Dandruff: Causes, Treatment & Natural Remedy.

WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

Dandruff refers to the fine, white flakes that come off your scalp, though other symptoms include scalp itching, tightness, and even redness. A particular type of yeast that lives on the scalp (gross, but true) known as Malassezia ovalis. Some people are especially sensitive to this yeast, and that reaction can cause both inflammation and an excessive growth of skin cells. Those extra skin cells then stick together and fall off as, you guessed it, flakes. And the inevitable itchiness that can come with it doesn’t help matters, since scratching only causes more inflammation and makes matters worse. A flaky or itchy scalp can be a sign of dandruff, an unpleasant skin condition which affects at least one in two people at some point in their life.The condition is characterised by white or grey flakes of skin shedding from the scalp and that can often be seen on the affected individuals hair, hairbrush and clothes. Dandruff affects about half of adults, with males more often affected than females. People in all areas of the world are affected. Onset is usually at puberty and it becomes less common after the age of 50.

Dandruff can be caused by a combination of the following three factors; a microbe which naturally occurs on everyone’s scalp, natural oils or a sensitive scalp.

How Dandruff Occurs

The naturally occurring microbe, Malassezia Globosa is found on everyone’s scalp. It feeds on the natural oils (sebum) in the scalp; sebum is present to keep your hair and the skin on your scalp well-moisturised.As the sebum breaks down, it produces a by-product known as oleic acid. It is estimated that fifty percent of people are sensitive to oleic acid, so their scalp responds by becoming irritated and inflamed.This inflammation causes the scalp to become red and itchy, leading the body to signal to the brain to shed skin cells at a faster rate.This shedding is an attempt to get rid of the irritant, and physically appears as visible white flakes that often fall onto your shoulders.

ROOT CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

The cause is unclear, but believed to involve a number of genetic and environmental factors. The condition may worsen in the winter.It is not due to poor hygiene. The underlying mechanism involves the excessive growth of skin cells. As the skin layers continually replace themselves, cells are pushed outward where they die and flake off. For most individuals, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. However, certain conditions cause cell turnover to be unusually rapid, especially in the scalp. It is hypothesized that for people with dandruff, skin cells may mature and be shed in 2–7 days, as opposed to around a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large, oily clumps, which appear as white or grayish flakes on the scalp, skin and clothes.

Three rdical factors liable for dandruff

According to one study, dandruff has been shown to be possibly the result of three factors:

Skin oil commonly referred to as sebum or sebaceous secretions.
The metabolic by-products of skin micro-organisms (most specifically Malassezia yeasts)
Individual susceptibility and allergy sensitivity.

Microorganisms

According to a study, bacteria (mainly Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus) are more important to dandruff formation than fungi. Bacterial presence was in turn influenced by water and sebum amount. Older literature cites the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale) as the cause of dandruff. While this species does occur naturally on the skin surface of people both with and without dandruff, in 2007 it was discovered that the responsible agent is a scalp specific fungus, Malassezia globosa, that metabolizes triglycerides present in sebum by the expression of lipase, resulting in a lipid byproduct oleic acid. During dandruff, the levels of Malassezia increase by 1.5 to 2 times its normal level. Oleic acid penetrates the top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, and evokes an inflammatory response in susceptible people which disturbs homeostasis and results in erratic cleavage of stratum corneum cells.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

In seborrhoeic dermatitis, redness and itching frequently occur around the folds of the nose and eyebrow areas, not just the scalp. Dry, thick, well-defined lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common condition of scalp psoriasis. Inflammation can be characterized by redness, heat, pain, swelling and can cause sensitivity.

Inflammation and extension of scaling outside the scalp exclude the diagnosis of dandruff from seborrhoeic dermatitis. However, many reports suggest a clear link between the two clinical entities – the mildest form of the clinical presentation of seborrhoeic dermatitis as dandruff, where the inflammation is minimal and remain subclinical.

Seasonal changes, stress, and immunosuppression seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis. People with seborrheic dermatitis have irritated, oily skin, and they are more likely to have dandruff.Seborrheic dermatitis affects many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose.The skin will be red, greasy, and covered with flaky white or yellow scales.Seborrheic dermatitis is closely linked with Malassezia, a fungus that normally lives on the scalp and feeds on the oils that the hair follicles secrete.It does not usually cause a problem, but in some people it becomes overactive, causing the scalp to become irritated and to produce extra skin cells. As these extra skin cells die and fall off, they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp, forming dandruff.

Other causes of dandruff?

Although the root cause of dandruff will always be the same, other factors can exacerbate the condition making it seem worse. Factors which can worsen dandruff include;

1. Irritated and oily skin

This can be caused by conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatisis is marked by red and greasy skin that is covered in flaky white or yellow scales.

The condition can affect your scalp and other areas of the body which are rich in oil glands, such as the creases around your nostrils, the backs of your ears, the groin and armpits.

2. Dry skin

If you suffer from dry skin or have a medical condition such as eczema, it is likely that your scalp will also become dry, flaky and probably also very itchy. Flakes due to dry skin usually appear smaller and less oily.

Dry skin can be exacerbated in colder climates and during winter due to dry weather conditions.

3. Not shampooing enough

If you don’t wash your hair on a regular basis then oils and skin cells can build up on the scalp leading to dandruff. Male hormones also known as androgens can also cause greasy or oily skin which can lead to dandruff.

However, shampooing too often can dry out the scalp and cause dandruff, it is recommended that you shampoo every other day to maintain a healthy balance.

4. Brushing your hair irregularly

Can also increase your chances of having dandruff, as a build-up of dead skin occurs on the scalp.

5. Heat and dry air

Conversely heat can dry the scalp and make dandruff appear worse.

6. Air pollution

Can also contribute to dandruff as chemicals which are circulating in the air can affect the skin and cause irritation or allergic reactions on the skin and scalp which can cause dandruff.

7. Alkaline shampoos

Individuals who suffer from dandruff should opt for a neutral or slightly acidic pH shampoo. If you use a product which is unsuitable for you are sensitive to, your scalp may react causing an itchy and flaky scalp.

Hair products which contain certain oils can also worsen dandruff as yeast can feed off these lipids and grow in their presence. Styling products can also build-up on the scalp and cause greasiness.

8. An unbalanced diet

An unbalanced diet has a negative impact upon hair and scalp. However eating foods which are rich in zinc, vitamin B and fats can help you prevent dandruff from developing.

9. Stress

Can worsen any skin condition and impair your immune system. Although the microbe malassezia is already present on everyone’s scalp, it can thrive once the immune system becomes compromised or impaired leading to the development of dandruff.

Stress can cause an itch-scratch cycle where the more you scratch the itchier your scalp becomes.

Therefore it is important to incorporate some relaxation methods into your daily routine to reduce stress levels and improve scalp health.

1o. Yeast

People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher chance of dandruff, so yeast may play a part. Dandruff is often worse during the winter months and better when the weather is warmer. This may be because ultraviolet-A (UVA) light from the sun counteracts the yeast.

11. Certain skin conditions

People with psoriasis, eczema, and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff more frequently than others. Tinea capitis, a fungal infection also known as scalp ringworm, can cause dandruff.

12. Medical conditions

Adults with Parkinson’s disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone todandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.One study found that between 30 and 83 percent of people with HIV have seborrheic dermatitis, compared with 3 to 5 percent in the general population.Patients who are recovering from a heart attack or a stroke and those with a weak immune system may be more prone to dandruff.

13. Hormone Imbalance

Hormones play a key role in our body’s oil production. Women, for instance, experience an upsurge in oil production when their estrogen level drops and progesterone levels increase.

While oil is essential to keep the scalp’s moisture balance normal, excess oil triggers growth of the yeast-like fungus Malassezia globosa, resulting to dandruff. To address oily scalps, natural treatments like Oway Purifying Hair Bath for Oily Scalpshelp rebalance the skin’s moisture levels while eradicating Malassezia globosa.

14. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a well-known diuretic, which means it promotes increased production of urine. Therefore, excess alcohol consumption will trigger frequent trips to the bathroom, dehydrating the body and ultimately – the skin.

15. Harsh Hair Products

Hair care products, especially those containing harsh, synthetic chemicals and toxic ingredients, can rob the scalp of its natural pH and destroy the barrier that locks in moisture. This leaves the scalp vulnerable to sensitivity, irritation, and bacteria, which leads to dandruff.

16. Weather Extremes

Extreme weather conditions can either strip the scalp of its natural oils, or cause an overproduction of sebum. For example, winter is known for sucking the moisture out of the scalp, leaving it cracked and irritated. To repair it, treatments containing Thyme, Rosemary, and Rice Wax (likeOway Purifying Scalp Treatment Kit) are highly effective in restoring the scalp’s moisture balance, which prevents dandruff from further developing.

17. Nutrient Deficiency

Research has shown that individuals who rarely consume foods rich in vitamin B12, vitamin E, zinc, and essential fatty acids are more prone to dandruff than those who eat a balanced diet.

Vitamin B12, vitamin E, zinc, and fatty acids are essential nutrients that stimulate blood flow to the scalp and fights off free radicals that cause various scalp issues.

Risk factors

Almost anyone can have dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible:

Age. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn’t mean older adults don’t get dandruff. For some people, the problem can be lifelong.
Being male. Because more men have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role.
Certain illnesses. Parkinson’s disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system also seem to increase risk of dandruff. So does having HIV or a weakened immune system.

SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF

One of the main signs of dandruff is an itchy scalp. This is typically the first sign and then visible flakes of dead skin will follow. Red and greasy patches can also appear as well as a tingly feeling on the skin. You may also feel dryness, tightness or irritation on your scalp as well.

“Overall, dandruff lessens during warmer weather. Dandruff can also make the scalp become swollen or inflamed. You should also seek medical attention should this occur.

You can also experience dandruff in your eyebrows, chest hair, groin area and armpits.

A list of conditions that cause dandruff and the main symptoms
Symptoms	Possible causes
Scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the body	Seborrheic dermatitis
Red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss	Tinea capitis, known as ringworm
Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body	Eczema
Red, inflamed (irritated) skin; may also have blisters and cracked skin – reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses	Contact dermatitis
Red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales	Psoriasis
Greasy, yellowish crusts on baby’s scalp, eyebrows and nappy area	Cradle cap

THE BEST HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF

There are also a few things you can do yourself if the specialty shampoos just aren’t cutting it. When the pesky white flakes become a source of embarrassment and exasperating agony, then it’s time you do something about it. Home remedies are an effective way of treating dandruff. The remedies are simple and the ingredients can be found in your kitchen. So, go ahead, find the remedy that best suits your hair.
If you try home remedies for two weeks or more without seeing any changes, you should seek professional medical advice. The best home remedies are as follows:

Shampoo more often. This can help reduce the oils on your scalp.
Use green tea. Combine green tea, peppermint essential oil and white vinegar and massage it on your scalp for five minutes. Then, rinse it off with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Green tea and peppermint essential oil have antioxidants and anti-microbial properties which can promote a healthy scalp and also condition your hair so it is not as dry or irritated.
Use apple cider vinegar. Mix the apple cider vinegar with water in equal proportions and spritz it onto your scalp using a spray bottle. Wrap your head in a towel for 15 minutes and wash your hair as usual. This can be repeated twice a week. Acidity makes it harder for the yeast to grow. Thereby, keeping dandruff at bay. Apple cider vinegar can kill the fungus that may cause dandruff. It provides relief from itchiness and can help subside the dandruff.
Have a coconut oil massage: Combine five to 10 drops of tea tree oil with 5 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp at night and then rinse it off in the morning or if you’re pressed for time, just leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off. Coconut oil also fights against fungi, which can help eliminate the dandruff. Tea tree oil will help bring the shine back to your hair.
Use lemon juice. Massage 2 tablespoons of lemon juice onto your scalp and let it sit for a minute. Then, mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 cup of water. Rinse your hair with the mixture. Repeat this right before your daily shower for the best results. Fresh lemon juice contains acids that help break down the fungus that can cause dandruff. It also does not have harsh chemicals in it, which could harm your scalp.
Use baking soda. Wet your hair and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda along your scalp. Leave it on for a minute and wash it off. You can also shampoo after to thoroughly rinse it off. Baking soda fights against overactive fungi and can help exfoliate the skin on your scalp without irritating it. Baking soda also soaks up excess oil.

Reetha soap or paste: (made using reetha powder) Apply the mixture to your scalp and rinse it out with cold water and shampoo after 2 hours. Reetha is all natural hair remedy for dandruff.
Rosemary:Combine rosemary oil with vinegar and apply it to your scalp for 15-20 minutes. Wash off as usual. Rosemary is very effective for dandruff treatment when used in combination with vinegar.
Lemon water: Boil the peels of lemon in water for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool. Use the solution to wash your hair once a week. lemon is the best known cure for dandruff
Fenugreek: Crush soaked fenugreek seeds into a fine paste. The seeds should be soaked overnight in water. Apply the paste to your scalp for 30 minutes and wash off.Apart from treating dandruff, it also provides a cooling effect on your scalp.
Vinegar: Combine vinegar and water in equal amounts and apply it to your scalp. Leave overnight and wash your hair the next day with mild baby shampoo.The acidic nature of vinegar balances the PH level of the scalp and keeps dandruff at bay.
Mouthwash: Wash your hair with regular shampoo and follow it up with a rinse of alcohol based mouthwash. Finish off with conditioner. The anti-fungal properties present in mouthwash prevents the dandruff causing yeast from growing.
Aspirin: Crush two tablets of aspirin and mix with your shampoo whenever you wash your hair. Follow it up with a wash suing plain shampoo to get all the medicine out of your hair.Aspirin Contains Salicylic acid, which is a common ingredient in most anti dandruff shampoos and is very effective in treating dandruff.
Probiotics: Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria. Probiotics may help enhance immune function, which could help the body fight against the fungal infections that cause dandruff . In fact, one study showed that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduced dandruff severity in 60 people. Probiotics have also been shown to help decrease symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, especially in infants and children Probiotics are available in supplement form for a quick and convenient dose. They can also be found in many types of fermented foods, such as kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut and natto.

TREATMENT

Shampoos and scalp products are available over the counter at most stores and pharmacies. These can control seborrheic dermatitis, but they cannot cure it.

Shampoos and scalp preparations

Before using an anti-fungal shampoo, individuals should carefully try to remove any scaly or crusty patches on the scalp, as far as possible, This will make the shampoo more effective.

Dandruff shampoo is available to purchase in market. Products are also available to treat dandruff in the scalp.

Ingredients to look out for

Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:

Ketoconazole: An effective anti-fungal. Shampoos containing this ingredient can be used at any age.
Selenium sulfide: This reduces the production of natural oils by glands in the scalp. It is effective at treating dandruff.
Zinc pyrithione: This slows down the growth of yeast.
Coal tar: This has a natural anti-fungal agent. Dyed or treated hair may become stained by long-term usage. Tar soaps may also make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight, so users should wear a hat when outside. Coal tar can also be carcinogenic in high doses.
Salicylic acids: These help the scalp get rid of skin cells. They do not slow down the reproduction of skin cells. Many “scalp scrubs” contain salicylic acids. Treatment can sometimes leave the scalp dry and make skin flaking worse.
Tea-tree oil: Derived from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), many shampoos now include this ingredient. It has long been used as an anti-fungal, an antibiotic, and an antiseptic. Some people are allergic to it.

The best strategy is to select a shampoo containing one of these ingredients and shampoo the hair every day until the dandruff is under control.

After this, they can be used less frequently.

Alternating dandruff shampoo with regular shampoo may help. A specific shampoo may stop being as effective after some time. At this point, it may be a good idea to switch to one with another ingredient.

Some shampoos should be left on the scalp for around 5 minutes, as rinsing too quickly will not give the ingredient time to work. Others should be rinsed at once. Users should follow the instructions on the container.

Depending on what’s causing the dandruff on your scalp, the treatment may be straightforward or more complicated:

If you have run-of-the-mill dandruff or mild seborrheic dermatitis, you should start with an over-the-counter (those are available withour doctor’s prescription) anti-dandruff shampoo. These contain antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or pyrithione zinc, which can help manage the yeast that drives dandruff.

Products to try:

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Klorane Soothing & Anti-Irritating Shampoo With Peony
Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength
Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If your flakes are caused by a dry scalp, you’ll want to make calming and moisturizing your scalp a top priority. That might mean switching to a gentle, fragrance- and sulfate-free shampoo and possibly using an occasional deeply moisturizing conditioner or hair mask.

Products to try:

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Oat Milk Blend Shampoo
Pharmaceutical Specialties Free & Clear Shampoo
Tresemme Pro Pure Light Moisture Shampoo
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
If your flakes are caused by a contact dermatitis reaction,be sure to use gentle shampoos and conditioners that will keep your scalp moisturized without aggravating it while it heals. (Check out the above recommendations for a dry scalp.) If your scalp feels really sensitive, you might also need to reduce the frequency of your shampooing for the time being.
If your dandruff is more severe, intensely itchy, or causes oozing or bleeding when you scratch at it, those are signs it may be due to a more serious condition, like eczema, psoriasis, or a severe case of seborrheic.

At Munna & Guys Chittagong, We do Dandruff & Frizzy Hair Treatment. Our Treatment is 100% Herbal oriented. We recommend minimum 4 treatment for better result.

Dandruff: Causes, Treatment & Natural Remedy.

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Meta

Appointment

Dandruff: Causes, Treatment & Natural Remedy.

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Meta

Tags

Related articles

Appointment