Dandruff is a common scalp disease that causes tiny flakes of dry skin to peel from the scalp. You may detect flakes in your hair or on your shoulders if you have dark hair or wear dark colors. It might also irritate your scalp and causes discomfort.
Many people assume that inadequate cleanliness causes dandruff, however, this is not the case. Although regular washing might make dandruff more visible, scientists are still investigating the causes, which appear to be complicated.
What Causes these Flakes?
The majority of the time, shedding of the skin goes unnoticed. But dandruff which is also known as seborrhea dermatitis is caused when dead skin cells are shed at a faster-than-normal rate. The flakes are usually light yellow or white, and they’re simple to brush off your head.
The reason for dandruff is unknown. However, dandruff peaks in adolescence that is why hormones are suspected. But sometimes a sort of yeast that overgrows on your scalp can also be a factor. Nevertheless, it has nothing to do with a lack of hygiene.
Flakes are passed down through the generations. If you’re overweight or have oily skin, you are more likely to get it. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.
Now that we know what causes dandruff let’s discuss the ways to fight these scalp flakes.
Tips for Getting Rid of Dandruff
Here are the 5 most effective ways to treat and control dandruff.
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Wash Your Hair Frequently
We live in an era where dry shampoo is very common. This may be adding to your scalp’s whiteness. There’s a trend of leaving natural oils on your scalp for long periods of time, however, this may aggravate the problem.
When there is more oil on the skin, yeast levels grow. And because of irregular hair cleaning, oil, and dead skin cells build up considerably more. Patients with seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff need to wash their hair once a week at the very least to prevent this buildup.
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Proper Use of Dandruff Shampoo is Needed
Follow the directions on the bottle of dandruff shampoo. There are a variety of dandruff shampoos available, each with its own active components for symptom relief.
Always follow the directions on the bottle for the best results. Some dandruff shampoos, for instance, require you to massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp and keep it on for around five minutes before washing. While others should not be allowed to remain on the head.
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A Proper Diet is Must
Your scalp’s health is influenced by your eating choices. Eating foods high in zinc, Vitamin B, and healthy fats is extremely good for dandruff prevention. When you don’t have enough Vitamin B in your diet, you’re more likely to get dandruff.
Make sure your meals include apples, ginger, bananas, and garlic, among other foods, to maintain your scalp clean and healthy. Fish, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, is another healthy option.
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Exfoliating Helps
This is, in fact, a thing. Exfoliating your scalp gently removes the top layer of dry skin, similar to exfoliating your skin. Exfoliators for the scalp generally use tiny quantities of salicylic acid (more commonly seen in acne treatments) or granules that dissolve to remove dead skin.
Granules are very beneficial in breaking down the dead skin cells that collect on the scalp which is the major cause of flaking. It is suggested to use an exfoliating hair scrub twice a week on wet, shampooed hair.
You should also read all the directions for exfoliating to ensure you keep it on for the proper amount of time.
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Hair Spa is Another Great Option
Dandruff flakes on your shoulder and clothes may be humiliating, and many people would give anything to have dandruff-free hair. Regular hair spas might be the solution. Hair spa treatments eliminate pollutants and toxins while also maintaining the scalp’s oil balance, which is why they’re such excellent anti-dandruff treatments.
This is why, even if your hair is dandruff-free, you should include hair spas in your hair care regimen. Many salons offer such hair spas and different haircut options for men and women. So, stop waiting and get a hair solution right away!
When to See a Doctor?
If none of these suggestions work or you have scalp issues including redness, discomfort, crusting, or pus, call your dermatologist. A stronger dandruff shampoo with the anti-fungal ketoconazole may be prescribed by the doctor.
A disease like scalp psoriasis can also produce flaking. In that situation, your doctor will advise you to seek other therapies. You can’t get rid of dandruff, but you can manage it and live a relatively flake-free life by choosing the best therapy for you.