Understanding Dandruff: Causes and Effective Treatments

Did you know that having dandruff means you may be dealing with a fungal infection of your scalp? Or it may be due to a lot of other reasons. The symptom we all notice is an annoyingly itchy scalp. You may have also noticed that it seems to get worse in the winter. This is because our skin can dry out due to the low levels of humidity present in the air. Let us see why dealing with dandruff can be important for better skin eventually.

Common Causes of Dandruff and how to Prevent it

An itchy scalp is the result of many dandruff causing issues like the following-

• Fungal or yeast infections.
• Not using a shampoo often to cleanse your scalp – this will cause debris, sebum and sweat to pile up and cause itchy flakes to form.
• Using harsh shampoo every day can dry out your scalp.
• Using too much physical force when you comb or brush out your hair.
• Using tight headgear.
• Exposure to sun can also cause issues.
• More men suffer from dandruff rather than women.
• Dandruff does not affect the scalp alone, but can cause acne and skin issues too.

Does Diet Affect Dandruff And How To Manage It?

Yes, some studies have shown that eating a diet poor in minerals like zinc, B vitamins and good quality fats can greatly reduce your probability of dealing with an itchy scalp. We don’t really know why they are connected but being diabetic can also cause dandruff. If you have any immune system related conditions like HIV, then you may be prone to an itchy scalp- this is especially true for fungal or yeast related scalp problems.

Best Home Remedies for Dandruff Control

You can try to look for shampoos and conditioners which are gentle and have natural ingredients like neem and aloevera.

• If the dandruff is due to a dry scalp, then you should aim to get head massages once a week at least with coconut oil. You could also add some tea tree essential oil for extra effect.
• You can also use baking soda on your scalp.
• Apple cider vinegar has shown positive results for some people- in the form of a mask or a rinse.

Conclusion

Finding the right kind of products for you can take some trial and error but don’t keep changing brands. You will also need to see why you have itchy scalp or dandruff in the first place- if it is due to poor scalp hygiene or washing too often. Some medicated shampoos can be prescribed by dermatologists depending on how severe your symptoms are. You should talk to a doctor when the itching is unbearable or it starts affecting different parts of your face and neck.