What is dandruff?
Dandruff itself, the tiny white particles on your skin, is more of a symptom than an actual disease. When people use the term “dandruff,” they tend to mean these white flakes that build up around parts of the hair; however, these are not a medical condition in and of themselves. In the vast majority of cases, dandruff is caused by a dry, flaky scalp. When you scratch your scalp, either deliberately or simply through regular hair brushing or a nuisance, small sections of the skin break off, creating the effect of white “snow.”
What are the causes of the condition?
Anyone who is prone to dry or sensitive skin in general can suffer from dandruff at some point in their life. Other causes include hormonal changes, dietary disturbances, or even lifestyle issues like stress and worry. Dandruff is more of a nuisance than a serious medical condition, and in some cases it can occur for no reason at all.
demystifying:
Dandruff is not the result of unwashed hair, dirty hair, or poor hygiene practices. It all has to do with the flakes of skin that the scalp gives off; something that will happen no matter how often you wash your hair.
It is also worth mentioning that the scalp shedding process is completely natural. It happens that in the case of those who suffer from dandruff, they lose more skin than the average person, hence the appearance of white particles around the hairline.
Are there any symptoms of the condition beyond the white flakes?
Most patients will experience difficulties with their scalp, usually because it itches regularly. The scalp can also feel uncomfortably tight and the hair can become painful to brush. White blood cells tend to show up late in the condition, so as soon as your scalp starts to feel uncomfortable, it may be worth taking preventative measures.
Is there a cure for dandruff?
Not totally; As mentioned above, shedding of the skin from the scalp is a normal process that the body must go through. However, most patients find that by curing any scalp related problem, they can reduce dandruff to a manageable level. This usually means eradicating any visible signs of the condition.
What treatments can I try?
Vitamins A and B have a long documented history of helping to soothe scalp problems and might be worth a try. Other than that, the market is overflowing with thousands of anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners. As with any styling product, finding the right one for you can be a process of elimination.
These shampoos can often make hair feel heavy and greasy, so you may need to wash your hair more often if you use them regularly.
Is there any medical treatment available?
Yeah; Most doctors will be willing to prescribe specialized shampoos, which contain certain chemicals and nutrients to help alleviate scalp problems. These are only available by prescription. The rest of the time, using an anti-dandruff shampoo will help keep the problem at bay.
Are there natural remedies to control dandruff?
Both the warm coconut oil (gently massaged into the scalp, then rinsed clear) and the lemon in the cider can help alleviate the problem. However, if you have a moderate to severe case, you may need the stronger medicinal options as mentioned above.