoms

1. Dry skin: The dry skin may be the result of cold weather or room overheating. But flakes from dry skin are generally smaller and less oily than those caused by dandruff.
2. Contact dermatitis: the disease contact dermatitis may be the result of the dandruff in the hair. The red, itchy and scaling scalp is the symptoms.
3. Plaques may include the scalp, eyebrows, nose, forehead, or ears
4. Hair loss may also be associated with this disease.
5. Dandruff is white, oily-looking patches like on the scalp, which flake off.

Treatment

1. Zinc pyrithione shampoos can be used to cure dandruff. These contain the antibacterial and anti-fungal agent zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
2. Coal tar, a byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing cell turnover.
3. The use of a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.
4. The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff.
5. Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed, or tinned fruits should not be taken.
6. Anti-fungal shampoos containing ketoconazole work well for dandruff.
7. If dandruff or itchy scalp persists for 3 weeks or the scalp becomes irritated or severely itchy, seek advice from a doctor.

Related topic

• Home remedies for dandruff

Recommended Ebook for dandruff

Dandruff Ebook - an e-book detailing the background knowledge of herbal dandruff solution, the ingredients, the preparation and application method.