What is dandruff?

By Antin. Scalp continuously sheds layers more than any other part of the body. When there is an excessive amount of larger-than-normal flakes of scalp, we called it Dandruff. White scales and flakes in dandruff are usually stuck to the shafts of the hair where they may accumulate a build-up of oil, dust and hair products. When white scales and flakes on the scalp fall onto the collars and shoulder those are clear signs of dandruff. There may be associated irritation or itching. Two conditions above are symptoms of Dandruff.

What cause dandruff?

· Abnormal overproduction and shedding of dead skin from the scalp. This is the most common cause of dandruff.

· Overgrowth of a type of yeast known as malassezia. The malassezia fungus formerly known as pityrosporum normally lives on scalp without causing any problems. When it grows out of control, it can cause dandruff. The severe condition called Seborrhoeic dermatitis. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a red, scaly and that causes the scalp to shed skin cells excessively.

What you are supposed to do

· Stimulate the circulation on the scalp by massaging your scalp for a few minutes each day. This can then be followed by vigorous brushing to remove loosened flakes.

· If you have oily hair, try to rinse your hair with cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice diluted in water. It can often benefit to reduce oil.

· A warm oil treatment once a week can often beneficial for dry scalp. You can use massage olive oil, castor oil or linseed oil. Use this into your hair and warm in a hot towel for at least 10 minutes (preferably a few hours) before washing.

· Use medicated anti-dandruff shampoo regularly. Suitable anti-dandruff shampoos include those containing ketoconazole, selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or coal tar. Wash and rinse your hair well to eliminate any build-up of scales and flakes. Regular washing is beneficial for many people, but some people may find their scalp gets irritated by frequent washing.

· Avoid the excessive use of hair products (including dyes) and change shampoo if it is not proving effective. Chose an allergy-free product.

· Relaxation techniques also needed because stress and negative emotions have been known to play a significant part in skin conditions such as dandruff.

Visit the doctor if……

You have severe persistent dandruff. Severe persistent dandruff may be a symptom of more serious conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis. Even dandruff is usually more cosmetic than medical (not like cancer) but in some cases, dandruff may cause thinning of the hair. Consult the doctor before it’s getting bad.


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