Dandruff is a condition in which the scalp starts to itch and flake, leaving you with white bits in your hair and an inflamed scalp. Mild dandruff can be caused by many things, including dry skin and bad reactions to hair products. But on the more severe end, your dandruff may actually be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, the Mayo Clinic explains , a chronic inflammatory skin condition that may be partially driven by yeast and hormone changes.
Some people are sensitive to that yeast—called malassezia furfur —that naturally exists on the scalp, Christine Choi Kim, M. For most people, this type of fungus is a harmless part of your scalp and skin flora and feeds on the oil on your skin. There also seems to be a genetic predisposition to flaking, Dr. Kim says, so dandruff tends to run in families see mine. Other conditions, like contact dermatitis, eczema , and scalp psoriasis , can also lead to dandruff-like flaking.
But having an oily scalp can be a major factor too. A hot oil treatment is one of the DIY remedies I found while searching for dandruff solutions on the internet. But does it work? Flashback to my mom using a rattail comb on my head to dislodge the flakes.
If you assume your dandruff is due to a dry scalp, it might be tempting to cut back on washing it so often. But whether the cause is dryness or oiliness, you should actually be washing your hair pretty regularly to rinse away the flakes and any buildup of debris on your scalp. In fact, the most effective way to treat most dandruff is to use an over-the-counter shampoo, the American Academy of Dermatology AAD explains. You should shampoo your hair daily and swap in the anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week.
If you have natural hair , you only need to use the anti-dandruff shampoo once a week. Exfoliating your scalp every once in a while seems a little extreme, and for most of us it is. Also, it just feels nice! Natural Medicines Database. Accessed June 7, Sasseville D. Seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and adults.
Kermott CA, et al. Time; American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Kang S, et al. Cosmeceuticals and skin care in dermatology. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. McGraw-Hill; Accessed July 23, The truth is that you do. Those flaky, embarrassing white flecks are caused by your grooming habits, not some predisposed genetic order sorry, you can't blame mom and dad for this particular problem.
Which is actually good news, because it means dandruff is entirely preventable and treatable. Here are a few habits you should avoid, if you want to keep your scalp and hair follicles healthy. Shampoo should not be used daily.
Malassezia is not usually a problem, but in some people the immune system overreacts to it. This can cause the scalp to become irritated and produce extra skin cells. As these extra skin cells die and fall off, they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp to form dandruff.
Certain hair care products can irritate the scalp and may cause dandruff. If a person finds that a product is causing irritation, they should try switching to a gentle, non-medicated shampoo. Some people say not shampooing enough can cause a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, leading to dandruff.
Others say that too much washing will strip away the natural oils. Evidence is lacking that either of these is true. The frequency with which a person needs to wash their hair will vary between individuals. While specific products can trigger irritation and reaction in some people, frequent shampooing is usually helpful.
However, there is not enough research evidence to prove that these or other dietary measures can help resolve dandruff. Complications rarely occur with dandruff, and most people do not need to consult a doctor.
However, sometimes dandruff can indicate a more serious medical condition. Complications can sometimes result from treatment. If a shampoo or scalp treatment causes irritation, the individual should try another product. Newborns and young infants often have a kind of dandruff known as cradle cap.
There will be yellow, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp. Gently washing the scalp with baby shampoo and applying baby oil can help prevent the scales from building up.
How to treat cradle cap naturally. Experts say this may be due to the antioxidants tea contains or other properties that offer protection from sunlight.
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