Hair Dandruff
A common scalp disease, dandruff causes the skin to flake. The situation is not serious or infectious. But it's not always easy to treat and can be humiliating.
A mild shampoo used regularly might alleviate mild dandruff. In that case, you might want to use a medicated shampoo. At a later time, you might feel the symptoms coming back.
A mild kind of seborrhoeic dermatitis is dandruff.
The signs
Symptoms and indicators of dandruff could include:
The scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard, moustache, and shoulders may all experience flaking skin.
Scratchy hair
Baby cradle cap symptoms include a dry, flaky scalp.
Stress can amplify the symptoms, and they often worsen during dry, cold seasons.
Causes
Among the many potential reasons for dandruff are:
Red, greasy skin
Scalp desiccation
The majority of individuals have malassezia, a yeast-like fungus, on their scalps. It feeds on oils.
Hair care product sensitivity (contact dermatitis)
Additional skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis
Danger signs
Dazzling dandruff can affect nearly anyone, however there are few things that can increase your risk:
Age: In most cases, dandruff starts in adolescence and persists into middle life. That being said, dandruff can still affect older persons. The issue may persist for the rest of a person's life.
Being male: Dandruff affects men at a higher rate than women.
Certain illnesses: Dandruff seems to be more common among those with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's, and other similar conditions. Having HIV or a compromised immune system also does this.
Curing dandruff at home
Some individuals suggest trying these natural home cures for dandruff before you resort to medication solutions:
Baking soda: After a few minutes of gently massaging baking soda into your scalp while you're in the shower, rinse it off.
Apple cider vinegar: To formulate a solution, blend together a quarter cup of sugar and a quarter cup of water. After 15–1 hours of application, wash out the hair. Perform this process on two separate occasions each week.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil, 3–5 teaspoons worth, rubbed into the scalp and left on for an hour. After that, wash your hair with shampoo.
Lemon juice: You can rinse your scalp after massaging it with two teaspoons of lemon juice. Next, add another teaspoon and 1 cup of water, and rub well. Perform this daily.
Aloe vera: Prior to washing your hair, massage some aloe vera into your scalp.
Olive oil: Massage 10 drops into your scalp. Don a shower hat and let it to remain overnight. Cleanse and wash your hair in the morning.
Home treatments are usually not supported by research, so keep that in mind. Natural substances might cause skin responses in certain individuals. Always give a new product a little test run on a hidden spot for a day before covering a bigger area.
Dandruff vs. dry scalp
Because of their similar symptoms, dandruff and dry scalp can be difficult to distinguish. Both of these things can make your scalp itch and produce flaky skin.
In contrast to seborrhoeic dermatitis, which causes dandruff, excessive water loss from the epidermis causes a dry scalp. If you aren't drinking enough water, this might occur. It might also happen if you use hair products that remove the oils from your scalp. A dry scalp can be more common in people who reside in cold and dry climates.
To alleviate dry scalp, it is recommended to use a mild, medicated-free shampoo that contains less ingredients that might strip the scalp of its natural oils.
A guide on avoiding dandruff
Some things you can do to lessen or even eliminate dandruff are:
Practicing scalp hygiene: Avoid touching your scalp as much as possible, particularly if it's itchy to begin with. Scratching can aggravate the problem even more, creating a vicious cycle. Scratching and touching can also get dirt into the hair, which can make dandruff worse.
Determine your scalp's optimal shampooing balance: The use of a shampoo alone is usually sufficient to prevent oil buildup; however, excessive product application might irritate the scalp.
Reducing stress: Some people experience a worsening of their dandruff symptoms when they are stressed. Although stress does not directly cause Malassezia to colonise your scalp, it can weaken your immune system, which can occur as a result of prolonged or intense stress. Unwind; it will do your scalp good. You might want to give yoga a go or go for a relaxing stroll. Keeping a journal of traumatic experiences might be beneficial for you. Notate their names and the ways in which they affect your dandruff. Doing so will allow you to steer clear of subsequent triggers.
Getting fresh air: Scientific studies have shown that being outside on a frequent basis, particularly during times of cooler weather, might help alleviate scalp oiliness.
Massaging your scalp: Another possible method for avoiding dandruff is massaging the scalp.
Brushing your hair: At least twice a day, brush your moist (but not wet) hair.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can shield your scalp from the sun's damaging UV rays, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Choose one that fits snugly enough to prevent rubbing on your scalp.
Complications
Most people don't need to see a doctor about dandruff because it rarely causes complications. But dandruff can sometimes be a sign of something more serious going on with your health.
Individuals ought to consult a doctor if:
Redness, soreness, or swelling are symptoms that can indicate an infection.
Even using a home remedy has not alleviated the terrible dandruff.
There are symptoms that could indicate a skin ailment such as eczema or psoriasis.
I have a really itchy scalp.
Treatment can occasionally cause complications. People should try different products if they have irritation when using a certain shampoo or scalp treatment.
When Should You Visit a Doctor About Dandruff?
After attempting over-the-counter remedies for itching and shedding, it's best to consult a medical professional. You might have to resort to a prescription shampoo or topical medicine for the most severe cases of dandruff.