Dandruff is the term used to describe the simple scaling of the scalp. The top layer of skin is constantly being shed
and renewed. Normally this goes unnoticed on the rest of the body, however, on the scalp the hair traps the scaling
skin so that the scales become more evident.
About 50 per cent of the population suffer from dandruff. It can be treated by regular washing of the scalp with a
medicated shampoo. Sometimes prescribed creams and lotions are necessary to bring it under control.
Dandruff
is a chronic scalp condition that causes scaling and flaking of the
skin. The skin on our scalp sheds more than any other area. Flakes
get trapped in the hair and mix with oil, causing dandruff. What
causes this increased shedding of scalp skin is still unknown. Some
experts believe it is caused by a yeast or fungus, which irritates
the scalp. The body's reaction to this irritation causes increased
shedding of dead cells. Others believe factors such as stress,
weather, oily skin, diet or hormones cause dandruff.
Dry scalp and dandruff are not the same thing. Dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture or natural oils on the scalp, which results in small, dry flakes, and itchiness. Dandruff is caused by the shedding of skin, which results in medium-to-large size, white, oily flakes. Having dandruff does not mean your scalp is too dry. It means you need to wash your hair more often.
Although dandruff can't be cured, it can be controlled. Early treatment is the key. If you have dandruff, follow these guidelines:
Use a dandruff shampoo, such as Head & Shoulders,
Sebulex, or Tegrin. Wet your hair and rub the shampoo into your scalp and hair. Leave it on the scalp for at least 5 minutes or as directed. Then rinse it out. Use it every day until the dandruff is gone.
stop using hairspray and other hair preparations
Continue to use the medicated shampoo 2 or 3 times a week to keep the dandruff away. Or alternate the dandruff shampoo with your regular shampoo.
Contact a
dermatologist if the dandruff persists, even with continued treatment, or if other skin problems
arise.
Use shampoo powders with camellia seeds for mild cases
Moderate dandruff sufferers use a medicated shampoo daily or alternate days, leaving the lather on for at least 10 minutes. Be sure to rinse thoroughly; shampoo and soap residue can actually aggravate skin problems.
When possible, let your hair dry naturally instead of blowing it dry.
Brushing your hair with a natural-bristle brush can also prove beneficial. Brush your hair from your scalp outward with steady, firm strokes. This will carry oil from your scalp, where it can cause dandruff, along the hair strands, which need the oil to stay shiny and healthy.
Wash and rinse hair properly and regularly
Try to relax during the day;eat nitritious,well balanced diet, avoid snacks,regular exercise
If you find that you are still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. You may be using the wrong shampoo for your condition. For stubborn dandruff cases you may need to use a prescription lotion or shampoo.
Don'ts
Do not use ordinary soap to wash hair.
Do not wash hair intensively.
Avoid dyeing your hair (unless you absolutely must). We all have bacteria on our scalp, some of which are beneficial. These 'good' bacteria prevent dandruff yeast, and hair dyes reduce their numbers.
After your dandruff has cleared up, use the medicated shampoo no more than once or twice a week, because it is too harsh for daily use.
If you have oily dandruff, never use oil on your
scalp. Also avoid greasy ointments and gels.
Anti-dandruff Shampoos
There are many anti-dandruff shampoos available in supermarkets and over-the-counter in pharmacies. The most
common contain one or more of the following active ingredients:
Tar
Selenium sulphide
Zinc pyrithione/zinc omadine
Piroctone olamine
Ketoconazole or Miconazole
Salicylic acid
Shampoos containing
tar have been used for decades and can be very effective in controlling
dandruff. In the past they may not have been as aesthetically acceptable in terms of scent and feel as other
medicated shampoos, but a variety of newer preparations are usually well tolerated and simple to use.
Piroctone olamine is known as a "second generation" anti-dandruff agent.
It differs from zinc pyrithione in that it is much less toxic and consequently products containing piroctone olamine
do not have to carry a "WARNING - if swallowed seek medical advice" label, so they are safer for family use. Ketoconazole and miconazole are other recent additions and are similarly generally well tolerated.
They are
anti-fungal or anti-yeast agents and usually improve a variety of scaling and itchy scalp conditions.
Salicylic acid
is found in several medicated shampoo's. It helps to separate and lift off scalp scales.
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