Do you feel low self-esteem and confidence when tiny flakes fall on your black shirt? Dandruff is something that can make you uncomfortable in public!
More than 50% of the global population is suffering from dandruff. Various factors cause it; dry skin, fungus, and sensitivity to certain products are a few of these causes. Fortunately, this condition can be easily treated; even home remedies can help treat and prevent dandruff.
If you are also suffering from this condition and don't want to see those white flakes on your black dress anymore, continue to read. You will learn about dandruff's causes, treatment, and prevention here!
What Are The Causes Of Dandruff?
Dandruff can be unpleasant, annoying, and irritating. The following are some typical causes of dandruff:
Dry Skin
It is the major and the most common cause of dandruff. Dandruff can arise from dry skin if the chilly winter air dries out your skin, including your scalp. Dry skin typically causes smaller, less oily flakes. Different shampoos are available that can moisturize your scalp and reduce the dandruff.
Not Shampooing Enough
Dandruff can develop from oil buildup on the skin due to insufficient shampooing. You may also need to use more shampoo while washing your hair. The shampoo does not dissolve the oil layer, and you suffer from dandruff.
Weakened Immune System
A chronic health problem known as seborrheic dermatitis is more common in people with hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and people who received organ transplants, which affects not only the scalp but also other body parts that have oil glands. The redness of the scalp and dandruff are the main symptoms of the disease.
Contact Dermatitis
An irritant or allergy can induce skin inflammation and lead to contact dermatitis, an itchy or painful rash. And that response occurs on the scalp when there is dandruff. Usually, hair care products or colors are blamed for this.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff is frequently more likely to affect those with oily skin. Different allergic reactions increase oil and cell production. For instance, the scalp will take about one month to produce new cells in those without dandruff. But, if you suffer from dandruff, your scalp will produce the same number of cells within a week.
Age and Gender
Dandruff often appears during adolescence, peaks at 20, and then significantly decreases in people over 50. Androgen hormones, including testosterone, cause the sebaceous glands to become more active. Dandruff is prevalent when there is more oil in the hair. Dandruff affects men more often than it does women.
How to Prevent Dandruff?
To prevent dandruff, it is important to:
- Consume a balanced diet of zinc, vitamin B, and good fats.
- Learn how to handle stress, which can cause dandruff.
- Choose anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Wash your hair daily to lessen the extra oil on the scalp.
- Avoid using oily hair products, which will encourage more oil to accumulate on the scalp, and any hair solutions containing bleach.
- Every day, try to get a little bit of sunlight to control your dandruff.
- Use oil to moisten your scalp overnight.
- Try applying an antifungal such as aloe Vera, tea tree oil, or cider vinegar.
- Massage your scalp lightly with baking soda.
- Try mixing aspirin with your regular shampoo.
- Don’t use hair styling products like hair wax.
- If your dandruff is extreme or long-lasting, contact your doctor.
- Use OTC cream when your hair is moist, but it can also be used on dry hair.
How to Treat Dandruff?
The most effective way to treat and manage dandruff is to use anti-dandruff shampoo. For best outcomes, use:
- Pyrithione zinc shampoo
- Tar-based shampoo
- Shampoo containing salicylic acid
- Selenium sulfide shampoo
- Ketoconazole shampoo
- Fluocinolone shampoo
Besides that:
- Always follow the instructions mentioned on the shampoo bottle
- African Americans must shampoo their hair once a week
- Asians should wash their hair twice a week and must use different dandruff shampoos
- If your shampoo contains coal tar, be very careful
Home Remedies For Dandruff
Here are some simple home remedies that are effective for dandruff!
Omega-3s
Omega-3 aids in wound recovery, keeps the skin hydrated, and regulates oil production. Also, omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for your skin. An itchy, rough, or flaky rash could result from the deficiency omega-3. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in the reduction of inflammation, which in turn reduces dandruff and itching.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is frequently included in lotions, ointments, and cosmetics. The antifungal and antibacterial benefits of aloe Vera may aid with dandruff prevention. It might help treat skin diseases such as painful cold sores, dermatitis, and burns when used on the skin.
Coconut Oil
The oil is another natural remedy that can be used to treat dandruff. When used as a moisturizer, it will keep your skin hydrated, avoid dryness, and reduce irritation. Besides that, the oil will also benefit the growth of your hair and make it healthy and strong.
Aspirin
Salicylic acid is one of the major compounds found in aspirin. The compound has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Many shampoos that claim to have anti-dandruff properties also include this acid. It might assist in removing rough skin and releasing flakes for disposal. So, it can also be an effective remedy for eliminating dandruff.
Conclusion:
Dandruff is very common, and more than half population suffers from this condition. Luckily, this condition can be treated easily, and even you can feel relief by brushing your hair from the scalp and using a dandruff shampoo. Besides that, tree oil, aloe Vera, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar can be helpful remedies. Most importantly, reduce stress and add omega-3s and probiotics to your diet.
