Home Remedies for Hair Dandruff
Dandruff is a skin condition that causes flaky and itchy scalp. It is surprisingly very common problem. And the worst part about them is that they are very contagious and spread through comb, towel and even clothes.
What causes Dandruff?
Dandruff is caused by microscopic organisms called Pityrosporum-ovale which are present in the scalp of the body. Symptoms of dandruff are aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoos, hair dyes etc. This leads to an increase in the number of microbes, which causes unhealthy residues on the scalp that causes dandruff, which is a cause of discomfort.
As a result, Lifeless hair and excessive loss of hair can also occur.
Symptoms of Dandruff:
Some of the signs and symptoms related to dandruff are as follows:
- The skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis is usually red and greasy with white or yellowish scaly scales.
- Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp).
- Sometimes there is itching or soreness and the scalp may feel tight.
- Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis): This highly contagious fungal infection occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age.
- Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes the accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick silvery scales.
- A yellow or red scaly rash on the back of the head, in the ear canal, around the nose, and/or on the chest
- Your scalp may be either extremely dry or oily.
Dandruff treatment:
Here is a list of ways to treat dandruff:
- Anti-dandruff shampoos containing antimicrobial selenium sulfide (such as Selsun) or zinc pyrithione are helpful for treating mild dandruff.
- Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Polytar, Neutrogena T/Gel) can be used up to 3 times a week.
- Corticosteroid cream or lotion.
- Mix 8 Tbsp. Groundnut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
- Antifungal shampoos that contain ketoconazole (such as Nizoral dandruff shampoo) are a mild, yet effective treatment for dandruff.
- If shampoo alone doesn’t help, your doctor may ask you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.
- Tar shampoos like Tarsum will help control dandruff.
Common Factors That Can Cause Dandruff
- Heredity
- Lack of proper diet
- Environment
- Dry or greasy scalp etc.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Insufficient shampoo or insufficient rinsing of hair.
- Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair colours.
Can dandruff cause baldness?
Dandruff can lead to many problems, such as acne or dry skin, and can even be triggered by hair loss. In severe cases of dandruff, the medical term for which is seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea, some hair follicles may be damaged or destroyed.
But there is no evidence in medical journals that baldness is caused by simple dandruff. Dandruff and baldness often occur together. Many people believe that one is caused by the other. This is a misconception.
Home Remedies for Dandruff Treatment:
- Oil your hair with pure warm coconut oil and apply the juice of half a lemon on the scalp.
- Massage the scalp with almond oil and steam your hair. Steam baths are taken by dipping a towel in boiling water and wrapping it around the hair, like a turban. When your towel has cooled, repeat it three or four times. Steaming opens up the scalp pores and enhances the ability of the hair roots to absorb oil.
- You can also take a spoonful of lemon juice, mix it with two spoons of vinegar and massage it on the scalp. Wash your hair with egg shampoo.
- Take an equal quantity of almond oil, and pure sulfur, mix and add ‘surgical spirit’ in equal quantities of the above two. Add four parts distilled water or rose water and rub it on the scalp. An effective home remedy for dandruff.
- Mix two spoons of vinegar with one spoon of lemon juice and massage it on the scalp. After this wash your hair with one egg shampoo. Your hair will be dandruff free.
Dandruff can be easily combated by proper hygiene and the home remedies for hair dandruff mentioned above. Hope this was helpful. And if you have any question or suggestion related to hair dandruff feel free comment below.
