Dandruff is a very common problem that is generally faced by people of all age groups. It affects not only the scalp but also ears, eyebrows, side of the noses. Dandruff can damage the hair-bearing areas and small hair follicles.
Some people often suffer from dandruff, it tends to be chronic and recurrent disorder. Although, it is not curable yet can be controlled by some effective measures. An itchy scalp and flakiness is the sign of this condition.
Moreover, Skin cells that develop and go off too immediately are the problem. Exactly why that occurs the cause is not clear. A very common fungus called Malassezia may contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most healthy adults without causing any problems.
One theory is that the immune system of someone with dandruff may overreact to that fungus. The main problem begins when the volume of dandruff becomes a horror.
There are basically two reasons for this. Too much production or not effective removal. In the too much production category are inflammatory diseases of the scalp. In the ineffective removal category is inadequate scalp hygienic efforts.
What is the cause of dandruff?
There is no single cause for dandruff. Fundamental causes of dandruff include dry skin, sensitivity to any hair products or seborrheic dermatitis. However, several causes trigger dandruff on your scalp. One of the causes is poor hygiene. Poor hygiene refers to your eating habits as well as your hair care.
It can also be caused by the oily skin and itchy scalp or growth of numerous yeast on your scalp. This condition is known as seborrheic dermatitis. And the same condition is called cradle cap for children.
- The fungus is always present on your scalp. Yet some people suffer numerous growth of fungus on the scalp which leads to dandruff.
- Mild dandruff is common in people but severe dandruff is generally seen in people who are suffering from chronic illness.
- Dandruff affects not just the scalp, but also the ears, eyebrows, sides of nose, (for men) beard and the central part of the chest.
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
Some common signs and symptoms of dandruff include:
Beard rash
If you are suffering from dandruff, you may notice dry skin flakes of skin on your scalp. This may cause itching and irritation on your scalp. The same thing happens on your face and can be seen on your beard. It causes itching, red spots, skin flakes on your beard.
Eyebrow Rash
Oily skin causes some kind of fungus which may cause dandruff.It is not necessary that you will get dandruff only on your scalp. You may notice dandruff in any places where there are hair follicles. Sometimes dandruff is seen on your eyebrows which cause a rash, red spot, and itchiness. This situation can be seen when you possess severe dandruff.
Oily Scalp
Creamy dandruff occurs when oily and yellowish flakes or scales form on your scalp and stick to your head and hair.
Itchy scalp
Numerous growth of yeast causes dandruff on your scalp. Dandruff causes white, oily flakes, rashes and itchiness.
Often Ear Eczema
Ear eczema occurs in-ear canal. It is extremely irritating. They can also occur without any recognized causes, such as in the form of dermatitis known as dandruff.
White flakes on shoulders
One of the most common and often the first symptom of dandruff can be white flakes seen on dark clothes. Dandruff is a condition that turns the skin oily, red, and scaly. The white or yellow cells flake off, creating dandruff. Some people have too much of it, and it causes skin cells to multiply more quickly than usual.
Chest rash with red spot and dry flakes
Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea), is an itchy red rash that leads to occur on the scalp, ears, face, mid-chest, and mid-back.
How long does it take to get rid of dandruff?
Depending upon the causes, there is no specific time to get rid of dandruff. It depends upon the exact cause that caused you dandruff which is difficult to find. Howsoever, using anti-dandruff shampoos may help you to get rid of dandruff. it has been found that the shampoo must be kept on your hair for at least 5 minutes. Not only anti-dandruff shampoos but also few remedies may help you to get rid of dandruff.
Is dandruff contagious?
No, dandruff is not contagious. However, it must be treated soon if it gets worse. As dandruff causes itchiness, rashes and can be spread to your ears, sides of the nose, and can also cause ear eczema. It may get worse when the yeast on the scalp gets multiplied. And should be treated properly before the situation gets worsen.
Some natural remedies to get rid of dandruff
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil helps treat dandruff and dry scalp as it helps moisturize and soothe the scalp by removing blocked pores and preventing dryness.Tea tree oil can clean hair follicles. It has numerous antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. These qualities all serve the hair and scalp by removing dead skin cells.
And also removes oil and products, increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the hair follicles. Hence, helps in treating and protecting the scalp from infections. Tea tree oil has antifungal property which helps not only to remove dandruff but also to fight it. So take a few drops of tea tree oil and apply it on your skin. Wait for a few minutes, if no reaction takes place. Apply it on your hair and keep it for 20-30 minutes and wash it off. For the best result, you can apply it and keep it for a whole night.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil not only helps to fight dandruff. It also helps to reduce pain and inflammation. One of the causes of dandruff is dryness of the scalp. The coconut oil moisturizes the scalp and helps to get rid of dandruff. It will not only help to reduce your dandruff but also will thicken your hair. Therefore apply the coconut oil directly on your scalp. Massage your hair thoroughly. To get the best result, we can use this method twice or thrice a week. And can also keep the oil overnight.
Apple cider vinegar
One of the causes of dandruff is the yeast on the scalp. Apple cider vinegar naturally has antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent and kill the yeast. Apple cider vinegar smoothes and seals the hair cuticle by lowering the pH of your scalp. It is not only beneficial to health but also hair. So, mix two cups of apple cider vinegar with cold water. Apply the same on your hair keep it for 10 minutes and rinse it properly. Use the same method for at least once a week.
Olive oil
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help to prevent one of the causes of dandruff. However, olive oil is not only benefitted to health but also to your hair. It moisturizes your scalp and does not let it dry. Using olive oil to your hair reduces your flakes. It also reduces the itchiness which is caused due to dandruff. So take some olive oil and massage it on your scalp for 20-30 minutes. Use a hair cap and leave it overnight. For the best result, you can apply the formula at least twice a week.
Fenugreek seeds
It is caused by the fungus n the scalp. Methi has an anti-fungal property that not only cures but helps to prevent dandruff on the scalp. It is beneficial to your hair growth and also thickens your hair. Fenugreek seeds contain vitamin C, proteins, iron, and potassium. And this strengthens your hair and helps to prevent hair fall. Soak 2 tbsp in water for overnight. Grind the paste and apply the same on your hair. Keep the paste for 20-30 minutes. You can apply the formula twice a week for the best result.
Multani mitti
We face lots of problems from scalp such as eczema, dandruff, and itchiness.However, multani mitti is known for removing dark patches from the skin. But it is too beneficial for your hair. It helps to prevent and reduce dandruff, itchiness, and eczema. It is helpful for those who have oily skin and prevents hair loss.
Multani mitti also helps to remove different kinds of impurities from your hair and enhances hair growth. And gives your hair a silky, strong texture. So, soak the Multani mitti in water for 2-4 hours. Apply the paste on your scalp and keep it for 20-35 minutes. And rinse it properly. For best result use the same method at least once a week.
Although dandruff generally a harmless condition, scientists have found that hair that grows on a dandruff-irritated scalp will end up producing more damaged hair than would be found on a healthy scalp. The fact that the surface of the skin has weakened cuticles means that it provides much less protection to the hair fibers as they grow. Therefore treating or managing the condition is critical to avoiding dandruff-related hair loss. Hope this article will be helpful to manage your dandruff problem.