Dandruff- Causes and Treatment
By:
IndiaParenting
Plagued by
dandruff? Cheesed off by those dry white
flakes that just keep dropping off your head providing you with
your own mini snowfall in the midst of a sultry Indian summer?
You are not alone. In fact, research suggests that more people
have dandruff than those who do not.
Here’s what you can do to keep dandruff at bay so that you too
can dare to wear black without having to furtively dust your
shoulders every now and then. First, let us find out what causes
this condition:
Causes
There are many theories regarding the cause of dandruff.
Dead skin
One theory suggests that dandruff is a natural process, and is
caused by the flaking of the scalp. Just as the body sheds dead
skin, so does the scalp. When this skin is
shed at an excessive rate, it leads to dandruff.
Oily skin
It is a widely held belief that dandruff is caused by a dry
scalp. However, this is not always the case, and dandruff is
just as often caused by an oily scalp. The excessive oil forms a
layer on the scalp, which dries, thickens and flakes off in the
form of dandruff.
Perspiration
If you exercise regularly, you perspire more, which could also
lead to dandruff, especially if you do not
shampoo as often as you should.
Fungus
Certain forms of dandruff are also believed to be caused by a
fungus on the scalp. It is believed that this fungus cannot be
removed completely. Thus, dandruff too cannot be completely
eradicated, only controlled.
Other factors include:
• Cold weather
• Use of
hair
sprays and gels
• Certain conditioners
• Improper shampoo rinsing
• Infrequent hair washes
• Diet
• Stress
• Hormones
Don’t ignore the dandruff, because ignoring it only leads to
more build-up. This causes itchiness, which leads to you
scratching your
hair. Vigorous scratching can cause wounds to
the scalp, leaving them vulnerable to infection.
Treatment
If you have mild dandruff, you could try increasing the
frequency of your hair washes. The rule of thumb is the more
frequently you shampoo, the less dandruff you will have. If
necessary, shampoo daily with a mild shampoo, to keep dandruff
in check.
If your hair is dry but your scalp is oily, you may be hesitant
to shampoo more often. Try this: wet your entire hair, but apply
shampoo essentially to your scalp. Let the shampoo lightly run
over your entire hair when you are rinsing it off your scalp,
giving your locks a gentle wash.
If mild shampoos don’t work, and if your dandruff is severe, use
a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo which contains selenium
sulfide to wash your hair. Use it sparingly, as anti-dandruff
shampoos tend to be strong. After applying it, leave it on for
at least five minutes before washing it off, to give the formula
time to work.
After applying shampoo, massage your scalp lightly with your
fingertips to loosen the scales.
The shampoo could be used on its own, or mixed with your regular
shampoo. You could also alternate an anti-dandruff shampoo with
your regular shampoo. Once the dandruff has gone, switch to your
regular shampoo.
Help from your kitchen shelf
White vinegar is an excellent remedy for dandruff. Mix one cup
of white vinegar with one cup of water, and pour this over your
scalp after your hair wash, as a final rinse.
Article
Source: http://www.articlerich.com
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Hair Care Tips, please visit:
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Author is an expert in parenting and health related issues.
