In addition to being itchy , dandruff can be seen on clothing and this causes concern, because it is associated with poor hygiene or carelessness. Defend yourself!
Index
What is dandruff?
The seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation usually manifested in parts of the body where there is increased production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. When this condition settles on the scalp, it is called dandruff .
Another possible cause of dandruff is a naturally occurring fungus known as Malassezia, which is present on virtually everyone’s scalp. This fungus feeds on the natural oiliness of the scalp and produces by-products and acids that cause irritation.
Dandruff manifests itself in the form of reddish lesions that itch and flake. It can be dry or oily, and in the latter case it is known as seborrheic dermatitis , it is not contagious and is generally considered the most serious form of dandruff.
Types of dandruff according to their level of intensity
- Light : Small whitish scales near the scalp, near the root of the hair, visible only when combing or brushing.
- Moderate: The scales are loose between the hair, being visible naturally even if you do not comb or brush.
- Intense : severe flaking of different sizes, abundant and visible scales on the surface of the hair and shoulders.
Main causes of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not always known. However, some factors can aggravate the situation:
- Hormonal changes
- Stress, are you stressed? Tips to improve it day by day !!!
- Dry or cold weather
- Sudden changes in temperature
- Low nutritional value, especially due to lack of protein
Treatments to solve seborrheic dermatitis
There is no definitive treatment for curing dandruff, but there are specific medications for the skin and scalp capable of controlling the symptoms. Among the best known are:
- Selenium sulfide
- zinc pyrithione
- Corticosteroids
- Ketoconazole
- Alpha Hydroxide Acid (AHA)
You can use them in the form of shampoos, conditioners or hair toners , with very positive results in controlling dandruff.
Hair hygiene
If you suffer from dandruff, strengthening your hygiene is essential. Wash your hair periodically to help remove excess grease and dust. Check out our article to learn how to wash your hair effectively .
On the other hand, it is important that you bear in mind that washing your hair every day does not cause it to fall out , as some believe, but we must be careful when drying it, whether we do it with a towel or with a dryer.
Feeding
Another important recommendation is that you follow a healthy diet . Not only will this improve your dandruff problem, it can also help you prevent other diseases like excess weight and diabetes.
Therefore, including fruits, vegetables, protein and healthy fats , as well as avoiding excess sugar , will help your body to be healthier. A balanced diet is a great ally, because dandruff is also related to malnutrition and digestive disorders .
Hair massage
To activate the circulation of the scalp, hair massage is recommended. To do this, you must press the scalp with your fingers. It will cost you nothing to invest five minutes a day to develop this habit. In addition, massage also works as a relaxation technique. You can do it with vegetable oils , some are suitable to treat dandruff, such as coconut , jojoba and castor oil .
Don’t scratch yourself
Try to resist the itchiness and don’t scratch, because you can hurt your scalp with your nails. If this happens, stop using any medicated shampoo and switch to a mild one, like children’s ones, or a sulfate-free shampoo , until the wounds heal.
Eliminate sweat
After exercise or activities that cause sweating, try to shower and wash your hair. Sweat irritates the scalp and accelerates the shedding of skin cells.
Homemade recipes to solve annoying dandruff
RECIPE 1
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 teaspoon (tea) comfrey
- 1 teaspoon (tea) rosemary
- 1 teaspoon (tea) nettle
- 200 g witch hazel
Observation: Herbs can be fresh or dried.
PREPARATION:
Mix all the ingredients and let it rest for 5 days before using it.
DOSE:
After this time, massage the scalp after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse your hair with cold water.
RECIPE 2
INGREDIENTS:
- 150 ml of water
- 50 ml of nettle oil
PREPARATION AND HOW TO USE:
Prepare a lotion with the ingredients and apply it on the scalp with a cotton ball.
Use it only every two or three washes.
RECIPE 3
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 tablespoons (soup) of linden tea ;
- 500 ml of water.
PREPARATION AND HOW TO USE:
Mix the ingredients and apply it after shampooing.
RECIPE 4
Mix 2 drops of each of the following oils: lemon, rosemary , primrose, and 1 tablespoon of almond oil .
Apply to the scalp, massage and rinse after 2 hours.
RECIPE 5
It serves both to prevent dandruff and for other problems …
Place a handful of each of the following herbs in a container: nettle, sage, and rosemary.
Add hot water. When the mixture has cooled, pour it over your already damp hair. Let it rest for 15 minutes and rinse preferably with cold water.
These herbs, in addition to preventing dandruff, also inhibit the appearance of gray hair, soothe irritation of the scalp and reduce hair loss .
Products to treat dandruff
In addition to these habits to prevent dandruff, there are cosmetic products that assist in the treatment and eliminate or prevent it. Here are all the existing products and some suggestions:
- Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Oily – 200 ml
- Wella Professionals Clean Balance Dandruff Control Shampoo 250 ML – Wella Professionals Balance Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250 ML
- Fridda Dorsch Hair Care – Anti-dandruff shampoo, 200 ml
- LA ROCHE-POSAY KERIUM DRY DANDRUFF 200 ml
- Selsun Blue Naturals Dandruff Shampoo 325 ml
- Fanola – Purity anti-dandruff shampoo – 350 ml
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.