Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Dandruff is the excessive flaking of dead skin that forms on the scalp It is estimated that as much as 97% of the population of the United States will at some point in their lives have a form of dandruff, but there is still a lack of total agreement about this condition. Although dandruff isn't contagious and is rarely serious, it can be embarrassing and surprisingly persistent. Dandruff can happen at any age but is most commonly found in people between the ages of 12 and 80. Mild cases may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos.
A yeast-like fungus that may cause or aggravate dandruff, a discovery that may lead to better treatments and even to a whole new wardrobe. Dandruff is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. 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. In the past ten years dandruff problems in the United States have become more serious and more frequent.As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Causes of Dandruff
The most common cause of dandruff is the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). Other factors include
* hormonal imbalance * poor health or hygiene * allergic hypersensitive * lack of rest * emotional stress * excessive consumption of sugar, fat, starch * improper nutrition * heredity predisposition * excessive use of hair sprays and gels * improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of hot hair curlers or curling irons * cold weather and dry indoor heating * stress and anxiety. * infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.
Treatment of Dandruff
For treating dandruff one should use proper shampoo which is best suitable for you.
* Zinc pyrithione shampoos - To reduce the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. * Tar-based shampoos * salicylic acid (Ionil T) Using a conditioner after shampooing can help counter dryness. * Selenium sulfide shampoos (Selsun, Exsel). * Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral).
Once you have found an anti-dandruff shampoo that works for you, keep on using it or your dandruff will most likely reoccur.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
Some home remedies for treating dandruff are as follows:
* Soak 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind into a fine paste. Apply all over scalp and leave for an hour. Wash with mild shampoo. * Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this. * Massage the scalp with almond oil. Dip a towel in boiling water and wrap it around the hair. Repeat it thrice or four times when the towel gets cold. * Mix 100 g witch hazel and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice in 200 ml water. Shampoo your hair and apply with cotton to the scalp when the hair are still wet. Repeat several times until the dandruff is treated * Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it. Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair. Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then rinse the hair with lukewarm water.
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