Dandruff, Dandruff Treatment, Causes of Dandruff, Home Remedy for Dandruff

Dandruff

Dandruff in scientific terminology called seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by itchy and flaky scalp without redness. It results when the scalp sheds dead skin cells in large numbers. Dandruff appears as dry, white or greyish flakes usually on the top of the head.

Dandruff is a very common problem and 90% of the people around the world ail from it at some point in their lives. When it occurs in new borns and infants, dandruff is termed as cradle cap.

Although not dangerous, having dandruff can be quite embarrassing. It causes a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Understanding the conditions that cause dandruff is necessary for controlling and preventing it.

Possible causes of dandruff:

Internal causes -

Hormonal imbalance
Stress, fatigue
Oily scalp and not dry scalp
Family history - hereditary
Food allergies
Excessive sweating
Eating habits. - fried foods, fats, sugar

External causes -

Frequent use of strong hairsprays, gels, dyes.
Inadequate cleansing/rinsing of scalp/ hair after shampooing
Use of lotions that contain alcohol

Treatment of Dandruff :

Dandruff is a natural process. Elimination takes time, but you can manage and control it.

Keep your scalp and hair clean. Wash frequently so that flakes do not build up.
There is no official branded shampoo for dandruff. You have to try and find out which one is successful at controlling your dandruff. Some commonly available anti-dandruff shampoos in the market are Head & Shoulders, Pantene Pro-V etc. Use a mild shampoo.
Brush your hair to loosen the flakes before shampooing. It also stimulates blood circulation in scalp.
Have a balanced diet containing lots of vitamin A, B6, B12. Avoid intake of fried foods, sugar, chocolates and nuts.

Natural home made remedies -

Rub onion onto your scalp. Onions are high in sulphur, which is essential for a healthy scalp.
Garlic whether eaten or applied externally is excellent for fighting dandruff.
Apple cider vinegar (diluted with equal amount of water) when massaged onto scalp helps curb dandruff. It is a natural antiseptic.
Lemon juice or sour curd when applied onto scalp is also useful.
Fenugreek seeds - ground into a fine paste, applied onto scalp, and left for half an hour.
Juice of bitter gourd when massaged with oil onto scalp relieves dandruff.

All these treatments are not a one-time affair. Dandruff comes back, if regular care on a daily basis is not done. In case your dandruff is very severe, consult a dermatologist who will prescribe an ointment or lotion to treat the problem.

Not all flaky scalp is dandruff - it can be some scalp disease also. Doctors usually recommend Nizoral, a medicated shampoo available only in drug stores as an anti-dandruff shampoo. It is medically proven and the effect is long lasting.