Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff (also called scurf and historically termed Pityriasis capitis ) is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff is not contagious and usually not serious, although can be embarrassing and itchy. The new cells form in the lower layers. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers , experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos .With dandruff, this whole process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up, so a greater number of dead cells are being shed. Also, the cells are shed in clumps, which are big enough to be seen with the naked eye as embarrassing flakes, especially when they land on dark clothing. The scalp may also feel slightly itchy. Excessive flaking can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis , psoriasis , fungal infection or excoriation associated with infestation of head lice. The scalp becomes scaly and the skin cells shed and collect in clumps. They are noticeable when brushing the hair and can gather on the shoulders. The condition mostly occurs after puberty, usually between the ages of 20 and 30 (1), and affects males more than females.

The diagnosis can be made with your eyes-you can see the flakes. (If the flakes were caused by psoriasis or a type of dermatitis, you'd be able to see signs of infection on your scalp.) Dandruff can start early; many infants have such "scalp scaling." But most dandruff starts at puberty and intensifies gradually over the years. Incidence of dandruff is usually greater during the winter months because of the dry conditions. The solution is often as simple as shampooing with a dandruff shampoo (be sure to wash the scalp well, too). Frequent shampooing with a conditioning shampoo can sometimes help control dandruff.

Dandruff is a shedding of the skin on the scalp that leads to white flakes on the head, neck, and shoulders. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Seborrhea can present as a variety of conditions such as dandruff, thick scales on the scalp, redness on the face or in the armpits, or raw, red patches below the breasts. Although some of these conditions may feel "dry," moisturizing only makes them redder. In other cases the skin may seem oily or even oily and dry at the same time. Seborrhea (dandruff) is a skin disorder that results from neither too little moisture nor too much oil. Although dandruff isn't contagious and is rarely serious, it can be embarrassing and surprisingly persistent. The good news is that dandruff can usually be controlled. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. What's more, researchers have identified a yeast-like fungus that may cause or aggravate dandruff, a discovery that may lead to better treatments.

Causes of Dandruff

The common Causes of Dandruff :

• Poor Hygiene.
• Lack of rest.
• Emotional stress.
• Poor Health.
• Improper nutrition.
• Heredity predisposition .
• Allergic hypersensitivity.
• Cold weather and dry indoor heating.
• Stress and anxiety.

Symptoms of Dandruff

Some Symptoms of Dandruff :

• White snowflakes fall from head and find their place on eyebrows, shoulders and clothing.
• Scalp may turn red resulting from scratching.
• Itching.

Treatment of Dandruff

• Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Zinc pyrithione .
• Treating dandruff using essential oils and herbs can be effective.You can opt for the various home remedies. A mxture of coconut oil and leon juice is equally effective as treatment with apple cider vinegar.
• Dandruff can be also be due to nutritional deficiencies. So, we should have a balanced diet containing amounts of vitamins A, B6, B12, F and selenium in their diet.
• Zinc vitamin supplement taken daily is excellent for the skin and hair.
• Nizoral Shampoo anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Ketoconazole .
• The antifungal properties of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) have been reported as useful in the treatment of dandruff.
• Zinc in the form of zinc pyrithione is also present in lot of anti-dandruff shampoos used for curing dandruff.