How can you effectively treat severe dandruff at home. What natural ingredients work best for eliminating dandruff. Which home remedies provide long-lasting relief from scalp flaking and itching.

Understanding Dandruff: Causes and Symptoms

Dandruff, medically known as seborrhoea, is a common scalp condition characterized by flaking of the skin on the scalp. It can be embarrassing and affect one’s self-esteem, especially when those tiny white flakes are visible on dark clothing.

What causes dandruff? The primary culprit is often a fungus called Malassezia. This yeast-like fungus is naturally present on the scalp, but when it grows excessively, it can lead to dandruff. Other factors that contribute to dandruff include:

• Irregular hair washing and brushing habits
• Infrequent use of shampoo
• Stress and certain mental health conditions
• Dry skin
• Certain skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
• In some cases, neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease

Is dandruff always the same? Not quite. There are two main types of dandruff:

1. Dry dandruff: Characterized by small, dry flakes
2. Oily dandruff: Appears as larger, yellowish, oily flakes that stick to the scalp and hair

Natural Remedies: Harnessing the Power of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a natural remedy for various ailments, including dandruff. But how effective is it really?

ACV’s acidity helps balance the pH of the scalp, making it less hospitable for dandruff-causing fungi. Additionally, it has antimicrobial properties that can help combat the overgrowth of yeast on the scalp.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

1. Mix equal parts of ACV and water
2. After shampooing, apply the mixture to your wet hair and scalp
3. Gently massage it into your scalp
4. Leave it on for about 15 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water

How often should you use this remedy? It’s best to start with once a week and adjust based on your scalp’s response. Overuse can lead to dryness, so it’s important to find the right balance for your hair.

Mehndi: More Than Just Body Art

Mehndi, commonly known as henna, is not just for decorative purposes. It has been used for centuries in hair care, particularly for its ability to condition the hair and scalp.

How does mehndi help with dandruff? The natural cooling properties of mehndi can help soothe an irritated scalp. It also has antifungal properties that may help combat the fungi responsible for dandruff.

Preparing a Mehndi Treatment for Dandruff

1. Mix mehndi powder with yogurt and a small amount of lemon juice to form a paste
2. Let the mixture sit for about 8 hours to release its dye and beneficial properties
3. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair
4. Leave it on for 2 hours
5. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual

Can mehndi change your hair color? Yes, it can add a reddish tint to your hair, especially if it’s light-colored. If you prefer to avoid this, you can use colorless henna instead.

Coconut Oil and Lemon: A Powerful Duo Against Dandruff

Coconut oil has been a staple in hair care routines for centuries, praised for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. When combined with lemon, it becomes a potent remedy for dandruff.

Why is this combination effective? Coconut oil’s moisturizing properties help combat dry scalp, while its antifungal properties can help reduce the presence of dandruff-causing fungi. Lemon, on the other hand, helps balance the pH of the scalp and has antimicrobial properties.

How to Prepare and Use Coconut Oil with Lemon

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil until it melts
2. Mix in an equal amount of fresh lemon juice
3. Apply the mixture to your scalp and gently massage
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes
5. Rinse off with shampoo

How often can you use this treatment? For best results, use this treatment once or twice a week. Be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as lemon can be irritating for some people.

Fenugreek Seeds: An Ancient Remedy for Modern Hair Problems

Fenugreek seeds, also known as methi seeds, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They’re packed with proteins and nicotinic acid, which are beneficial for hair health.

How do fenugreek seeds help with dandruff? These seeds have antifungal properties that can help combat the fungi responsible for dandruff. They also contain mucilage, a gel-like substance that can soothe and moisturize the scalp.

Preparing a Fenugreek Seed Treatment

1. Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight
2. In the morning, grind the seeds into a paste
3. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair
4. Leave it on for about 30 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water

Can fenugreek seeds have any side effects? While generally safe, some people may experience allergic reactions. It’s always best to do a patch test before applying any new treatment to your scalp.

Tea Tree Oil: Nature’s Antifungal Wonder

Tea tree oil is renowned for its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for dandruff.

How does tea tree oil combat dandruff? Its antifungal properties help reduce the presence of Malassezia on the scalp. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe an irritated scalp.

Using Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff

1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and gently massage
3. Leave it on for about 15 minutes
4. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual

Is tea tree oil safe for everyone? While generally safe, tea tree oil can cause irritation in some people, especially if used undiluted. Always dilute it properly and do a patch test before use.

Aloe Vera: Soothing Relief for an Irritated Scalp

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and healing properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for various skin and scalp conditions, including dandruff.

How does aloe vera help with dandruff? Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce scalp irritation and itching. It also has antifungal properties that can help combat the fungi responsible for dandruff.

Applying Aloe Vera for Dandruff Relief

1. Extract fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf
2. Apply the gel directly to your scalp
3. Gently massage it in
4. Leave it on for about 30 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water

Can you use store-bought aloe vera gel? While fresh aloe vera is best, you can use store-bought gel. Just ensure it’s pure aloe vera without added chemicals or preservatives.

Neem: The Ancient Indian Secret for Healthy Hair

Neem, also known as Indian lilac, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties make it an excellent natural remedy for dandruff.

How does neem combat dandruff? Neem’s antifungal properties help reduce the presence of dandruff-causing fungi on the scalp. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe an irritated scalp.

Using Neem for Dandruff Control

1. Boil a handful of neem leaves in water
2. Let the solution cool and strain it
3. Use this neem-infused water as a final rinse after shampooing
4. Alternatively, you can grind neem leaves into a paste and apply it directly to your scalp

How often should you use neem for dandruff? You can use a neem rinse 2-3 times a week. If using a neem paste, once a week is usually sufficient.

By incorporating these natural remedies into your hair care routine, you can effectively combat dandruff and promote a healthier scalp. Remember, consistency is key when using these treatments, and it may take some time to see significant results. If your dandruff persists or worsens despite these remedies, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist for professional treatment.

15 Home Remedies To Cure Dandruff Naturally

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Feeling low on confidence and self-esteem by those tiny flakes constantly falling on your black dress? Well, dandruff is something that can hurt your behaviour in public. Dandruff is also medically known as seborrhoea and this condition weakens your scalp primarily due to poor hair brushing, stress and dry skin. So now the question is how do you put a stop to it?

Now that you have understood the primary cause of dandruff, let us understand how you can put an end to this condition. Home remedies can do well to treat dandruff, provided the condition is not severe. If dandruff is severe, then it is advised that you take medical treatment that can help resolve this problem. Sometimes, the shampoos you use do not do any good and that is when you will need medical treatment to treat this condition.

Causes of Dandruff:

Dandruff is caused when a type of fungus called Malassezia begins to grow on your scalp. However, this results in scalp damage and causes severe dryness. There is another type of dandruff wherein your scalp begins producing more oil and as a result, dandruff appears to be sticky and oily on your hair. Here are some of the major causes of dandruff.

• Irregular brushing and hair washing.
• Not using shampoo constantly
• Stress and any kind of mental illness
• Parkinson’s disease

Now that you know the primary causes of dandruff, let us understand how to get rid of it without any medical treatment and by following some simple home remedies.

Home Remedies to Cure Dandruff:

There are many home remedies that you can use on a daily basis and this will help you get rid of dandruff permanently. However, in order to get all of this done, you need to get certain ingredients ready and mix all of it in an appropriate manner. Once this is done, there is a prescribed way that you need to apply it and this will help you get rid of those disgusting flakes that lower your confidence levels. Here is a list of home remedies that will help you get rid of dandruff completely.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

Treating dandruff at home requires a way in which the ingredients must be mixed. Once you have mixed all of the ingredients in the right way, you can go about applying it. ACV is said to be one of the best natural remedies to treat severe dandruff. However, there is a prescribed way in which you need to prepare the paste. Here are some easy steps you need to know for preparing apple cider vinegar.

Preparation of Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Add some apple cider vinegar to water (Equal parts) and keep it aside.
• After washing your hair, apply the mix to your wet hair.
• Gently massage your hair with the mix
• Leave to dry for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.

Note: You can do this every time you have a head shower. Also, keep in mind that you cannot excessively use apple cider vinegar over your hair and this means that do not apply it every day. Once every two days is the best way to use this home remedy for fighting dandruff.

2. Apply Mehndi:

You can cure dandruff using mehndi. Mehndi works well on your hair and softens it. Here is how you prepare the mehndi mix for your hair.

Preparation of Mehndi:

Mehndi needs to be prepared the right way and this mix has a prescribed manner in which it needs to be prepared.

• Firstly, mix mehndi with curd and a little bit of lemon juice
• Once this is formed as a paste, keep the mixture aside for 8 hours.
• After 8 hours you can apply it on your hair
• Let it dry over your hair for two hours and then you can wash it away.

Note: Follow the above-listed pointers well and you will see the difference. Mehndi is natural and this is one simple way that you can get rid of dandruff easily.

3. Coconut Oil with Lemon:

Coconut oil is said to keep your hair nourished and when this is mixed with little lemon juice, it can cure dandruff. This is also an easy home remedy to get rid of those tiny flakes that pull your confidence down. Follow these simple tips and get rid of dandruff permanently.

Preparation of Coconut Oil with Lemon:

Follow these simple steps and get rid of dandruff quickly:

• Firstly you need to heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it equally with some mixture of lemon juice.
• Once this is done, you can apply this on your scalp and massage your hair gently with it.
• After this is done, leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with some shampoo.

Note: This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of dandruff on your hair. You need to keep in mind that all of the above-listed procedures need to be followed in the prescribed manner.

4. Fenugreek Seeds:

Fenugreek seeds are used as a preventive cure for dandruff. Also known as methi seeds, this procedure needs to be followed in the right way possible.

Preparation of Fenugreek Seeds:

Fenugreek is said to benefit people suffering from low blood sugar and boosts testosterone and also milk production for mothers. Fenugreek has multiple benefits such as regulating cholesterol levels and keeps your appetite in control. Here are some simple tips that you need to keep in mind while preparing fenugreek seed to get rid of dandruff.

• Firstly, you need to put some fenugreek seeds in a small bowl of water and let it soak overnight.
• Once you wake up in the morning make sure that you mash the seeds to a paste-like substance. Then add little lemon juice to the paste and mix it well.
• Once this has formed into a paste, apply it onto your scalp and hair and leave it to dry for 30 minutes.
• After this is done you can wash your hair with shampoo and allow your hair to dry.

5. Curd:

Following a home remedy at home to treat dandruff may be a tough task to do, especially curd makes it very messy. Curd applied to your hair makes it very effective to treat dandruff.

Preparation of Curd to Cure Dandruff:

Here are some easy tips of curing dandruff using curd. Here is how you do it.

• At first, you need to apply little curd onto your hair including your scalp.
• Let it dry for an hour or so.
• Make sure you rinse it off in an hours time with some shampoo.

6. Neem Juice:

Neem is a very good cure for dandruff and this has been found in most shampoos as one of the main ingredients. The method of using neem juice on your hair doesn’t make it messy like curd being applied to your hair.

Preparation for Neem Juice:

Here is how you prepare neem juice mix before applying it to your hair and this will help cure dandruff.

• Firstly you need to crush some neem leaves till it forms a thick paste.
• Next, you need to apply this paste onto your scalp and hair and let it dry for a minimum of 10 minutes.
• Once this is done, you can wash it away with some water.

7. Orange Peel:

Orange peel is said to work well as a very good remedy for treating dandruff at home. But you need to keep in mind as for how you need to prepare this mix.

Preparation of Orange Peel:

Orange peel is said to contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and dietary fibres which are good for your body. However, when it comes to your hair and curing dandruff, orange peel must be made in the following manner and applied to your scalp and hair to get rid of dandruff. Here are tips that you need to follow in order to get rid of dandruff.

• Take the orange peel and then squeeze some lemon juice onto it.
• Add all of this to a grinder and grind it till it turns into a paste.
• Then apply the paste to your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes
• After this is done, you can wash it away with some anti-dandruff shampoo.

Note: You can follow all of the above-listed procedures for at least thrice a week and this will help you get rid of dandruff at home.

8. Vinegar:

Vinegar has medicinal properties that can kill the bad fungus and this can be seen as an easy remedy to get rid of dandruff the easy way. This also helps in treating various skin related problems like acne and itchiness in the scalp.

Preparation of Vinegar:

Here are some easy steps that you need to keep in mind while preparing vinegar mix to get rid of dandruff.

• Firstly you will need 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of water as the major ingredient.
• Next, you will have to boil both the cups of vinegar and keep it aside to cool.
• Then mix one-eighth cups of water to the vinegar.
• Once this is done, you can use this to clean your scalp and you can rinse it away with shampoo.

Note: You will have to do this usually in the morning before you apply shampoo in your hair. Vinegar will reduce the dryness and remove the itchiness that you are facing.

9. Egg Yolk:

Egg yolk contains biotin which is the major vitamin that treats dandruff. Egg yolks can act as conditioners for your hair that can make it healthier.

Preparation of Egg Yolk:

In order to prepare egg yolk, you will have to remove the white layer that surrounds the yolk. Always remember that the yolk is more beneficial than the white layer that surrounds it. Here are some simple steps that you need to follow when you are making egg yolks.

• Firstly you need to keep your hair and scalp dry and then apply yolk on your hair.
• Once you are done applying the yolk, you will have to cover your hair with a plastic bag for an hour.
• Wash your hair gently using shampoo. Sometime you will have to wash your hair twice to remove the bad odour.

Note: You can follow this treatment for dandruff in the morning while having a bath or anytime when you have a bath. Always remember that it needs to be followed only thrice a week.

10. Green Tea:

Green tea contains a lot of antifungal properties and it is an antioxidant that can restore the health of your scalp. All you need to cure dandruff is by applying some cooled green tea on your scalp and you can witness the difference.

Preparation for Green Tea:

In order to get rid of dandruff, green tea can be used by following these simple steps.

• Firstly you will require 2 green tea bags and some hot water as the major part of your ingredients.
• Then you will have to put the green tea bag into the hot water for 20 minutes till the decoction dissolves in it and then allow it to cool.
• Once it cools, you can apply the green tea onto your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes gently rinse your hair with water.

Note: This can be followed in the mornings when bathing. This is one of the easiest ways in which you can cure dandruff naturally at home.

11. Basil Leaves:

Basil leaves are one of the natural ways in which you can cure dandruff. This is because these leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can cure you of heavy dandruff. These leaves can also help your scalp become strong and stay healthy.

Preparation of Basil Leaves:

Here’s how you prepare basil leaves for curing dandruff and other hair related problems.

• Firstly, you will require some basil leaves, 2 teaspoons of amla powder and just 2 teaspoons of water.
• Mix all of these ingredients together and this will form a clean paste.
• Once the paste is formed, apply it gently over your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes rinse your hair with some water.

Note: You need to follow this on a daily basis and you will witness the difference. By doing this, the strength of your hair will increase and this will help curb hair fall too.

12. Olive Oil:

Olive oil can do a lot of good to your hair. All you need to do is to apply olive oil to your hair and this strengthens your scalp.

Preparation of Olive Oil:

Preparing olive requires a prescribed format that needs to be done in order to get rid of dandruff. Here are some easy ways in which you can get rid of dandruff.

• Firstly, apply some olive oil on your hair.
• After 10 minutes you can wash your hair gently with shampoo.

Note: In some cases, you can apply some olive oil before you go to bed. Wrap your head with a towel and let it absorb the remaining oil.

13. Listerine Mouthwash:

Listerine mouthwash has antifungal properties that can fight the yeast responsible for preventing the growth of this yeast.

Preparation of Listerine Mouthwash:

Here is how you need to use Listerine mouthwash. Follow these simple ways and you can get rid of dandruff.

• At first, you will need 1 tablespoon of Listerine mouthwash and 9 tablespoons of water.
• You need to mix the mouthwash with water in a small bowl.
• Once this is done, make sure that you wash it away using some anti-dandruff shampoo that will help wash away all the bad bacteria.

Note: You can do this in the mornings when you are bathing. Follow this simple procedure and you can see the difference in a few weeks.

14. Banana With Apple Cider Vinegar:

Banana and apple cider vinegar makes a good choice for curing dandruff. This is because bananas are rich in vitamin B and this helps in improving blood circulation and keeps your skin healthy. On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is known as a fungicide and a germ killer and this helps in curing dandruff.

Preparing Banana with Apple Cider Vinegar:

Follow these simple steps and you will get rid of those disgusting dandruff.

• As a major part of your ingredients, you will need 1 full banana with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar.
• Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, you will have to peel the banana and put it in a small bowl. Along with this, you can add some apple cider vinegar.
• Once the mix is done make sure you mix it well till it becomes a perfect paste.
• Then, apply the paste to your hair and gently massage the mixture into your scalp and ensure that the paste covers your hair completely.
• Allow it to dry for 20 minutes and then rinse your hair with normal water and some shampoo.

Note: You can use this method early mornings if you have the time or in the night before having your shower.

15. Garlic:

Garlic has a good source of antifungal properties that have the tendency to eliminate certain dangerous microbes that are responsible for causing dandruff.

Preparation for Garlic:

Here are some simple tips that you need to keep in your mind while applying garlic paste on your hair.

• Initially, you will need a few garlic cloves along with 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Once you’ve got all the ingredients ready, make sure that you mix it till it turns into a smooth paste.
• Then, apply the paste on your scalp and let it dry for 15 minutes.
• Once this is done make sure you rinse your hair with some shampoo.

Note: You can use this natural way to get rid of dandruff in the mornings or in the night before you have a shower. Garlic is strong enough to get dandruff off your hair.

How to Cure Dandruff Permanently?

Getting rid of dandruff can be a burden, however, if you follow these simple steps on a day-to-day basis, you can prevent it from affecting you. Also, these simple steps are applicable to those suffering from the disease.

• Use the right shampoo for your hair. Moreover, do not use this in excess.
• Always keep your scalp clean. This means that you need to have a head shower every 3 days once.
• There are many anti-dandruff shampoos out there in the market that will help you but make sure you try something that will work milder for you and this can be made possible only if you try out all and see which one suits you the best.
• Use your own comb to brush your hair.
• Make sure you take enough of rest before you get yourself working. Lack of sleep creates stress and this in return causes dandruff.
• Make sure you always cover your hair while travelling.
• Also, make sure that you use herbal products to cure dandruff. This is because harmful chemicals found in shampoos can also sometimes cause dandruff.

Note: Do not comb your hair using others’ hairbrushes. Also, make sure you clean your hair once in two days. Regular cleaning of your hair will help prevent dandruff.

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

What Is Dandruff? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Dandruff can happen for a number of reasons:

Seborrheic Dermatitis If you have a particularly bad case of dandruff, it’s likely a mild case of seborrheic dermatitis (SD), according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

SD is a chronic form of eczema that impacts areas of the body that secrete the most sebum, or oil, notes the National Eczema Association.

People with oily skin are often more prone to dandruff. The reason: A yeast called Malassezia globosa feeds on oils on the scalp. Some people’s bodies perceive this breakdown of oil as an irritant, so the scalp reacts by upping the speed at which skin cells renew, causing dandruff, notes Amy McMichael, MD, professor of dermatology and chair of the department of dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For those without dandruff, it takes a whole month for new skin cells on the scalp to mature, die, and shed. But for those with dandruff, this process occurs in a mere two to seven days, according to a report in the Journal of Medical Chemistry.

Still, it’s important to note that while M. globosa has long been thought to be the main risk factor for dandruff, a causal relationship has yet to be firmly established, noted a July 2019 report in the journal Experimental Dermatology.

Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is skin irritation caused by either an allergen or an irritant, resulting in an itchy, possibly painful rash. And in the case of dandruff, that reaction is on the scalp. This generally occurs due to hair-care products or dyes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Dry Skin If cold winter air dries out your skin all over, including your scalp, then dry skin may be the cause of your dandruff. When dry skin causes dandruff, the flakes are usually smaller and less oily than the flakes caused by SD, notes PIH Health.

(In addition, cold and dry climates can also worsen SD, according to the Cleveland Clinic.)

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

Shampooing Habits “For those who are already at risk for dandruff, washing infrequently can worsen the condition,” says Dr. McMichael. Taking extended breaks can lead to a buildup of oil that can lead to dandruff.

Age Dandruff often begins at puberty and peaks around age 20, becoming far less prevalent among folks over 50 years old, according to a review published in December 2015 in the Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology.

Sex Androgen hormones, such as testosterone, stimulate activity in the sebaceous glands. More oil means an increased chance of an inflammatory reaction and dandruff. Men are more frequently affected by dandruff than women.

Weakened Immune System SD is more prevalent in individuals who’ve undergone an organ transplant and those with HIV or AIDS, hepatitis C, or alcoholic pancreatitis. For example, 30 percent to 83 percent of those with HIV report SD.

Neurologic and Psychiatric Conditions Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury are among the conditions that elevate one’s risk of SD, including dandruff.

Those with Parkinson’s disease, for example, have an impaired autonomic nervous system that helps to control things like oil gland secretions, which can lead to an overproduction that leads to dandruff, according to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

History of Other Skin Disorders Having had eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or acne can trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis.

Oily Skin If you have naturally oily skin, you’re at an elevated risk for seborrheic dermatitis.

Oiling Your Scalp “Certain oils applied to the scalp can cover the scale, but worsen the flaking and itching response,” notes McMichael.

THE MOST COMMERCIALLY EXPLOITED SKIN DISEASE

Abstract

The article discuss in detail about the prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations of dandruff including the etio-pathology. The article also discusses in detail about various treatment methods available for dandruff. The status of dandruff being amphibious – a disease/disorder, and relatively less medical intervention is sought after for the treatment, dandruff is the most commercially exploited skin and scalp disorder/disease by personal care industries.

Keywords: Dandruff, cosmetic problem, scalp disease, shampoos

Introduction

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the pre-pubertal age and of any gender and ethnicity. [1] No population in any geographical region would have passed through freely without being affected by dandruff at some stage in their life.[2] The word dandruff (dandruff, dandriffe) is of Anglo-Saxon origin, a combination of ‘tan’ meaning ‘tetter’ and ‘drof’ meaning ‘dirty’. Dandruff affects aesthetic value and often causes itching. It has been well established that keratinocytes play a key role in the expression and generation of immunological reactions during dandruff formation.[3] The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with season as it often worsens in winter.[4]

Pathophysiology

Even today, the debate on whether dandruff has to be treated as a disease or a disorder continues. In the physiological spectrum of scaling, about 487,000cells/sq cm get released normally after detergent treatment and this number goes up to 800,000/sq cm during dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.[5] However, dandruff is non-inflammatory in nature. The real cause for dandruff formation from the normal physiological spectrum of scaling is yet to be understood.

Dandruff – seborrhoeic dermatitis link

The spectrum of dandruff is difficult to define because it blurs with seborrhoeic dermatitis and some other scaly conditions. The inflammation and extension of scaling outside the scalp exclude the diagnosis of dandruff from seborrhoeic dermatitis.[6] 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. Histological examination reveals the scattered presence of lymphoid cells and squirting capillaries in the papillary dermis with hints of spongiosis and focal parakeratosis.[3,7]

Conceptually, dandruff is a dander and represents nothing more than physiologic scaling.[8] Hence it is believed that physiological scaling process requires more of cosmetic management. The response to treatment is commonly swift, but transient. On the contrary, seborrhoeic dermatitis is obviously more inflammatory in nature extending outside the limit of the scalp surface. [5]

Dandruff composition

Dandruff scale is a cluster of corneocytes, which have retained a large degree of cohesion with one another and detach as such from the surface of the stratum corneum. The size and abundance of scales are heterogeneous from one site to another and over time. Parakeratotic cells often make up part of dandruff. Their numbers are related to the severity of the clinical manifestations, which may also be influenced by seborrhea.[9]

Microbial etiology of dandruff

There could be several etiopathologic pathways with complex mechanisms, which may cause dandruff. The role of lipophilic yeast belonging to the genus Malassezia was widely accepted to play a role in dandruff way back in 1846.[8,10] Eichstedt was the first to recognize the presence of this fungus in the disease pityriasis versicolor.[8,11] The scalp form as biocenose for various organisms such as Staphylococci spp., Propionibacterium spp., and Malassezia spp. ,[12,13] The density of these organisms varies from 10³ to 10⁵ organisms per mm². During dandruff, the levels of Malassezia increase by 1.5 to 2 times its normal level. It has been debated that the quantitative microbial assessment of all kinds does not indicate the role of yeast; the abundance that might have been proportional to the volume of scales which it colonizes or be responsible for the altered desquamation. Interestingly, the specific relationship between a species of Malassezia appears to be the strategy for treating dandruff.

In response to the use of antifungal preparations, population of Malassezia reduces, but the bacterial population is seldom affected. After withdrawal of treatment, the clinical situation recurs and Malassezia population increases to the initial level. Another interesting aspect on the microbial cause of dandruff is the positive treatment response of dandruff to various steroids. Steroids are known to suppress the immune flare-up and the microbe will advantageously utilize the immune suppressed opportunity. But the good treatment response and prolonged remission period with steroid treatment raises a doubt on the microbial cause of dandruff. Whether the increased Malassezia count is the result of abundant scales or abundant scales is due to the increased Malassezia population lack clear explanation till date.[12] There are seven species of Malassezia – M. globosa, M. resticta, M. obtuse, M. sloofiae, M. sympodialis, M. furfur and M. pachydermatis, which have been recognized in dandruff formation.[14] However, none of the species of Malssezia have fulfilled the Koch’s postulates as a pathogen of dandruff till date.

Role of corneocytes in dandruff

Both in dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, the population of Malassezia is not uniform throughout the skin surface and inside the stratum corneum.[1,3] Clumpy adherence of the yeast is seen in some corneocytes, whereas other corneocytes in the neighborhood region harbor few of these yeast. It is presumed that perhaps the Malassezia binding site may differ in corneocytes. Another postulate is the natural antifungal peptides of the innate immunity to the above cause. The colonization of the yeast boosts the expression of β–defensin-2 by keratinocytes.[15] In dandruff, their expression could be impaired at some sites where the abundance of Malassezia is more. It is known that Malassezia has antigenic and pro-inflammatory properties stimulating both innate & acquired immune response and neuro immune sensorial response as well.[16] In dandruff, the immune response is not altered.

The Malassezia – corneocyte hypothesis still leaves some doubt. It does not explain why scaling at low grade (2-5 mg/cm scalp/2 days) with low parakeratotic index persist despite dandruff being resolved and Malassezia largely removed.[5] It is hypothesized that the antifungal agents may not be able to eradicate deep-seated yeasts allowing a minimal inflammatory reaction to be maintained or the anti inflammatory activity claimed in the antidandruff agents is not effective enough in vivo. [17] The adverse reaction such as irritant dermatitis or contact allergic dermatitis may be provoked by the treatment agents also.[18]

Non-microbial etiopathology of dandruff

The non-microbial cause for dandruff is well established. Excessive exposure to sunlight is known to cause desquamation of the scalp[19,20] Minimal irritation of scalp due to over shampooing, frequent combing, use of certain cosmetic products, dusts and dirt also, to some extent, cause dandruff. However, there is no sufficient experimental evidence to the above assumptions.[3]

Role of Lipids

Human scalp is very androgen sensitive and sebum rich.[3,21] The sebum forms an ideal nutrient in the biocenose and sebum formation starts with the onset of puberty. However, sebum excretion rate in dandruff infected and non-infected subjects was found to be same. Many subjects with oily scalp did not show dandruff as well.[4] This clearly shows that lipids may facilitate to some extent but not be the primary cause. Many authors presume that host susceptibility factors play a major role in dandruff formation. It is already known that skin surface lipids influence the transient form of M. orbiculare and M. furfur. It is also known that dandruff affects people at puberty and middle age more than elderly subjects.[8] In vitro findings suggest that cholesterol and cholesterol esters induce hyphal formation in Malassezia. However, the quantitative or qualitative difference in skin lipids in pityriasis infected and non-infected subjects doesn’t seem to vary very significantly.

Many authors have considered that host susceptibility factors account more for dandruff than the lipase activity of the microbe. Although there is sufficient evidence on the growth promotion role of various lipids on Malassezia, a clear-cut correlation on the quantitative or qualitative profile of lipids in the infected and control subjects is lacking.[22] An in vitro study using Tween 80, a water soluble ester of low chain (C17) fatty acids, which can serve as substrate both for lipase and esterase reveal that growth inhibition was observed with the addition of esterase inhibitors such as di-isopropyl fluorophosphates or quinine while the lipase inhibitors sodium fluoride seldom affects the growth. Studies on the growth supporting ability of various water-soluble triglycerides such as glyceryl esters of long chain fatty acids triolein (C17) and short chain tributyrin (C4) showed that long chain fatty acids have growth-supporting ability.[22]

Dandruff rating

Visual scoring is widely practiced to assess the severity of dandruff. It is always necessary to give two-week washout period prior to start of any clinical trial.[3] The examination of the entire scalp is advisable rather than defined specific area. Dandruff quantification by bioinstrumental methods such as squamometry and photography are also employed.[20,23]

Dandruff and hair

The severity of dandruff ranges from discrete to severe among subjects, possibly the scales may be trapped in the mesh of crowded terminal hair prohibiting them from being lost. This dandruff-hair relationship may, in part, explain the absence of dandruff in bald pates and hairless or shaved sites and in regions of vellus hairs. The presence of dandruff may precede or accompany telogen effluvium.[24] It may also exacerbate androgenetic alopecia. On a two-day survey, it has been observed that about 100-300 numbers of hairs were shed in dandruff sufferers instead of 50-100 in normal subjects.[3]

In some cases of dandruff, hair shedding may be a result of alterations in the teloptosis process (exogen phase) and hair eclipse phenomenon. Interestingly, some of the antidandruff compounds, especially ketoconazole, may limit the progression of androgenic alopecia.[24–26]

ABO blood groups and dandruff

Another interesting study linking the role of ABO blood group carriage rate of dandruff reveals that ABO blood group system does not play a role either in the prevalence or chronicity of dandruff.[27] The role of ABO blood group in certain other fungal skin diseases is well established. The cross reactivity between the fungal cell wall protein and the isoantign of ABO blood groups is presumed to be the cause for the selective susceptibility of certain blood group subjects to fungal diseases. [28]

Changing perspectives

Many attempts have been made to understand the pathogenesis and pathogenecity of dandruff. De Angelis et al,[29] give an interesting result – that M. restricta and M. globosa are the most prevalent in dandruff affected population than M. furfur. They have also shown, concomitant with the elimination of these organisms, the remission of dandruff symptoms in all the cases they have studied. They hypothesized that species’ specificity and specific targeting is required to combat dandruff. However, an earlier study of Faergemann in 2002[30] showed the presence of M. restricta to a very less extent in dandruff affected population.

A further twist in the understanding of the role of M.restricta in dandruff came with studies of Sugita et al.[31] The genotype analysis of M. restricta revealed that only a specific genotype of the organism plays a significant role in atopic dermatitis and dandruff although the prevalence of the organism is universal. Despite the elusive and idiopathic nature of dandruff, it remains a problem for great commercial exploitation.

Active ingredients used in Antidandruff (Ad) Preparations []

Table 1

Review of medicated shampoos used in the treatment of dandruff

Generic Name	Trade Name	Active ingredient
Salicylic acid	T-Sal	Salacid 3%
	Baker’s P and S	Salacid 2%
	Ionil plus	Salacid 2%
Salicylic acid and sulfur	MG217 tar free Shampoo	Salacid 3%, Sulfur 5%
	Sebulex	Salacid 2%, sulfur 2%
Zinc pyrithione	Head and shoulders	Zinc pyrithione 1%
	Zincon	Zinc pyrithione 1%
	Dandrex	Zinc pyrithione 1%
	Sebulon	Zinc pyrithione 2%
	DHS zinc	Zinc pyrithione 2%
	ZNP bar	Zinc pyrithione 2%
	Theraplex Z	Zinc pyrithione 2%
Tar	Pentrax	Coal tar extract 7%
	T-Gel XS	Solubilized coal tar 4%
	Doak-tar	Solubilized coal tar 3%
	T-gel	Solubilized coal tar 2%
	Ionil T	Coal tar solution 1%
	Zetar	Whole coal tar 1%
	DHS Tar	Coal tar 0. 5%
	Tegrin	Coal tar solution 7%
	Polytar	Polytar 4.5%
	Reme T	Coal tar 5%
Selenium sulfide	Selsun blue	Selenium sulfide 1%
	Head and shoulders intensive treatment	Selenium sulfide 1%
	Selenium sulfide 1%	Selenium sulfide 1%
	Selseb	Selenium sulfide 2. 3%
	Selsun 2.5%*	Selenium sulfide 2.5%
	Exsel 2.5%*	Selenium sulfide 2.5%
	Selenium sulfide 2.5%*	Selenium sulfide 2.5%
Ketoconazole	Nizoral	Ketoconazole 1%
	Nizoral*	Ketoconazole 2%
Ciclopirox	Loprox*	Ciclopirox
Clobetasol	Clobex*	Clobetasol 0. 05%
Combinations	Sebutone	Coal tar 0.5%, salicylic acid 2%, sublimed sulfur 2%
	X-seb T plus	Coal tar 10%, salicylic acid 3%
	Tarsum	Coal tar 10%, salicylic acid 2%

Keratinolytic agents

The pathogenesis of dandruff involves hyper proliferation of keratinocytes, resulting in deregulation of keratinization. The corneocytes clump together, manifesting as large flakes of skin. Essentially, keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid and sulphur loosen the attachments between the corneocytes and allow them to get washed off.[32]

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxyl acid keratinolytic agent that is useful in removing scaly hyperkeratotic skin. It decreases cell-to-cell adhesion between corneocytes. This agent is widely used in the AD preparations.

Sulfur

Sulfur, a non-metallic element has both keratolytic and antimicrobial activity. The keratolytic effect is thought to be mediated by the reaction between the sulfur and the cysteine amino acid in the keratinocytes, whereas the antimicrobial effect may depend on the conversion of sulfur to pentathionic acid by normal flora or keratinocytes.[30–34]

Regulators of keratinization

The zinc pyrithione (ZPT) heals the scalp by normalizing the epithelial keratinization or sebum production or both. Some studies have shown a significant reduction in the number of yeasts after use of ZPT.[35] A study by Warner et al,[36] demonstrates a dramatic reduction of structural abnormalities found in dandruff with the use of ZPT; the population abundance of Malassezia decreases, parakeratosis gets eliminated and corneocytes lipid inclusions are diminished.

Tar

Tar is widely used in the treatment of psoriasis and found to be very effective in dandruff as well.[37] The staining properties, odor and mess in using tar limit its choice. Tar preparation work through antiproliferative and cytostatic effects, although definitive analysis is difficult because of the large number of biologically active components in coal tar. Tar products disperse scales, which may reduce Malassezia colonization. In the mouse model, it was found that topical application of tar suppresses epidermal DNA synthesis.[37]

Clinical trial of combination of polytar and ZPT based shampoo in Indian population[38] also show that the combination of the above agents are very safe and effective in controlling dandruff and associated symptoms.

Steroids

The parakeratotic properties of topical corticosteroids depend on the structure of the agent, the vehicle and the skin onto which it is used. Corticosteroids work via their anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. [38]

Antimicrobial Agents

Selenium sulfide

It is believed that selenium sulfide controls dandruff via its anti Malassezia effect rather than by its antiproliferative effect.[39] although it has an effect in reducing cell turnover. It has anti-seborrheic properties as well as cytostatic effect on cells of the epidermal and follicular epithelium. The excessive oiliness after use of this agent has been reported in many patients as adverse drug effect.

Imidazole antifungal agents

Imidazole topical antifungals such as ketoconazole act by blocking the biosynthesis of ergosterol, the primary sterol derivative of the fungal cell membrane. Changes in membrane permeability caused by ergosterol depletion are incompatible with fungal growth and survival.[40]

Ketoconazole is a broad spectrum, antimycotic agent that is active against both Candida and M. furfur. Of all the imidazoles, ketoconazole has become the leading contender among treatment options because of its effectiveness in treating seborrheic dermatitis as well. [41,42]

Hydroxypyridones

In contrast to the imidazole antifungals, the hydroxypyridones do not affect sterol biosynthesis; instead they interfere with the active transport of essential macromolecule precursor, cell membrane integrity and the respiratory process of cells.[39] Ciclopirox is widely used as an Ad agent in most preparations.

Naturopathic agents

There are several naturopathic agents which have been claimed to have antidandruff activity. However, in most cases, these naturopathic agents are used in combination with synthetic agents.[43–45] Studies from India[46–48] have shown that the herbal preparations are as effective as synthetic substances in controlling dandruff both by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Home Remedies to cure Dandruff

Are you one of those who go through dandruff problem every winter because of washing your hair with hot water? Winter season being just around the corner invites a lot of problems, one being the problem of dandruff! Hot water makes the scalp dry and flaky, as a result of which dandruff is caused! Here are a few home remedies for dandruff:

1. Solution to all problems – Neem

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of neem have raised its medicinal value and made it an amazing cure for a lot of problems, one of which is dandruff! Just boil some neem leaves in a cup of water and strain. Allow it to cool and rinse your hair with this water thrice a week and notice the difference yourself!

2.Squeeze that Lemon
One of the most amazing home remedies for dandruff is lemon. The acidity of lemon helps balance out the pH level of your dry scalp and is a great way to treat dandruff. Just massage your scalp with 2 tbsp of lemon juice everyday or squeeze a lemon on your scalp and get dandruff free hair in no time!

3.Rub it up with Baking Soda

Being a mellow exfoliant, baking soda expels dead skin cells from the scalp. Also adjusting the pH level of your scalp, it controls the development of fungi that causes dandruff! Just rub this magic ingredient in your hair or mix it with some lemon juice and massage your scalp to get the best results!

4. Some oils can help

Generally, using excess oil is a major reason for dandruff, but some oils can actually prove to be a bliss in this situation! Tea tree oil is used medicinally since ever and it would be an understatement saying that it helps. Just mix some tea tree oil in warm water and massage your scalp after with this solution after you have shampooed your hair. Pat dry and start counting days to get dandruff out of your hair!

5.Use some vinegar

The idea of rinsing your hair with vinegar might sound absurd but it actually does wonders! Just scrub your hair with vinegar mixed with some warm water and witness the magic. Vinegar will dispose of the undesirable skin that would piece off intodandruff, curing itchiness and will act as a fungicide for the fungus that causes dandruff!

6.Try some curd

As weird as it may sound, sour curd can also be used as one of the home remedies for dandruff and that too. The acidic nature of the curd battles dandruff, as well as conditions the hair to give them a sparkling, smooth look. All you need to do is whisk some fermented curd and apply it to your scalp. Rinse your hair after an hour and you’d be delighted to notice the change yourself!

7.Mix it up with Fenugreek

Fenugreek (methi) is nothing less than a blessing when it comes to treating hair related issues! Be it dandruff, baldness or dry scalp, Fenugreek seeds are a one stop solution for all! Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them to a fine paste the next morning. Apply the paste to your scalp and rinse off with the water in which you soaked the leaves overnight. Repeat this cycle twice a week for 3 weeks and notice the difference!

8. Moisturize with olive oil

Olive oil being an age old cure for a lot of problems continues to surprise its users till date. It moisturizes the dryness and treats your annoying flaky scalp. Just wet your hair and apply some warm olive oil onto the scalp. Wrap your hair with wet towel and allow the oil to resonate in the roots. Rinse it off and feel the change yourself.

Effective Dandruff Home Remedies- Best Dandruff Treatment

Three out of six people have experienced dandruff at least once in life. Dandruff is more about scalp than it is about hair. The health and bounce of your hair indicate the underlying scalp situation, and no matter how much you hide, those flakes are always visible to people around you.

Time to combat the lingering dandruff issue with simple home remedies for dandruff and hair that are light on the pocket and your scalp as well; but first let’s get to know what dandruff is and what causes it in the first place.

WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

You have all seen it and have mostly experienced it at some point in your life. Dandruff is a condition when white or grey flakes shred from your scalp. They’re basically dead skin, clumped together into flakes due to excess oil. They are quite harmless, but they look very unpleasant.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF?

There are quite a few reasons for dandruff. Though it is mostly temporary and controllable.

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is a common skin condition caused by a certain yeast called Malassezia that is found in the oil secreted by your scalp. Seborrheic Dermatitis causes scaly patches on your head, an itchy scalp, red irritated skin and stubborn dandruff.
It usually goes away without medical treatment with regular cleansing and proper care.

2. Dry Skin

It is said that people with dry skin are more likely to get dandruff. Chances of dead skin flaking away as dandruff is more when your skin is already peeling or scaly. It is most common in dry winters.

3. Skin Conditions

If you have psoriasis or eczema, you are prone to having dandruff frequently. It may be avoided with regular care, but dandruff is recurring in such skin disorders.

4. Hygiene

While hygiene is not directly related to dandruff, not cleansing or shampooing regularly can make oils from your scalp and skin cells clomp together over a period of time causing dandruff.

5. Pollution and Heat

Major factors that cause dandruff are pollution and heat, especially when affecting your scalp together. They can cause excessive sweating, skin irritation, fungal infections on your scalp – all leading to dandruff.

6. Stress

While the yeast, Malassezia, already exists on everyone’s scalp, it can thrive when you are stressed. It amplifies the stubborn dandruff on your hair. Stress also causes something called the ‘itch-scratch cycle’ – the more you scratch, the more it itches, making your skin flaky and sensitive.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF

Henna for dandruff works as an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory treatment to soothe the scalp. Let’s discover more home remedies to remove dandruff.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

• Purpose: By restoring the pH balance of the scalp, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) inhibits the growth of yeast. It also works as a natural hair cleanser and helps unclog pores and hair follicles.
• Method: Mix two cups of Apple Cider Vinegar with three cups of cold water and use this mixture to rinse your hair, post shampooing. Let it sit for two minutes before washing it off. For best results, use this once a week.

If you are too pressed for time or just plain lazy, stick to the readymade wonders of the world. We recommend using the WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo – an easy dandruff treatment at home.

2. Coconut Oil and Lemon for Dandruff

• Purpose: Lemon juice for dandruff works wonders! Known for its anti-fungal properties, Coconut Oil moisturizes a dry scalp and tackles itchiness like a pro. Plus, it nourishes your hair and boosts hair growth. Need we say more?
• Method: For a potent anti-dandruff remedy, combine equal parts of Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice and massage on your scalp. Let it sit for 20 minutes before you wash your hair. Follow this dandruff treatment at home regularly for best results.

Indus Valley Bio Organic 100% Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for dandruff works as an effective conditioning treatment, adding luster to dull hair.

3. Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff

• Purpose: Tea Tree Oil has long been used to treat dandruff, owing to its potent cleansing and anti-fungal properties. A classic anti-dandruff treatment if we may say so.
• Method: Add six drops of Tea Tree Oil to half a cup of essential oil (such as Lavender), and massage on your scalp to get rid of dandruff. You can also add a few drops to your regular shampoo to make it into an all-natural anti-dandruff shampoo.

Soulflower Tea Tree Oil Scalp and Anti Dandruff is a vitamin-enriched complete scalp care formulation. It controls sebum production and its antifungal properties restore damaged scalp.

4. Olive Oil and Vinegar for Dandruff

• Purpose: Olive oil for dandruff is a natural conditioner and minimize oxidative damage owing to its anti-oxidant properties. This lightweight oil is effective on hair without weighing it down. The acetic properties of vinegar fights off fungal infections and improves blood circulation.
• Method: Mix 1 tsp Olive Oil and 2 tsp White Vinegar in a bowl of water. Apply this mixture on separate sections of your hair and massage the scalp for five minutes. Wash it off with a sulfate-free anti-dandruff shampoo and apply a conditioner.

Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner Pack offers a paraben free deep conditioning treatment to repair and strengthen hair.

5. Yogurt for Dandruff

• Purpose: The lactic acid in yogurt helps reduce dandruff considerably. The antibacterial properties of this dandruff remedy will ensure that the protein in it strengthens hair from its roots.
• Method: Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and towel dry it to get rid of dripping water. Apply a generous layer of fresh yogurt on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash it off with water.

Use Dr. Batra’s Anti Dandruff Hair Serum post-wash to restore hair vitality and mask any remnant odour.

6. Salt for Dandruff

• Purpose: Salt absorbs excess oil or sebum that can otherwise clog pores and steer your scalp from turning into an oil-extracting land. Salt, when used in adequate amounts, can also help absorb extra moisture and defy fungal infection.
• Method: Salt can be added to your usual hair wash. Squeeze a dollop of shampoo on your palm and add a pinch of salt to it. Apply this salt-shampoo on your hair, while massaging it onto your scalp in circular motions. Leave it on for two minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
• An easier way out is to invest in the exemplary anti-dandruff shampoo,
  Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Ph5.5, which contains sodium chloride.

7. Neem for Dandruff

• Purpose: Since dandruff can be linked with fungal growths, this highly antibacterial and antifungal ingredient is the way to go. Neem is an age-old remedy for all skin related ailments.
• Method: Just boil some water with fresh Neem leaves till the water gets a tinge of green in it. Let it cool and rinse slowly, massaging your scalp with this water. You can also make Neem leaves into a paste and mix it with Aloe-Vera to make an anti-dandruff hair mask. Or you can just switch your daily shampoo & conditioner to Biotique Bio Neem Margosa Anti – Dandurff Shampoo & Conditioner

8. Aloe Vera for Dandruff

• Purpose: This miracle ingredient is a god-sent for people with recurring dandruff. Aloe Vera cleanses dead skin and promotes regeneration of fresh cells. It is a natural coolant, making your itchy, irritant scalp feel fabulous. It has antifungal properties as well.
• Method: Use Aloe Vera gel as a hair mask every week to avoid getting dandruff at all. If you already have dandruff, mix this gel with some yogurt to get relief from inflammation. Try out Nature’s Tattva Pure Natural Aloe Vera Gel if the plant is unavailable.

9. Listerine for Dandruff

• Purpose: The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties of this mouthwash ruthlessly kill dandruff, restoring the health of the scalp. This surprising dandruff remedy leaves the scalp feeling fresh.
• Method: Take an empty spray bottle and pour equal quantities of Listerine and water in it. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner. Towel dry the scalp. Spritz this spray onto your scalp and leave it for three minutes. Follow it with a cold water rinse.
• Caution: Avoid using Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash if you have broken or inflamed skin.

Dandruff can be controlled if you follow a diligent hair-care routine coupled with special medicated shampoos. Do not stick to one shampoo instead, we recommend switching between different anti-dandruff shampoos every 2-3 weeks to not let your hair get used to it.

Pick shampoos containing anti-dandruff ingredients:

1. Selenium Sulfide

Shampoos containing Selenium Sulfide as the main element reduce the bad fungus and lessen dead skin cells a.k.a. dandruff flakes.

Caution: This shampoo may remove dandruff, but with that it could also wash away your expensive hair colour. So, if you have freshly colored tresses, you might want to opt for an alternative method to treat the dandruff.

2. Salicylic Acid

These shampoos work on knocking off those flakes but might leave your scalp dry. Follow it up with a moisturizing conditioner to retain the moisture in those locks.

3. Pyrithione Zinc

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of Pyrithione Zinc help reduce the fungus that cause dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis.

4. Tar

Coal tar slows the rate at which skin cells on your scalp die and flake off. It helps keep dandruff in control. However, tar-based shampoos may cause hair discolouration.

5. Ketoconazole

Pick a shampoo with this ingredient for maximum impact. Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that is used to treat infections and skin conditions. If you have Seborrheic Dermatitis, this is a great choice for a regular shampoo.

6. Tea Tree Oil

A common ingredient in shampoos and conditioners nowadays, Tea Tree Oil has healing properties and is an antifungal natural medicine. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, this ingredient will do wonders for your scalp.

TIPS TO REDUCE DANDRUFF

• Avoid Carbs And Sugar

One of the fail-proof ways to reduce dandruff is to stay away from carbs and sugar. This is because Yeast feeds on high-carb food that build glycogen in the skin. Cut down on your everyday carbs and stick to a once-a-week dessert, if you’re prone to dandruff.




• Exfoliate Your Scalp

Try Coffee scrubs, Walnut scrubs or Charcoal based scrubs for your scalp. Exfoliating will break away the dead skin before they form into flakes on your scalp.

• Don’t Scratch

Avoid touching your scalp altogether. Use coolants such as Yogurt or Aloe Vera to sooth the itch without having to scratch.

• Take Supplements

If the dandruff persists, try taking probiotic supplements and proteins that will nurture the health of your scalp.

The Section Where Your Lingering Doubts are Finally Answered!

1. Why is dandruff said to be more common in men?

It is believed that testosterone –the male hormone – plays a significant role in influencing dandruff. Moreover, a prominent history of dandruff in the family means more chances of the problem getting trickled down to you. Homeopathy for dandruff is a natural dandruff treatment to alleviate such issues.

2. When should I consult a dermatologist for dandruff treatment?

Following some good dandruff home remedies and maintaining a healthy hair-care regime can help tackle dandruff with a gradual progress. However, if the problem persists or gets worse, you could be suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis, a severe medical condition that involves fungal infection on your scalp. In such a case, it is wise to consult a dermatologist at the earliest to understand the best dandruff treatment for your hair.

3. What are the signs to look out for if I have dandruff?

It is likely that you are suffering from dandruff, if you face any of the following issues:

• Visible white flakes on your clothes especially while you’re brushing your hair
• Itchiness and redness of the scalp
• Constant need to scratch the scalp
• Greasy patches on the scalp
• Minor facial rash on eyebrows, ears or nose

4. What are the foods that can mitigate dandruff troubles?

Maintaining a healthy diet is the most natural remedy for dandruff. Include these foods in your daily diet to reduce dandruff:

• Chickpeas
• Ginger
• Apples
• Bananas
• Wheat germ
• Sunflower seeds

5. Is it ideal to wash my hair every day if I have dandruff?

Cleaning your scalp frequently is recommended from a hygiene perspective as it prevents more dandruff. However, washing your hair all 7 days of the week is not advised. Ideally, washing your locks every 2-3 days is enough. Along with that, follow a good scalp treatment for dandruff as solving the problem from the source is essential for long-term relief.

6. What should I do if none of the dandruff home remedies prove to be a complete cure for my severe dandruff issue?

If you think your dandruff still persists no matter what you try, you could be suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. Visit a dermatologist to figure a hair dandruff treatment that works at alleviating the issue. You could also try Ayurvedic treatment for dandruff if you prefer the natural route. There are various OTC medicines for dandruff that could work faster than home remedies. Ketoconazole and Nizoral A-D are some of the best medicines for dandruff.

7. Are dandruff and hair loss directly related?

Dandruff hair loss is a common occurrence. However, dandruff does not directly result in hair loss. Since the itchiness is symbolic of dandruff, the constant scratching of an irritated scalp can damage the hair follicles. This then leads to dandruff hair loss.

8. Does dandruff cause pimples or acne?

In a way, dandruff could be responsible for that sudden outbreak of pimples. When hair strands with dandruff come in contact with face, it can induce pimples. Avoid haircuts or hairdos that require your hair to be in constant touch with your forehead or cheeks. In cases of dry dandruff, stick to a warm Coconut Oil massage once a week to improve blood circulation to the scalp and reduce pimples.

9. Does oiling help dandruff?

No. It is a myth. Oiling may cause the flakes to stick to your scalp. Regular shampooing and moisturizing with gel-based ingredients like Aloe-Vera may help your scalp. Even cool, water based elements like cucumber makes your itchy scalp happy.

Home remedies to cure dandruff naturally at home

Do you often see pesky white flakes on your shirt or find your scalp itchy? Do you see your washbasin/sink filled with flocks of hair? Watch out, as these can be the signs of dandruff on your head. Irrespective of age or gender, it can be found in both men and women and is not something you should take lightly.

Dandruff is a common condition that can be found in the hair all year round and is the result of a dry and itchy scalp. Often caused by the overgrowth of a fungus, Malassezia, it especially becomes evident during winter as the scalp is unable to get enough moisture and becomes dry. Malassezia feeds on the sebum i.e the oily substance secreted by the glands on the scalp. And when this fungus feeds on the sebum, it breaks into fatty acid that causes irritation on the scalp.

Confused about what is causing you an itchy scalp?

Dandruff should not be taken lightly as it denotes a microinflammation, which might be easily overlooked as there are no readily observable symptoms. Apart from dry and itchy scalp, there are a few other causes of dandruff which are:

• Prolonged period of stress
• Parkinson’s or illness such as eczema
• Harsh or irregular brushing
• Lack of nutrients such as vitamin B12
• Unadvised or irregular use of hair care products
• Pollution and heat

You are more likely to have dandruff if your scalp feels oily or your hair looks greasy at most times. At times you may also experience intense itching even when the scalp does not feel dry. In extreme cases, it can show up severe itching and worsened flakes over time or as large areas of redness or swelling on the scalp.

Many of you resort to using multiple antidandruff products to get rid of the problem temporarily, but do you know there are several effective and easy-to-implement home remedies that can help you save that money you spend on hair care products?

Some effective home remedies for dandruff are:

Coconut oil is something that everyone’s grandmother advices. Its antifungal properties can provide a great relief from itchiness and dry scalp. Combine equal amounts of coconut oil and lemon juice and massage the mixture on your scalp. Keep it for about 10-15 minutes and rinse your hair thoroughly. This will not only help you get rid of dandruff but also boost hair growth and nourishment. Make sure to preheat the oil in winter as it tends to freeze easily in colder temperatures.

The lactic acid in yogurt helps reduce dandruff and the protein in it strengthens your hair from its roots. It is a treasure trove of friendly bacteria and helps prevent flaking of the scalp area. Apply a layer of fresh yogurt on the scalp and hair. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water and dry. You can try adding black pepper to yogurt since that is also loaded with anti fungal properties.

Using freshly grounded paste made of neem leaves for skin problems dates back to the ancestral times. Because of its antibacterial, anti fungal and antimicrobial properties, it is a simple cure for dandruff and itchiness.
Alternatively, you can simply boil some fresh neem leaves, let it cool and rinse your hair with that water.

A panacea for all type of skin problems, Aloe Vera alleviates flakiness and skin irritation, acts as a natural coolant and makes your scalp itch free and cool. Aloe Vera has certain anti fungal properties that helps treat recurring dandruff and cleanses dead skin for regeneration of fresh cells.
Apply aloe vera gel on your scalp, leave for about half an hour and later wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

ACH works as a natural hair cleanser and unclogs pores and hair follicles. Its acidic nature helps remove dead skin cells on the scalp, prevents the growth of fungus and restores the pH balance of your scalp.
Simply make a mixture using 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup of cold water and rinse your hair after shampooing. Let it settle for two minutes before washing it off. To get the best results, it can be used once a week.

Salt can absorb excess oil on your scalp, making it itchy and irritable. Oily scalp is also the reason for pimples on the forehead and hence it is best to treat dandruff at home as quick as possible.
Just add a pinch of salt to your usual shampoo and apply on your hair. Massage it gently in circular motions all over your scalp and exfoliate. Leave it for a minute or two and wash with lukewarm water.

Olive oil acts as a natural conditioner for hair, and being lightweight, applying it on hair doesn’t weigh them down. Combined with acetic properties of vinegar, the mixture guards the scalp from fungal infection and at the same time improves blood circulation.

Mix 1 teaspoon olive oil with 2 teaspoon of vinegar. Apply the mixture evenly on hair and massage the scalp for 5 minutes. Wash it with antidandruff shampoo and apply a conditioner for best results.

Apart from these quick home remedies to treat dandruff at home, there are other certain tips that can prove beneficial in reducing flakiness and dryness of the scalp.

• Try to avoid eating too much sugar, fats and carbs
• Avoid using styling tools too often as any kind of artificial heat can cause irreparable damage and precipitate dandruff
• Don’t scratch your scalp often
• Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week to loosen the dead skin from the scalp
• Brush your hair often to improve blood circulation in the scalp

Following a balanced and a healthy hair care routine can help reduce dandruff to a huge extent. However if you see no relief, and the itchiness or dryness still persists, you should consult a doctor for seborrheic dermatitis, a fungal infection on your scalp.

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Best Dandruff Treatments That Actually Work

Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, “dandruff” and “dry skin” are not necessarily the same thing.

I learned this the hard way earlier this year when seemingly out of nowhere, my head was suddenly covered in itchy white flakes. I wrongly assumed that it was because my scalp was dry, and attempted to treat it by washing my hair less frequently, lathering it with oils, and sleeping in deep conditioning masks. Somehow, though, this made the situation worse instead of better, and every morning I woke up with a fresh new coat of flakes on my pillow.

What the heck was going on?

… Apparently (which I only discovered after hours of Google searching), I was addressing the entirely wrong issue: My dandruff wasn’t being caused by a dry scalp at all — It was being caused by an oily one.

“Dandruff … can occur with both types of scalps,” says Dr. Stuart Kaplan of KaplanMD. “In fact, it is just like acne, in that acne can occur if you have very dry skin as well as very oily skin. It’s about the pH balance of the skin, and the disturbance of skin pH caused by hormones, medical conditions, hair products, and hygiene.” Some contributing factors include hair products that irritate your scalp, dry skin conditions, or not shampooing frequently enough and leaving oils and dead skin to accumulate on the scalp.

Once I figured out that I was handling things in the completely wrong way, I decided to become a guinea pig for every oily scalp-related dandruff treatment I could find on the Internet. According to Dr. Kaplan, Dandruff can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. Here’s what I tried, all of which finally helped to get my flaky situation under control. To be clear — this is just what worked for me. Every scalp is different, so it may take testing out a few methods until you find what works for you.

1. A Product Detox

Because I had no idea what was causing my scalp to have such an intense reaction, I decided to go cold turkey on all of my styling products. This meant no curl cream, salt spray or heat protectant — I was au natural until further notice. While I can’t say my hair necessarily looked its best during this trying time, letting my scalp breathe without loading it up with gunk made a huge difference in the way things felt.

2. Brushing Your Hair In The Shower

“Dandruff can be caused by NOT rinsing your hair thoroughly when showering, and leaving a buildup of shampoo/hair conditioner/hair products on the scalp,” says Dr. Kaplan. In order to make sure I was getting every single ounce of conditioner off of my poor, tortured scalp, I invested in a shower-friendly brush to make sure it was distributed evenly through my strands and didn’t sit in a pile on my crown. Not only did this also help detangle my hair, but it felt really, really good to itch my scalp with the bristles.

90,000 Folk recipes against dandruff: getting rid of at home

Full description

Modern methods of removing white scales have become known to our doctors relatively recently, and effectively acting shampoos, balms and anti-dandruff creams appeared on the pharmaceutical market much later than the problem of dandruff became relevant and rather widespread.

However, our ancestors knew how to get rid of annoying white plates on the skin and regain a flawless appearance.Traditional therapy boasts an impressive number of all kinds of recipes for masks, creams, ointments, decoctions and balms that effectively eliminate not only dandruff, but also its accompanying symptoms, such as itching, inflammation, red and age spots, abscesses and even boils.

Since the medicine of the past centuries was almost entirely based on the use of natural ingredients and natural products, our ancestors had to proceed from what was at hand, and some of these recipes turned out to be really very effective in the fight against exfoliated skin particles.

It is immediately necessary to find out that natural ingredients do not always have a milder effect than artificially created anti-dandruff preparations, since many herbs and plant juices have very aggressive components in their composition, which, if used incorrectly, can cause chemical burns and allergic reactions.

As part of synthetically created anti-dandruff remedies, you can often find natural ingredients that are the main active component of the drug, which indicates that the use of folk recipes must be approached with no less responsibility than the use of pharmacy shampoos, creams and masks.

Before combining natural ingredients in one anti-dandruff remedy on your own, you need to make sure that your body has no contraindications to these ingredients and that they are not capable of causing you an allergic reaction. If the use of a home-made product causes severe itching, burning and red spots, the mixture must be washed off and try something else, but with other components in the composition.

It is also necessary to make sure that the action of the products in the home mask, cream or shampoo does not have mutual inhibitory properties, that is, they do not oppress and complement each other’s effective action.In the case of combining components in one composition that weaken the effect of each other, there will be no benefit from the use of this agent.

Decoctions of medicinal herbs such as chamomile, celandine and nettle are considered extremely useful for dandruff. Broths should not be concentrated, before use, they must be filtered and left in a dark place for a day, then gently rub with fingertips into the scalp with massaging movements. Massage is an additional prevention of dandruff, as it increases blood flow to the sebaceous glands, normalizing their activity and regulating the secretion of sebum on the surface of the epidermis.

Softened black bread and aloe juice can be added to the herbal decoction, which well moisturize the outer layer of the skin and nourish the epidermis with useful minerals and trace elements. In addition, such a mask is able to cleanse the skin from the accumulation of dust and dirt, therefore, after regular use of this folk recipe, the scalp becomes less oily.

Essential oils are excellent helpers in the fight against dandruff, as dandruff is most often the result of constant drying out of the scalp.Moisturizing the epidermis should be the main task that must be paid attention to all people suffering from the systematic appearance of dandruff.

Aromatic oils are natural substances of a sufficiently strong chemical nature, the improper use of which can cause a violation of the integrity of the integumentary tissues, as well as the appearance of pimples and abscesses. Essential oils should always be diluted with base oils in a 1: 3 ratio to slightly neutralize their aggressive effects.In metered quantities, aromatic oils nourish and moisturize the scalp surface well, without clogging pores and without disrupting metabolic processes inside the epidermis.

The most effective essential oils for dandruff removal are tea tree, lavender, grape seed and coconut oil. If you dilute these aromatic oils with olive, burdock or castor oil, you can get a natural mixture of sufficient strength to remove unwanted white scales from the scalp and curls without damaging the skin or violating its integrity.

Kefir can also be added to the mixture of aromatic and base oils. Such a mask must be kept on the head for at least 40 minutes, then washed off with warm water with the addition of vinegar or lemon juice. It is recommended to use it 2 times a week for at least a month, then you need to take a break or replace the use of essential oils against dandruff with other folk remedies.

A very common way to effectively remove dandruff for a long period is tar soap, which contains antifungal active ingredients, as well as ingredients that reduce the focus of inflammation and reduce the risk of subsequent allergic reactions.

Soap can be used instead of regular shampoo for shampooing, but after soaping, you need to wait 5-10 minutes for the active substances of the foam to take effect. Then rinse with melt or spring water, and if this is not possible, you need to boil running water and add a drop of lavender oil there.

Exfoliate the outer skin with salt, which is often the main ingredient in many home scrubs. To do this, you need to mix grains of salt with grated onions and liquid honey.The honey should not be too hot, and the onion can be replaced with grated grapefruit or lemon peel. Rub gently into the scalp with your fingers, being careful not to touch the scalp to avoid exfoliation. The mask cannot be distributed over the entire length of the hair, it is necessary to act only on those areas that are most susceptible to the frequent appearance of dandruff.
Vinegar can also be used in case of a sudden appearance of dandruff, since its acidic properties dissolve well the sebum accumulated on the scalp, which clogs the pores and prevents oxygen from penetrating into the lower layers of the epidermis.Vinegar must always be diluted, as it can cause chemical burns to the skin.

It is best to use vinegar in homemade masks. Egg yolk must be mixed with diluted vinegar and lemon juice, you can also add a decoction of parsley. Rub into hair roots with a course of 1 time per week for at least 2 months. Next, you need to give the scalp a rest from the constant exposure to aggressive natural ingredients.

Soda has excellent exfoliating properties, which well removes excess dead particles of the epidermis, effectively removing dandruff.Soda must be mixed with vitamin B or E capsules, and then add a little colorless henna. This mask must be alternated with the use of other folk remedies for dandruff so that prolonged exposure to the same components does not cause addiction.

The use of alternative therapy recipes is perfectly combined with physiotherapy procedures and the use of synthetic anti-dandruff agents. Folk recipes are good because we select the components in their composition ourselves, which means that the chances of allergic reactions are significantly reduced.Methods for eliminating dandruff from traditional medicine are in no way inferior to modern methods of treatment in terms of effectiveness, and the complex use of home recipes together with therapeutic procedures and pharmaceuticals creates the most favorable conditions for cure.

How to get rid of dry and oily dandruff at home and salon?

How to get rid of dry and oily dandruff at home and salon?

Dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis.We will tell you what it is like and how to quickly remove it from your head.

Dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis. The disease occurs due to a violation of the production of sebaceous secretions and is accompanied by the detachment of a large number of scales from the scalp. They look like flakes, make your hair look messy and clog pores, which can lead to another problem – hair loss.

There are two types of dandruff – dry and oily. The first is white and shallow.The second is yellowish, large and oily. The reasons for these two types of dandruff and how to deal with them are different.

How to get rid of dry dandruff?

To permanently get rid of dry dandruff at home, you need to adjust your lifestyle: quit smoking, introduce more vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood into your diet, start taking supplements containing vitamins B and PP. Among folk remedies, the following may be effective:

• Mask of 4 Art.l. olive oil, juice of half a lemon. Mix the ingredients in a heated container, rub the mixture into the scalp, wrap your hair with cellophane and a towel, wash off the product with shampoo after 2 hours.
• Mask of 2 yolks, juice or lemon half, 1 tbsp. l. burdock oil. Prepare and use in the same way as the previous one.
• Broth from 1 tbsp. l. mixtures of nettle, coltsfoot, chamomile. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the raw materials, soak for 1 hour and use to rinse your head after washing.

How to get rid of oily dandruff?

For oily dandruff, stop eating fatty, sugary foods, carbonated drinks, convenience foods and fast food. Be sure to check your hormones – this is the most common cause of this problem.

The following folk remedies help to eliminate oily dandruff:

• Combine 5 garlic cloves with 2 tbsp.l. burdock oil. Apply the composition to the scalp and leave for half an hour. Rinse off with shampoo.
• Rub 2 tbsp into the scalp. l. apple cider vinegar. After half an hour, wash off with shampoo.

General recommendations

For severe and persistent dandruff, folk remedies will not help. We’ll have to arm ourselves with a more aggressive “weapon”.

Seborrhea is treated with antifungal shampoos that kill fungi, relieve inflammation, stimulate tissue repair and accelerate the cleansing of flaky skin. They must contain the following components:

• antimycotic – zinc, ketoconazole, pyrithione;
• anti-inflammatory – tar, ichthyol;
• keratolytic – salicylic and lactic acids.

Attention! Hardware cosmetic procedures help to quickly get rid of seborrhea. Among them are mesotherapy (injections), cryomassage (liquid nitrogen), ozone therapy (ozone), darsonvalization (pulse current).

Disclaimer

Please note that all information posted on the website
Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, direct recommendation for action or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical manipulation. Consult a physician before using any technique or using any product.This site is not a specialized medical portal and does not replace the professional advice of a specialist. The owner of the Site does not bear any responsibility to any party that has suffered indirect or direct damage as a result of improper use of materials posted on this resource.

90,000 Treatment of dandruff with folk remedies: 9 effective methods

Dandruff affects up to 50% of people worldwide. Itchy scalp and flaking are the hallmarks of this condition.The main causes of dandruff are dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, and the growth of a certain type of fungus that lives on the scalp.

While there are many over-the-counter medications available to treat dandruff, natural remedies can be just as effective. Here are 9 simple home remedies to help you get rid of dandruff.

Tea tree oil

Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat a variety of conditions, from acne to psoriasis.It has also been shown to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve dandruff symptoms. In fact, according to one review, tea tree oil is effective against a specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Another 4-week study examined the effects of tea tree oil on dandruff by treating 126 people daily with a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo.At the end of the study, tea tree oil reduced symptoms by 41%, including oiliness and itching.

Note that tea tree oil can be irritating for people with sensitive skin. It is best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying directly to your skin.

Coconut oil

Widely known for its many health benefits, coconut oil is also often used as a natural remedy for dandruff.It moisturizes the skin, preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.

Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties, although the effect on a particular dandruff-causing fungus strain has not yet been studied.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a type of succulent that is often added to ointments, cosmetics, and skin lotions. When applied to the skin, aloe vera is believed to help treat skin conditions (burns, psoriasis, and herpes).

According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera can protect against dandruff. Likewise, a test-tube study found that aloe vera is effective against several types of fungi and may control fungal infections that cause hair loss from the scalp.

Decrease in stress levels

Stress is believed to affect many aspects of health and well-being. While stress alone does not cause dandruff, it can exacerbate dryness and itching.In addition, maintaining high stress levels in the long term can suppress the immune system.

A weakened immune system can reduce your body’s ability to fight off some of the fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff.

In fact, one study in 82 people with seborrheic dermatitis, which is one of the most common causes of dandruff, found that most episodes of dermatitis were preceded by a stressful life event.

To keep your stress levels in check, try meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or aromatherapy.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff. It balances the pH of the skin by inhibiting the growth of fungus and thus fighting dandruff. However, there is no research to support these claims, and many of the dandruff benefits of apple cider vinegar are based on anecdotal evidence.

If you still want to try using apple cider vinegar, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo, or mix it with other essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.

Aspirin

Salicylic acid is one of the main compounds found in aspirin and is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to the aspirin content, salicylic acid is also found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. It helps get rid of flaky skin and removes scales.

In one study, 19 people with dandruff used two shampoos containing either pyroctonolamine combined with salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione.Both shampoos reduced dandruff after four weeks, but the salicylic acid-containing shampoo was more effective.

For a simple dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair.

Read also
Five effective home masks for hair growth

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the body. They not only make up the cell membranes that surround your cells, but they also improve the functioning of the heart, immune system, and lungs.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for skin health. They promote wound healing and prevent premature aging. A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can cause a range of symptoms, including dry hair, skin, and even dandruff.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation, which can help relieve irritation and dandruff symptoms.

Fatty fish (salmon, trout, and mackerel) are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take fish oil supplements or increase your intake of other omega-3 rich foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Probiotics

There are many potential benefits of probiotics, including protection against allergies, lower cholesterol levels, and increased weight loss. Probiotics can also improve immune function, which helps the body fight the fungal infections that cause dandruff.

In fact, one study found that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduced the severity of dandruff in 60 people. Probiotics have also been shown to help reduce the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, especially in infants and children.

Probiotics are available in supplement form and are found in many fermented foods such as kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut, and natto.

Baking Soda

The baking soda that everyone has in their kitchen is a quick, convenient, and easily available dandruff remedy. It is believed to act as a mild exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and reducing flaking and itching. Baking soda also has anti-fungal properties that can be helpful in treating dandruff.

One test-tube study measured the antifungal effects of baking soda on some of the most common strains of fungus that cause skin infections. Impressively, baking soda was able to completely suppress fungal growth in 79% of the samples after seven days.

For best results, try applying baking soda directly to damp hair and massaging it into your scalp. Leave it on for a minute or two, then wash off with water.

Next time you notice flakes in your head, try a few of these natural remedies. Use them alone or combine them with over-the-counter medications such as anti-dandruff shampoos to maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.

See also: How to get rid of dandruff: effective shampoos and other means

90,000 How to get rid of dandruff at home?

Everyone who has encountered the problem of dandruff knows how unpleasant it is (and according to statistics, there are more than 50% of such people).And it only seems that it is easy to solve it – it is not for nothing that there are hundreds of anti-dandruff products in stores and pharmacies. But to get rid of white fluff, buying one miracle remedy is not enough. Here’s everything you need to know about dandruff.

What is dandruff?

What dandruff looks like, everyone knows – white flakes. Simply put, these are exfoliated particles, which appear in the form of dry (or, conversely, sticky) whitish scales.

What causes dandruff?

Let’s just say that dandruff is not a disease, but a consequence of some disturbances in the body.These include:

– reduced immunity;

– hormonal failure;

– allergic reactions;

– stress.

But there are other so-called external factors that we sometimes do not even suspect about:

– incorrectly selected shampoo;

– change of weather;

– prolonged sun exposure and excessive tanning.

How to choose a medicated shampoo?

First of all, pay attention to the composition.Any anti-dandruff remedy must have these four ingredients:

– essential oils with antimicrobial action – lavender, tea tree, cedar;

– natural herbal extracts – nettle, chamomile, burdock;

– exfoliating components – sulfur, salicylic acid, selenium disulfide;

– substances that inhibit the growth of pathogens – ketoconazole, clotrimazole, bifonazole.

How to distinguish between dandruff, psoriasis and seborrhea?

So, if dandruff manifests itself not in small white scales, but in large flakes, this is a sign of one of the skin diseases, psoriasis or seborrhea.

In the first case, the reason is weak immunity. Because of this, the sensitivity of immune cells increases, and outwardly it manifests itself not only in the form of dandruff on the head, but also red spots on the face and body.

With seborrhea, white flakes are separated in whole layers (and, frankly, it is difficult to confuse this with another disease). The sebum produced by the glands is responsible for lubricating skin cells. When it becomes scarce, the cells are separated not individually, but in groups.

In both cases, one cannot do without consulting a trichologist.In addition to home care, medical masks and shampoos, cosmetic procedures will have to be added to the list. The most effective is plasma lifting.

What is plasma lifting?

We warn you, one procedure is not enough here. Yes, and it is not cheap – from 6000 rubles. per session, and the course will cost at least 36,000 rubles. Several stages await you. To begin with, everything is standard – blood donation for analysis, depending on the result, and a course of treatment will be prescribed. The next blood sampling is done to isolate plasma from it (a special centrifuge is used for this).The finished plasma is injected under the skin with a syringe with a thin needle. The procedure is unpleasant, but you can tolerate it (for the most sensitive, the specialist offers an anesthetic ointment). The number of sessions is determined by the doctor, and the interval between them is at least 10 days, maximum – two weeks.

Plasmolifting advantages

The main feature of the procedure is that plasma renews the skin and you will not only get rid of dandruff, but also get other useful bonuses:

– strengthen the follicles;

– prevent baldness and hair loss;

– you normalize the functions of the sebaceous glands.

Homemade recipes for treatment

Let’s be honest, we are not fans of “made it myself – smeared it myself” (and it does not matter, on the face or hair). But in the case of dandruff, there are still proven and effective recipes.

1. Olive oil

Rub warm oil into the scalp every day before going to bed. Cover your head with a paper or plastic bag, and wrap a towel on top. In the morning, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

2.Baking soda

Squeeze out the amount of shampoo required for washing and add a tablespoon of baking soda.

3. Lemon juice

Mix one teaspoon of citric acid and five teaspoons of coconut oil. Apply the resulting mixture to the scalp and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse off the mask with water and shampoo your hair.

4. Vinegar

Massage the vinegar onto the skin and cover your head with a towel. After 30-40 minutes, rinse with water and shampoo your hair.

What is important to know about?

To make the treatment process as fast and effective as possible, do not forget about external factors.

1. Balanced nutrition.

Eliminate fatty, salty and spicy foods from the diet.

2. Drinking regime.

At least two liters of water per day – a classic.

3. Hygiene.

Do not use other people’s combs, towels or hair accessories.

4. Mood.

Avoid stressful situations, get some rest and get enough sleep.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: All About Dandruff

Causes and Effects

Contrary to the widespread misconception about the purely “cosmetic” origin of dandruff, its appearance due to improper care of the scalp and hair, in fact, white scales are a sign of a developing fungal disease.The fungus Malasseziafurfur, which belongs to the category of opportunistic microflora, causes dandruff. It is present on the scalp of every person. But under the influence of various factors – the use of inappropriate cosmetics, metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency, decreased immunity, stress, hormonal disorders – it begins to actively multiply and already becomes a pathogenic flora. As a result, dandruff, which causes considerable psychological discomfort, is a sign of seborrheic dermatitis.

“Contrary to the popular misconception about the purely ‘cosmetic’ origin of dandruff, its appearance due to improper care of the scalp and hair, in fact, white scales are a sign of developing fungal disease.”

Most often it occurs in adolescence due to hormonal changes in the body, but it can also occur at an older age. Dandruff scales in this case are white or yellowish, itchy scalp worries.Even recently washed hair looks unkempt. Sebum loses its bactericidal properties, which often leads to staphylococcal infection and purulent inflammation.

Inappropriate scalp care also leads to seborrheic dermatitis. Cosmetic shampoos often change the pH of the skin to an alkaline side, which causes a loss of the protective properties of the skin, drying out of the skin and hair, and profuse flaking.

Diagnosis of “seborrhea”

Dermatologists or trichologists (scalp treatment specialists) distinguish 3 types of seborrheic dermatitis.

• Dry seborrhea characterized by reduced sebum secretion. Dandruff scales in this case are small, easily separated from the scalp, usually the foci are localized in the parietal and frontal parts of the head.
• Oily seborrhea, on the other hand, occurs with increased sebum secretion. In this case, the scales are larger and are difficult to separate from the skin. Hair looks greasy. Oily seborrhea can lead to blackheads (comedones), atheromas (plugs of the sebaceous glands), which, when inflamed, can cause severe pain.
• Mixed seborrhea is characterized by spread to the skin of the face. Usually in this case, the area of ​​the forehead, nose and chin is oily, and the skin on the cheeks is dry. In the frontal and parietal regions, the processes of sebum secretion are very active, in the rest of the head they are reduced. As a rule, in this case, the hair of the fronto-parietal and temporal regions quickly takes on a greasy appearance, and in other areas it looks dry.

“Inappropriate scalp care also leads to seborrheic dermatitis.”

Treatment

You should not ignore the problem – the result of seborrheic dermatitis can be such serious complications as boils, abscesses and baldness. Special anti-seborrheic drugs are sold in pharmacies, not in supermarkets or perfumery stores! Healing shampoos are those that have proven antifungal activity that act on the cause of the problem, and not just wash away dandruff particles from the skin.Fungicidal (antifungal) includes, for example, ketocanazole, an active ingredient. If you follow the scheme, it will take only 2 weeks to get rid of dandruff.

Can dandruff be avoided?

Anyone who has once faced the problem of seborrheic dermatitis is unlikely to want a relapse of the disease.

Nutrition is essential for a healthy scalp. Make sure that the diet is balanced, vitamins A, E, B, C, trace elements zinc, copper and calcium enter the body.Reduce the content of carbohydrates, sweet, fatty, spicy, salty – in return, enrich the diet with fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables.

“Special anti-seborrheic drugs are sold in pharmacies, not in supermarkets or perfume shops!”

Lowered immunity is also a risk factor for dandruff. Therefore, pay attention to strengthening the body’s defenses, especially after suffering viral and infectious diseases. Also, try to avoid stress, get enough sleep, and minimize the amount of alcohol and cigarettes you smoke.In other words, a healthy lifestyle will help you restore healthy scalp and shine to your hair.

Finally, as a preventive measure, you can periodically use medications to forget about the white scales of dandruff on your clothes.

Author: Arina Korneeva

article from the site http://med-info.ru/

Zinc pyrithione: how the anti-dandruff ingredient works

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT), coal tar, salicylic acid… The list goes on. There are many treatments for dandruff, but what made zinc pyrithione the # 1 anti-dandruff ingredient in the world? *

There are two ways to combat dandruff: inflammation. However, this method does not eliminate the cause of dandruff.

Explore Dandruff Relief Products

Anti-dandruff ingredients that work for dandruff symptoms include coal tar and salicylic acid.

Coal tar helps control the scalp’s response to irritants generated by the microorganism Malassezia globosa breaking down the natural scalp oil.

Irritation may decrease, but these substances will continue to be released at the same rate … and may continue to damage the scalp.

Salicylic acid, in turn, acts directly on the scales. It helps to separate dead skin cells, making them easier to flush out. But like coal tar, salicylic acid does not address the underlying cause of itching, irritation, or flakes and is therefore less effective at fighting dandruff.

In fact, clinical trials have shown that these products are far less effective than shampoos with 1% zinc pyrithione.

Is there a better long-term solution? Zinc pyrithione (aka Head & Shoulders)!

The best way to treat and prevent future dandruff is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo, an active ingredient that removes the cause of dandruff.

This ingredient is zinc pyrithione (ZPT).It fights dandruff and prevents scalp irritants, helping to eliminate discomfort and keep scalp healthy.

Zinc pyrithione is found in all Head & Shoulders shampoos.

And in the new Head & Shoulders shampoos, zinc pyrithione is even more effective because it is eight times less than before.

Smaller particles of an active anti-dandruff substance:

• provide longer lasting protection – smaller particles can penetrate deeper into the pores, so they are not washed off and continue to protect you from dandruff for a long time after how you get out of the shower

• cleans better – fine particles help generate more foam when washing your hair

• make your hair and scalp healthier – particles are better distributed over the scalp and stay on it longer, providing the necessary protection and a healthier environment for hair growth

UNIQUE ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO

Only Head & Shoulders combines the unique form of this magical ingredient with zinc carbonate.The formula fights scales better than regular zinc pyrithione shampoos and hydrates the scalp.

That’s why Head & Shoulders is the world’s # 1 anti-dandruff shampoo *.

Its regular use allows not only to keep dandruff flakes under control, but also to prevent their occurrence in the future.

And if you want to enhance the effect, use it in combination with an anti-dandruff conditioner. This Conditioner Balm is specially designed for use with Shampoo, unlike other conditioner balms that can wash the zinc pyrithione from the scalp.

This means you get the protection you need and your anti-dandruff shampoo can effectively treat dandruff flakes, itching ** and irritation

* PG calculations based on Nielsen sales data from July 2012 to June 2013
** Caused by dandruff

4 simple folk remedies for dandruff and really working recipes based on them

Vinegar

With a mask and rinse based on vinegar, you can completely get rid of dandruff in a few weeks of use.The effectiveness of the recipes is explained by the fact that this product maintains the necessary acid-base balance (pH) of the scalp, and helps to remove the seborrheic fungus.

Pour table vinegar into a glass bowl (use only 5% solution) and massage it gently into your hair using a soft massage sponge. Do not rinse off the mask for 20 minutes and do this procedure 1-2 times a week.

• Hair rinse

You can also make another homemade vinegar mask by adding nettle leaves.Make a decoction of chopped nettle leaves in a ratio of 5 tablespoons to 1 cup of water. Keep in mind to keep the nettle in boiling water for 30 minutes. After pumping, cool the product by leaving it in a cool place for half an hour, and then pour a teaspoon of vinegar into it. Rinse your hair thoroughly with the prepared broth.

Essential oils

Essential oils are used not only for relaxation purposes, but also as a proven remedy against dandruff, in the form of various masks.

• Essential Oil Mask

Lightly heat the tea tree oil in a water bath and gently massage it into the hair, spreading it over the entire length of the scalp and around the perimeter of the scalp.