If you notice the fall of white flakes of dry itchy scalp on your shoulders, it indicates the presence of dandruff. Try to get the effective dandruff treatment to get rid of this humiliating situation as early as possible.
Know about dandruff:
Skin cells naturally renew themselves after a certain time. When new skin cells are produced faster than the old or dead cells, it makes way to generate dandruff on the scalp. The increment in temperature can further increase the risk of dandruff.
There are some other factors that increase the risk of dandruff, such as:
• Heredity
• Not enough hair brushing
• Yeast sensitive people have higher risk
• Hormonal changes, like puberty
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Eating high-sugar, spicy, or high-salt foods
• Lack of nutrients – fatty acids and vitamin B
• Weather changes
• Stress
• Seborrheic dermatitis – It affects not only the scalp, but also other areas of the body like backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows and sides of the nose. It mainly happens due to an oily and sensitive skin.
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Symptoms of dandruff:
The major sign of dandruff is white flakes or dry itchy scalp. The other symptoms of this condition include:
• While flakes on the scalp and in the person’s hair
• Oily looking flakes
• Feeling of tight and itchy head
• Tingling on head
• Sore feeling
• Red, flaky, greasy patches on the skin (adults, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults)
• Crusting and scaling rash on scalp (babies with Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap)
Dandruff Treatment:
In most of the cases, self-treatment like gentle scalp massage and thorough rinse can help to get rid of dandruff. However, those who have severe dandruff symptoms can also visit a doctor for better dry scalp treatment.
Diagnosis of Seborrheic dermatitis:
This skin problem occurs due to oily skin, stress, family history and some medical conditions. It can be prevented by cleaning scalp, skin and hair with shampooing.
A medicated shampoo which has certain active ingredients can give effective dandruff treatment. These active ingredients include:
• Zinc pyrithione
It can help in reducing the production of yeast.
• Selenium sulfide
It slows down the production of natural oils which are produced by scalp glands.
• Coal tar
The natural anti-fungal agents available in coal tar help to eliminate dandruff. If your hair is dyed or treated, then long-term usage of coal tar can stain it like a natural shine.
• Ketoconazole
It’s also a very effective anti-fungal substance. Most people who use it are pleased with its results. Experts say, shampoos with this ingredient can be used by all including young and elderly people.
• Salicylic acids
Such acids help your scalp get rid of skin cells. They do not slow down the reproduction of skin cells. Many “scalp scrubs” contain salicylic acids. Some people find salicylic acid treatments leave their scalps dry and eventually make the flaking of the skin worse.
• Tea-tree oil
A number of shampoos now include tea-tree oil as one of its active ingredients. It can be used as an anti-fungal, antibiotic, and an antiseptic.
• Green Tea potential
It’s very useful for the treatment of dandruff and psoriasis.
It’s very important to select a shampoo that has these ingredients as it can help you in reducing dandruff and dry flakes. Consistently using shampoo with such ingredients for several weeks can prevent the regeneration of dandruff. If a person still faces some skin problems, then it’s better to consult a doctor or dermatologist who can prescribe another dandruff treatment or medication.
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Alternative treatment of dry flakes:
The regular shampooing can reduce the risk of developing dandruff, though there are some more factors that have to be considered for effective dry scalp treatment, which include:
• Learn to manage stress
Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or worsen existing symptoms, so try to remain calm and cool as much as possible.
• Shampoo often
If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing may help you prevent the risks of dandruff.
• Cut back on styling products
Excess usage of hair sprays, styling gels, mousses and hair waxes can build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier. The cosmetic products also invite dandruff to settle on the skin.
• Eat a healthy diet
A diet that provides enough zinc, vitamin B and certain types of fats can help you prevent dandruff.
• Avoid long exposition to sun
Sunlight is good for health, but not so good for dandruff. A high exposure to ultraviolet light can damage your skin and increase the risks of skin cancer. Instead, you can enjoy sunlight in the morning and try to wear sunscreen on your face and body whenever venturing outdoor.
