Dandruff is a common skin condition that can affect your hair and scalp. However, while most people experience dandruff at some point in their lives, many are unclear about why this skin condition occurs. It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but fortunately, it’s pretty easy to get rid of.
Dandruff and the reason for it
There are many reasons for dandruff. Some are harmless, and some can actually be a sign of a medical problem. Dandruff can be caused by something as simple as a dry scalp, or it can be a symptom of much larger underlying problems.
Dandruff is a sign that your hair is not getting the nutrients that it needs. If you want to get rid of dandruff for good, then you need to make sure that you’re eating a good diet and taking the right supplements.
sometimes, It is usually caused by an imbalance of skin oils and dead skin cells on the scalp. Dandruff is a frustrating problem because it can be difficult to get rid of.
The reason behind dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. This disease is not life-threatening. It is a common ailment. Its main symptom is dry, scaly, flaky skin on the scalp.
This symptom is mainly caused due to yeast. This yeast grows on the scalp’s surface. It happens due to improper hygiene. Sometimes, due to hormonal imbalance, this yeast infection grows on the scalp, and then this condition is known as dandruff.
The scalp gets dry due to dandruff. This dry scalp causes redness and scaling of the skin. When the skin gets dry, the dead skin cells remain on the top of the scalp and you see these dead skin cells. These dead skin cells are sticky and this stickiness causes dandruff.
Remedy for the dandruff
There are many natural remedies for dandruff. Onion juice is one of the best natural remedies for dandruff.
Take an onion. Make a paste and apply it to the scalp. This onion paste helps in clearing the dead skin cells. Keep this paste for 1 hour. Rinse off with cold water.
Another good remedy to get rid of dandruff is coconut oil. Take coconut oil and massage it on your scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.
How to get rid of dandruff – using prescriptions
A dandruff treatment is rich in ketoconazole, zinc, selenium, and selenium sulfide.
- Shampoos: Most people use shampoos to help eliminate dandruff, however, some shampoos can cause dandruff to return after stopping use.
- Prescriptions: Some doctors prescribe anti-dandruff solutions containing coal tar or zinc pyrithione.
- Scalp treatment: Some anti-dandruff treatments come in the form of a cream or spray that you apply to your scalp.
- Creams: Some dandruff creams and lotions contain ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide.
- Nizoral: Nizoral is a shampoo and conditioner that’s used to treat dandruff.
- Scalp treatments: Some scalp treatments contain zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil, when used in shampoos and conditioners, can help stop dandruff.
Tips for preventing dandruff and its symptoms in the first place
Usually, dandruff is caused by a chemical reaction between the scalp’s natural oil (sebum) and the scalp’s dead skin cells (sebum).
- Shampoo: Washing your hair every day with dandruff shampoo helps to get rid of dead skin cells that block the follicle, which results in excess oil.
- Use anti-dandruff shampoo: Anti-dandruff shampoos have a stronger formula that eliminates dead skin cells and removes excess oil.
- Condition: Conditioners can dry the scalp, so avoid conditioners that aren’t made for dry scalps.
- Use warm water to rinse your hair.
- Dry your hair: Avoid using a towel to dry your hair. Instead, pat your hair dry with a cotton towel.
- Air dry: Leave your hair to dry naturally, rather than using a hair dryer or towel.
- Remove excess hair: Avoid brushing your hair too vigorously, as it can cause more irritation to the scalp.
- Eat healthily: A healthy diet that includes vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids can keep your scalp healthy, preventing dandruff.
Get rid of dandruff using over-the-counter products
Although dandruff can’t be prevented, you can generally treat it and prevent the oily flakes from coming back.
- Reduce stress: When your scalp or body is under stress, your sebaceous glands produce more sebum. Sebum, also known as your body’s natural oil, carries dead skin cells, which can become dandruff.
- Wash your hair regularly: Do not let your hair get too dirty. Washing your hair regularly removes dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. It also clears up your scalp. If your scalp is clogged with dead skin cells, it can worsen dandruff.
- Use mild shampoo: Look for one that contains pyrithione zinc. Look for a shampoo with salicylic acid, too.
- Dry your hair gently: After you wash your hair, do not rub it or squeeze it dry. Use a towel instead. Rubbing and squeezing your hair can cause dandruff.
- Avoid products that irritate your hair: Try natural products, such as olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Use them to treat dandruff.
- Massage your scalp. Massaging your scalp can also help. Do this with your fingertips in circular motions. Try to loosen up any debris or dandruff that’s stuck to the top of your scalp.
FAQs about dandruff answered by experts in the field
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with dandruff and aren’t sure what to do, you’ve come to the right place!
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a skin condition that causes the scalp to produce flakes of white or yellowish skin. Dandruff typically affects the scalp, but it can also appear on the eyebrows and eyelashes.
What’s the treatment for dandruff?
Dandruff is often treated with a dandruff shampoo. Some dandruff shampoos contain selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione.
How can I prevent dandruff?
Preventing dandruff requires you to avoid irritating your scalp. For instance, avoid wearing tight clothing. Also, avoid using hair dryers, hot combs, and hair straighteners.
Conclusion
Dandruff is the result of overactive sebaceous glands, so switching to a more healthy diet may help clear up your skin. Glands and hair follicles are connected to hair follicles by tiny openings in the skin called follicles. Sebaceous glands are a type of hair follicle, and they produce oily substances called sebum. When people are stressed, their sebaceous glands become overactive, and sebum builds up. Oil overproduces, and the sebaceous glands become clogged. The sebum builds up on your scalp, causing a blockage. This causes the dead skin cells, as well as the trapped sebum, to clump and form visible flakes.
