Dandruff
Many people suffer from dandruff, which consists of flakes or dead cells from the scalp and is often accompanied by itching. The main cause of dandruff formation is unknown, but there are many factors that can increase it. Dandruff can cause embarrassment for most people and can be difficult to treat sometimes. Personal hygiene is not related to its formation, but washing the hair several times can help remove old skin flakes. It is important not to try any treatment without consulting a specialized doctor. In this article, we will discuss the causes of dandruff and the medical and home remedies for it.
Treatment for Dry Dandruff
There are medical methods to treat dandruff, but it may require examination and testing. Some of the treatments include:
- Using mild shampoos to help reduce oils and dead skin cells, which decreases dandruff.
- Using Zinc Pyrithione shampoo, which contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, especially if regular shampoo fails to eliminate dandruff, leading to itching, redness, or sensitivity from certain products.
- Using coal tar shampoo, which slows the growth rate of skin cells on the scalp and reduces flaking.
Note: There are many other types of shampoos not mentioned here, and it’s important to consult a doctor before using any of these dandruff treatments.
Natural Remedies for Dry Dandruff
Here are some natural recipes for treating dry dandruff:
- Indian Lilac (Neem): The antifungal and antibacterial properties of neem help treat dandruff along with other scalp problems like itching.
- Ingredients: A handful of neem leaves, four cups of water.
- Preparation: Boil the neem leaves in water, let the solution cool, strain, and rinse hair with it 2-3 times a week.
- Coconut Oil: It helps remove dandruff due to its antifungal properties and moisturizes the dry scalp.
- Ingredients: Coconut oil, less lemon juice.
- Preparation: Mix well, massage the scalp for a few minutes, and wash the hair after at least 20 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Effective for removing dandruff, it restores pH balance in the scalp and prevents fungus.
- Ingredients: Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of water, 15-20 drops of tea tree oil.
- Preparation: Mix well, apply to the scalp, massage, and rinse after a few minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
- Baking Soda: Helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil from the scalp.
- Ingredients: Baking soda.
- Preparation: Massage the scalp with baking soda and leave for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat once or twice a week for several weeks. Note: Do not use shampoo after this treatment.
- Olive Oil: It has properties that moisturize the scalp and remove dandruff.
- Ingredients: Four tablespoons of yogurt, one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Preparation: Mix until the color is similar to mayonnaise, apply to hair, leave for half an hour, then wash with shampoo.
- Yogurt: Not only does it help remove dandruff, but it also enhances hair shine and softness.
- Ingredients: One cup of yogurt, two tablespoons of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, vitamin E capsules.
- Preparation: Mix all ingredients well, divide hair into four sections, apply the mixture from roots to tips, leave for one hour, and wash with cold water.
Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff can arise from various causes, including:
- Seborrheic Dermatitis, a common cause characterized by red, oily skin covered with white or yellow flakes, which can also affect the eyebrows or armpits.
- Infrequent washing, leading to the accumulation of oils and skin cells on the scalp, causing dandruff.
- Fungi called Malassezia, which live on the scalp of most people and can irritate it, leading to increased skin cell growth.
- Dry skin, where dandruff appears smaller and less oily compared to other causes.
- Sensitivity to hair care products or hair dyes.