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Thursday, December 13, 2007

Dandruff Causes And Cures


Dandruff (Scaliness of the scalp)


The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin where in shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the hair. The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected.


Heavy conditioners and styling products are made to stick to your hair, but as a result they can cause flaking. Use a clarifying shampoo to stop build-up, and be sure to rinse thoroughly every time you shampoo and condition. Also, avoid using oily or greasy products on your scalp.



Dry scalp: This is a common occurrence, especially during colder months. When you wash your hair, be sure to use a mild shampoo and give yourself a scalp massage to loosen flakes. Resist the temptation to overcondition, which can cause build-up, but do deep condition your hair occasionally if necessary.



Sensitivity: Your scalp might be reacting to harsh ingredients in your shampoo, so try using a gentler product specifically for sensitive scalps.
If neither of the above help reduce flaking, you might have 'real' dandruff. No one knows exactly what causes it but the current theory is that it's a type of yeast that grows out of control. Fortunately, there are a number of over-the-counter shampoos that can help. The most effective ingredients known as antimicrobials, are zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulphide, sulphur and ketoconazole (also available by prescription). If you colour your hair, don't use products with selenium sulphide or sulphur. Coal tar is another option; it's not an antimicrobial, but it does slow the growth of skin cells, which means you'll get fewer flakes.
Dandruff shampoos can be fairly drying, but don't decrease the number of times you wash. Use dandruff shampoo only as often as you need to. The rest of the time, use a shampoo for normal or dry hair (those formulated for oily hair will just add to the dryness) and condition normally. If your dandruff or flaking doesn't improve, consult your doctor or hairdresser for advice.



Symptoms:


When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and settle on the eyebrows, shoulders and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching.


Root causes:


The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases. Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, and exposure to cold, and general exhaustion.


Healing Options:




Home Remedies


Fenugreek seeds
Lime
Green Gram Powder
Snake gourd



Other Remedies



Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with alma juice every night before going to bed. Another measure, which helps to counteract dandruff, is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on the hair with cotton wool in between shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.



Diet



People should avoid spicy and greasy food because it helps dandruff to increase and spread. People should add more vegetables and fruits on the diet. It is very essential to take fresh foods avoid taking tinned and canned foods add more green vegetables and fruits.
Strong tea and coffee, processed foods should be avoided for the dandruff.

Lifestyle


The foremost consideration in the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to minimise the accumulation of dead cells. The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged everyday, using one-finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff. Use any herbal shampoo for clean the hair. Also a herbal hair pack can be prepared and used by mixing henna powder, curd, ritha power together and apply on the head keep it for ½ an hour and wash with water, after this you wash your head with a herbal lime based shampoo for dandruff. Lime is good for dandruff as well as conditioner.

posted by Hemalatha at 9:29 AM

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