Preventing and Treating Dandruff
Dandruff, also known as scruff or Pityriasis capitis, is a condition that is characterized by a flaking, itchy scalp. Dandruff can be embarrassing but there are treatments you can do to reduce your risk of getting dandruff. First of all, cut down on the use of hair products such as hairspray or gel. These products may cause dandruff and will dry the skin. This excess drying causes a scalp to flake or it can trigger allergies. Wash your hair on a regular basis. Dandruff is often found in hair that is oily. Therefore, shampooing daily can help prevent dandruff. If dandruff is already present, hair washing can help keep flakes tamed. Wash your hair twice. The first time, the washing will break up waxy buildup. A second wash rinses everything away. Use shampoos created to treat dandruff. If shampooing your hair on a regular basis does not control dandruff, than a stronger shampoo is needed. Many dandruff fighting shampoos are available. There are different ingredients active in dandruff shampoos. Ketconazole or Nizoral is very effective against dandruff caused by Malassezia, a small fungus. Follow the shampoo instructions closely and allow for extra time in the shower since most anti-dandruff shampoos require that you leave them in for up to ten minutes and lather twice. Realize that shampoos that fight dandruff can produce speedy results sometimes but some take up to two weeks to bring about noticeable change. If one type of shampoo does not work or stops working, switch up and look for other product.
If you notice redness on your scalp or silvery flakes, this may not be dandruff. Be sure to consult a doctor. If you have eczema or other skin or respiratory allergies, the dandruff may be the result of an allergic reaction. If this is the case, shampoo less often so your natural oils that protect your scalp aren’t stripped away. People with allergies may generate more dandruff by using a dandruff shampoo. There are a few alternative methods to solving a dandruff problem. A person can pour a large amount of table salt on their hair before showering. It should be rubbed into the scalp. Rinse the salt out and shampoo as usual. Another treatment involves the use of apple cider vinegar. Combine one fourth cup of apple cider vinegar with three fourths cup of water and proceed to rinse your scalp. The acid in the cider loosens dead skin and oils that may be clinging to your scalp and flaking off as dandruff. Rinse completely with warm water or else your hair will smell like vinegar. White vinegar and lemon juice also work well in this solution. Tea tree oil and Listerine can help with dandruff. Original Listerine, the one which is amber in color, helps greatly with dandruff. Simply saturate a cotton ball with Listerine and wipe it over your scalp. Do this daily or several times a day. Tea tree oil has qualities that can kill the Malassenzia fungus. This oil can also moisturize your scalp. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent or control dandruff. Make sure that your diet is healthy and balanced and get a lot of zinc. Omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins can help as can avoiding the over consumption of yeast and sugars. Dandruff is in part, caused by a fungus that thrives in yeast and sugary environments so watching your diet is essential. Be aware of some problems that can be associated with dandruff treatments. Certain anti-dandruff shampoos, like those that include selenium or coal tar can discolor light or dyed hair. Also, watch out for the shampoos that are marketed to look like dandruff shampoos. They may say that they will rinse away dandruff but any shampoo will do that. Tea tree oil can have some bad side effects as well. Some young men have developed breast enlargement because they used tea tree oils. These oils are widely used additives and usually don’t present a problem in adults. Ultimately, if dandruff problems continue despite several weeks of treatment, see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe medicinal shampoos and steroid creams. |
