Dandruff is a commonly occurring problem which is faced by millions of people across the world. It can also lead to a chronic condition. Though dandruff is harmless, but it can often interfere with your daily life, especially by causing severe itchiness on the scalp, or sudden appearance on clothes.
Skin specialists suggest that dandruff may be caused due to various factors such as eczema, dryness of the scalp, continuous use of wrong hair care products e.g. shampoo or a yeast-like fungus causing itchiness on the scalp as well as white flakes.
Though dandruff is a common problem but every single person facing dandruff problems deals with different symptoms of the problems. There are different types of dandruff and course of medication should be decided only after identification of correct type.
Different types of dandruff flakes
1. Dry Skin Related Dandruff
This is the most common type of dandruff occurring in the people. Onset of dry skin of the scalp causes the initiation of dandruff. This condition takes place mostly during winters, when our skin lack moisture. Using the hot or warm water for hair wash also dries up the hair and skin causing excessive dandruff.
2. Oil Related Dandruff
Building up of too much sebum oil in the scalp is another common reason of formation of dandruff. Such dandruffs are termed as oil related dandruff. Sebum oil is naturally producing oil to prevent the drying of the scalp. Frequent and irregular shampoo habits may also result into the formation of dandruff. Often washing of hair can trigger the hyper activity of sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Washing of hair should be regular to avoid accumulation of oil and dirt.
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3. Fungal Dandruff
A fungus named as Malassezia, is naturally found present in the scalp and the skin but under a certain limit. Release of excessive oil or accumulation of dirt serves as the favorable element for the growth of above mentioned fungus. Oleic acid is released as a by-product of their metabolic activities. This acid interferes with the normal cycle of skin cells and causes accumulation of white layer on the top of the skin.
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4. Disease Related Dandruff
Few skin related issues such as eczema or psoriasis triggers the exponential production of skin cells which causes scaly skin on the scalp. When the skin scales come in contact with dirt or sebum oil they causes dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is also a severe condition which causes excessive itching or even sores and redness on the scalp. This disease mostly occurs at the back of head and neck and if left untreated it can spread up to ears and face.
Though dandruff is a tough problem to get rid of, but still it is curable. It can be cured by the chemical treatments or the medicines. Home remedies are very effective for the removal of dandruff. Let’s have a look on some DIY home remedies.
1. Lemon juice
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice and apply on your scalp. If the pure juice stings the scalp, dilute it with water. Rinse it off with normal water after 5 minutes.
2. Curd
Apply sore curd on the scalp before the hair wash. It soothes the scalp and also nourishes the hair. Keep it for 30 minutes then wash it off with the help of mild shampoo. Make sure that no traces of curd are remaining on the scalp.
3. Fenugreek seeds
Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Grind the soaked seeds in the grinder and make a paste. Apply the paste on the scalp and massage it gently. Keep it for minimum 30 minutes then rinse it well with normal water. Don’t shampoo your hair that day. You can use shampoo following day.
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4. Apple cider vinegar
Make a solution by mixing equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. Apply it directly on the scalp with the help of cotton swab and massage it gently. Wash it off with the normal plain water.
Besides the remedies, medication and chemical treatment, maintenance of hygiene of the scalp is also required. Always use mild or herbal hair care products to retain the natural moisture of hair.