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It is a very problem in almost everyone .Dandruff is a very
common problem and 95% of the people around the world ail from it at
some point in their lives. It can occur at any age, but is most
likely in the early 20s. When it occurs in newborns and infants,
dandruff is termed as cradle cap.
Although not dangerous, dandruff can be quite
embarrassing. It causes a lack of confidence and self-esteem.
Possible causes of dandruff:
Internal causes -
• For unknown reasons, people with some illnesses, such
as Parkinson’s disease, are more likely to have dandruff
• Anxiety
• Oily scalp
• Family history – hereditary
• Food allergies
• Excessive sweating
• Faulty 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. Treatment of dandruff is directed at fighting
the skin inflammation. This is done either directly, by using
cortisone-based creams and lotions (which reduce inflammation), or
by reducing the yeast that builds up on scaly areas and adds to the
problem.
# Keep the hair and scalp clean, to decrease the accumulation of
dead cells. Wash frequently so that flakes do not build up.
# The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and
remove any flakiness.
# Massage the scalp daily using the fingertips and working
systematically over the head. This stimulates the circulation,
dislodges dirt and dandruff and helps in the hair growth.
# Avoid spicy and greasy food because it helps dandruff to increase
and spread. Add more fresh and green vegetables and fruits to the
diet. Have a balanced diet containing lots of vitamin A, B6, B12.
Avoid intake of fried foods, sugar, chocolates and nuts.
# Strong tea and coffee, processed foods should be avoided for
dandruff.
What shampoo to use to treat 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, Clinic, Pantene Pro-V etc. Use a mild
shampoo.
Some myths about dandruff –
Moisturizing the hair helps control dandruff. Infact, moisturizing
lotions don't do much more than smooth out scales and make patches
look redder.
Switching brands of shampoo helps control shampoo. Shampoo doesn't
cause dandruff.
Dandruff is due to dryness of the skin. Dandruff occurs in areas
where the grease glands of the skin are most active, and the skin is
not usually dry.
Changing hair care routine helps control dandruff. There is no
"right" shampoo or conditioner. There isn't even a "correct" number
of times to shampoo per week.
Dandruff is contagious. One cannot ‘catch’ dandruff from someone
else, such as by using his brush or comb.
Natural home made remedies -
# Rub onion onto scalp. Onions are high in sulphur, which is
essential for a healthy scalp.
# Avoid dyeing hair, unless an absolute must. We all have bacteria
on our scalp, some of which are beneficial. This ‘good’ bacteria
prevent dandruff yeast, and hair dyes reduce their numbers.
# 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.
# Boil some neem leaves in 4 teacups of water. After cooling and
filtering, use for washing hair.
Treatment for dandruff is not a one-time affair. Dandruff comes
back, if regular care on a daily basis is not taken.
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