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Dealing with Dandruff

by Sheron Hopkins

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Is your head always itching? Do you have a dry scalp? Do you notice whitish flakes falling from your hair to your clothes?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you probably have dandruff.

Dandruff is a condition wherein the dead skin cells in the individual’s scalp are shed excessively. Dandruff can usually be accompanied by irritation on the scalp, manifesting as redness and pain.

As the epidermis of the scalp is replaced, the old skin cells of the scalp are shed. Normally, this shedding is not noticeable. In people who have dandruff, however, the cells in the scalp mature much earlier, and are shed by 2-7 days rather than the supposed 1 month. Thus, oily, noticeable clumps of dead skin, usually whitish or grayish in color, are formed and are shed. Dandruff is also associated with a fungus known as Malassezia globosa. This fungus is responsible for creating the inflammation in the scalp.

In managing dandruff, it is important to shampoo everyday to avoid the build up of flakes. If you have an itchy scalp, try not to scratch it, as you might injure your scalp further. You should also make sure that you shower immediately after any strenuous activity, since sweat can further irritate the scalp. Also, it is a good idea to lessen the use of hair products, such as sprays and gels, as they can cause further build-up of oil in the scalp.

There are several ways to treat dandruff. The most popular way to do it is by using anti-dandruff shampoos. Anti-dandruff shampoos contain various chemicals, such as zinc pyrithione, tar, piroctone olamine and selenium sulfide. Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide are quite popular and effective, as these chemicals are able to slow down the process of flaking. Some anti-dandruff shampoos also contain ketoconazole, an anti-fungal agent. This does not only help relieve dandruff but also prevents the recurrence of the condition. More recently, tea tree oil has been discovered to be an effective anti-dandruff agent, due to its anti-fungal properties.

When using an anti-dandruff shampoo, it is best to alternate between several types or brands. This is because by using a single kind of shampoo, your scalp may develop some sort of tolerance to it, making the shampoo less effective. Use one anti-fungal shampoo for one month before you switch to another one. For best results, try rotating three different brands of anti-dandruff shampoos.

When shampooing with an anti-dandruff shampoo, lather your hair 2 times. The first time allows you to get rid of the flakes on your scalp, clearing it up. The second time should be left on your scalp for about 5 minutes, to enable the shampoo to penetrate the cells.

After using an anti-dandruff shampoo, it is advisable to use a conditioner. The chemicals in the anti-dandruff shampoos usually make the hair stiff and dry. Conditioning the hair helps keep the moisture in the hair.

There are also several homemade anti-dandruff remedies that you may want to try. Vinegar, specifically white vinegar and apple cider vinegar, have been used for years to treat dandruff. Vinegar is believed to exert its anti-fungal properties on the scalp, making it helpful in combating dandruff. However, this usually results in an unpleasant smell. This has resulted in the creation of other anti-dandruff remedies, such as lemon juice and coconut oil.
If you have dandruff, there is no need to be ashamed. By following these tips, dandruff can be gone in no time!

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