Dandruff
Dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii, affects the scalp and causes flakes of skin to appear - it is a common condition. It is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Some people have the wrong notion that it is because of bad hygiene or washing the hair often - this is a false belief. It is just that people having dandruff shed more skin then others.
However some dermatologists suggest that is caused by a yeast fungus that is believed to breed in a combination of sebaceous oil and dead skin cells.
CAUSES
- Dandruff has been shown to be the result of various factors:
- Skin oil commonly referred to as seborrhea.
- The metabolic by-products of skin micro-organisms (most specifically Malassezia fur fur)
- Individual susceptibility.
- Excessive sweating of the scalp.
- Excessive mental and physical stress.
- Use of alkaline soaps.
- Cold dry winter season.
- Psoriasis of scalp.
SYMPTOMS
- There are while flakes of skin on the scalp, and in the person's hair.
- Flakes may be oily looking.
- Head may feel tight and itchy.
- Head may feel tingly and sore.
- Red, flaky, greasy patches of skin (adults, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults) Crusting and scaling rash on scalp (babies with Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap)
DO'S AND DON'TS
Softly massage your scalp when you shampoo. This will help blood circulation and prevent skin from drying and cracking Use a mild shampoo only once or twice a week.
- Natural live yoghurt is recommended as a natural conditioner.
- Avoid harsh hair dyes and hair creams.
- Watch your diet and avoid too much of dairy products like cheese, paneer and also sea food, fatty food, excessive sugar. Avoid chocolates and nuts.
- Supplements of Vitamin A and E help eliminate dandruff.
- Avoid stress.
- Yoga and regular exercise are always good to relative stress.Even though dandruff is dry flaking skin do not normally apply excessive oil.