The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin wherein shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the hair. Seborrheic dermatitis is quite a common skin condition that affects the scalp causing an itchy scalp and scaly or flaky skin and stubborn dandruff.
The condition can become troublesome when the
skin gets infected. There are two main types of dandruff, namely dry dandruff and oily dandruff. Those with an oily skin tend to suffer from oily dandruff while those with dry skin suffer from dry dandruff. The type of dandruff home remedy that one chooses must therefore be decided according to the type of dandruff. Oily dandruff can be a little tougher to treat as it tends to recur quite easily while dry dandruff can be prevented quite easily. Nevertheless, with a suitable dandruff home remedy and a regular hair care regimen, you can get obtain permanent relief from this condition. While most people see dandruff as a purely cosmetic problem that can be embarrassing at times, dandruff can have several serious repercussions. Dandruff increases one’s risk of scalp infections, especially dry skin conditions, like psoriasis and it can also cause loss of hair which is generally temporary but which can be permanent. Dandruff can also cause itching on your forehead and face as it settles on your skin. This may explain why some people tend to confuse the itchiness and skin irritation symptoms of lice, or rather head lice with dandruff. A dandruff home remedy needs to be used for a prolonged period to ensure that the condition is successfully treated. Very often, people use home remedies for dandruff for just a week or so and as soon as the dandruff has seemed to have cleared, they stop the treatment. However, discontinuing treatment before the condition has cleared completely will cause the problem to resurface. A dandruff home remedy is usually made up of natural ingredients and can be used for at least two weeks or so as this will ensure permanent relief.
While the information on home treatments and remedies may help you learn how to get rid of dandruff naturally it’s often not easy to differentiate between dandruff vs dry scalp. Referring to some dandruff pictures should help you recognize the condition a lot more easily however.
Symptoms of Dandruff
The Scales from the Scalp Fall
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 eye brows, shoulders, and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. This is most commonly seen when the individual is suffering from dry dandruff. However, people with oily dandruff will observe different dandruff symptoms as compared to those with dry dandruff. People with oily dandruff will not have loose scales of skin as the scales mix with the sebum from their scalp and this forms a thick greasy covering over their scalp. While it may not be as easy to detect this type of dandruff, it will still be apparent while combing your hair as the greasy mixture of dandruff and sebum will coat the teeth of a comb. Dandruff control measures are equally important, no matter the type of dandruff one is suffering from. You can use more than one type of dandruff home remedy method to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. You can separate the various dandruff cures according to how they are used. You can use one dandruff home remedy as a hair tonic for dandruff and use another as part of a deep scalp cleansing process.
Red Scalp Due to Itching
Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching. In cases where itching and discomfort is intense, the individual may scratch his/her scalp so badly that small wounds and scabs appear. This is a serious problem as it drastically increases one’s chances of suffering from a secondary scalp infection. Constant scratching and aggravation could cause severe dandruff hair loss and so it is important to take additional steps to reduce the itching and discomfort. People with oily dandruff can get temporary relief from the discomfort by lightly dusting their scalp with a fine powder made out of dried and crushed Margosa leaves. This powder will help to absorb excess sebum and thus reduce itching and since Margosa leaves have strong antimicrobial properties, this powder will also help to prevent infection. People with dry dandruff can mix two drops of tea tree oil with half a spoon of olive oil as tea tree oil has potent antifungal properties. You can massage this blend of oils into your scalp after you wash your hair as it will help to protect and moisturize your scalp and prevent itching. It is important to keep in mind that this type of dandruff home remedy is meant to treat discomfort caused by dandruff and must be used in addition to a dandruff treatment method.
Causes of Dandruff
Impairment of General Health, Wrong Food Intake, Constipation
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.
Emotional Tension, Harsh Shampoos, General Exhaustion
Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold, and general exhaustion.
Overuse of Hair Styling Products Such as Hair Gel or Hairspray
The frequent use of styling products may also trigger a scalp reaction that results in dandruff. In such cases, terminating the use of these products for a few weeks will help to remedy the situation.
Frequent Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
The regular exposure to extreme heat is one of the contributing factors or causes of dandruff. In such cases, it is best to use a scarf or hat to protect one’s scalp from the elements.
Scalp Specific Fungus
A certain type of fungus that is commonly found on the scalp is thought to be one of the factors that cause dandruff. This fungus is generally present in very small amounts on the scalp and when this amount increases, it becomes a scalp infection that results in dandruff.
Remedies for Dandruff
Dandruff Treatment Using Fenugreek Seeds
The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna. This dandruff home remedy is especially effective for those suffering from dry dandruff. You will need to use this anti dandruff treatment at least twice a week for the first two weeks and then once a week for another two weeks. You could also use the water that you soak the seeds as an after-shower hair tonic. After you shampoo your hair, allow it to dry naturally and then soak a cotton ball in this liquid and apply it to your scalp. This is one of the simplest and most effective dandruff solutions and it can also be used as a preventative measure to make sure that you don’t have to suffer from dandruff again. The market is flooded with shampoos that claim to be the “best anti dandruff shampoo”, so make sure that you choose reliable products that suit your hair type.
Dandruff Treatment Using Lime
The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff. Lime juice or lemon juice is an excellent oily dandruff home remedy and can also be used to prevent this scalp condition. You can also apply a paste made out of lemon juice and fuller’s earth to your scalp once a week. This pack is one of the best dandruff home remedies as it is an effective method of deep cleansing your scalp. The lemon juice in this paste will help to break down the excessive sebum that has collected on your scalp while the Fuller’s earth will help to cleanse your scalp of the excess dead skin cells.
Dandruff Treatment Using Green Gram Powder
A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.
Dandruff Treatment Using Beet
Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose. Make sure that you use old pillowcases and sheets as this home treatment for dandruff may stain your linen.
Dandruff Treatment Using Snake Gourd
The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose. This natural dandruff treatment can be mixed with fresh beet juice to increase its effectiveness.
Dandruff Treatment Using 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 Indian gooseberry 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 to the hair with cotton wool in between shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.
Diet for Dandruff
All-fruit Diet with Three Meals a Day of Juicy Fruits
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days and take three meals a day of juicy fruits.
Avoid Citrus Fruits, Bananas, Tinned Fruits
Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed, or tinned fruits should not be taken.
Well-Balanced Diet
After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Further short periods of an all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at monthly intervals till the skin's condition improves.
Avoid Strong Tea/Coffee, Pickles, Refined and Processed Foods
Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.
Suggestion for Dandruff
Keep Hair and Scalp Clean to Avoid Accumulation of Dead Cells
The foremost consideration in the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to minimize the accumulation of dead cells.
Hair Should be Brushed Daily to Improve Circulation
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's 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.
Warm-Water Enema
During the first five days of the treatment when the patient takes an all-fruit diet, a warm-water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels. Simultaneously, an attempt should be made to keep the body in good health.
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