Dandruff can be a very embarrassing condition that affects many people. Having dandruff may cause a lack of confidence and self esteem. The person suffering with dandruff often feels they cannot wear dark clothing because others may notice.Dandruff consists of scaly particles with an oily sheen that lie close to the hair root. This condition should not be confused with a flaky scalp.
Dandruff is where the natural process of the shedding of skin cells has for some reason got out of hand. The precise cause of dandruff remains a mystery but some experts believe it is the result of bad diet or illness, others that it's fungal infection. Dandruff should not be confused with a very dry scalp.
Causes of Dandruff:
The following are items that may cause dandruff:
Hormone imbalance.
Excessive perspiration
Allergic reactions
Excessive stress
Poor hygene
Poor nutritioin/health
Lack of sleep
Inherited genetic trait
Inadequete shampooing and rinsing of the hair.
Tight fitting hats.
Excessive use of hair styling products (gel, mouse, hair dye, hair curler...)
Cold weather
Dry enviroment.
Excessive Heat
Even though dandruff is known as the drying of the scalp, it is most common in people with oily hair.
Symptoms:
The common symptoms of dandruff include itching and white, oily flakes. That said, there are several conditions, including psoriasis, dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, which present similar symptoms. Before beginning treatment for dandruff, it is important to consult your dermatologist to make sure you're treating the right condition.
Dandruff Treatments:
* If you have only a mild case of dandruff, shampooing your hair with a regular shampoo daily or twice a day will usually do the trick.
* Start out by trying a mild shampoo, stronger shampoos can irritate and dry out your hair making dandruff flaking worst.
* If your standard shampoo doesn't get rid of your dandruff, buy an anti dandruff shampoo and your dandruff condition should improve signifigantly in a couple of weeks.
* Once you have found an anti dandruff shampoo that works for you, keep on using it or your dandruff will most likely reoccur.
* Lather and rinse twice when using anti dandruff shampoos, the first time cycle will clean your scalp, the second cycle will medicate it.
* If you think you may have a severe case of dandruff, it is advised that you set up an appointment with a dermatologist.
* Poor health may be the cause of your dandruff, so be sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and avoid stress inducing activities.
* If you have to scratch your head, avoid using your fingernails to scratch (you'll risk an infection if you do) instead use the pads of your fingers.
* Wear a hat outside on days that are extremely cold, windy, and when you're going to be out in the sun for a lengthy period.
* Limit the use of hair coloring and hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.
* Make sure that you get an adequate ammount of B6 in your diet, which will help prevent dandruff.
* Massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers in a circular motion to increase circulation.
