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Dandruff
One hair problem that everyone worries about is dandruff - and umbrella term
used for all forms of excessive scaling conditions, when pieces of skin appear
on our hair and clothing. But it's important to realize that what we call
dandruff is not always so! True dandruff is the condition also known as
pityriasis capitis. Some loss of surface cells from the scalp is normal, as the
uppermost skin cells die and are replaced by new ones from below. These scales
are most conspicuous after hair has been brushed since this can loosen the dead
cells. Some people tend to have dry, flaky skin, and this may also cause a
problem with scaling, especially if you wash your hair frequently. The washing
removes the natural oils from the scalp. and the skin is shed in dry white
flakes. When this is mistaken for dandruff, the hair is washed more often -
sometimes with harsh shampoos - and the result is a vicious circle, with the
scalp becoming drier and drier, It may also become itchy, causing you to scratch
and thus make the skin flake off more rapidly.
Eczema can also affect the scalp, causing dry patches, that may shed flakes
of skin, which can be mistaken for dandruff. If you get eczema mainly on the
scalp, you could be allergic to a particular ingredient in your shampoo,
conditioner or colorant.
In seborrhoeic dermatitis, the layer of natural oil known as sebum, becomes
crusty, dries out and is shed, causing unsightly sprinkling on the skin and
clothes. Sometimes the scalp can become very irritated, with yellowish-red,
greasy and scaly patches, especially along the hairline.
Pityriasis capitis is a condition in which a yeast known as Pityosporum ovale
that lives on the skin and multiplies in the warm, moist, oily surface of the
scalp, is sometimes , but not always, involved. It appears as white or grey
scales, which may form small patches or cover the whole scalp. If the condition
is as described, but oily, then the complaint may be pityriasis steatoides. If
you have pityriasis, washing the hair every day with a mild, frequent-wash
shampoo may solve the problem in a week or two. If this fails, try a proper
anti-dandruff shampoo.
Medication Shampoos
Some medicated shampoos act by stripping off the layer of dead skin and oil,
which makes the hair look better at first, but does not attack the cause. Others
that are not left on the scalp for long, will not attack teh growth of the
bacteria or yeast. Certain medicated shampoos contain the active ingredients
zinc pyrithrone or selenium sulphide, which slow down cell growth on the scalp.
Selenium also acts as an anti-fungal agent. It is important to follow the
instructions carefully for these shampoos, as they can be toxic if overused. her
are also anti-dandruff cleansing tonics or lotions that are left on the scalp
long enough to kill off the offending bacteria.
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Anti-Dandruff shampoo and Dandruff Treatment.
Natural Remedies
Some shampoos contain natural products, such as seaweed, sage and calendula,
or citric acid. One natural remedy is simply to rub lemon juice into the scalp
to create a very acid environment.
Curing Dandruff - 10 steps
- Wash hair frequently using a mild shampoo.
- If this doesn't work, try a specially formulated medicated shampoo.
- Avoid scratching the scalp or combing it roughly.
- Try anti-fungal agents on the scalp.
- Try natural remedies, such as lemon juice or linseed oil rubbed into the
scalp.
- Use clean towels to dry the hair and don't share or use damp towels.
- Try going on an 'anti-fungal diet' by cutting out refined sugars,
carbohydrates, animal fats and hydrogenated margarines.
- Take supplements of zinc and vitamins B, C and E.
- Try supplements of oils that care high in polyunsaturated, such as
cold-pressed sunflower and linseed oils.
- If dandruff is persistent, see a dermatologist.
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