Effective Remedies for Dandruff

The appearance of dandruff is never a good sign. It occurs due to scalp problems and fungal infection. Usually, to get rid of dandruff we use anti-dandruff shampoos, which are very effective. But – do we have an alternative?

What exactly is dandruff?

Dandruff is a dermatological condition caused by a fungal infection or an excessively dry or oily scalp. The skin with this type of dermatological lesion is the perfect breeding ground for a fungus that feeds on sebum. The fungus causes flaking of the epidermis and results in the formation of keratinized flakes on the hair.

Where does dandruff come from?

The occurrence of dandruff has several main causes, and the most common are:

• dry skin,
• too infrequent washing of the scalp,
• the presence of a yeast-like fungus,
• allergy to any ingredients present in the cosmetics used for scalp care,
• skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis,
• oily, irritated skin.

Who is Affected by Dandruff?

Dandruff most often affects young people during puberty. Mainly in men due to hormonal factors.

Types of dandruff

There are several types of dandruff:

• greasy dandruff – usually occurs in people with a tendency to oily scalp, it is caused by yeast-like fungi that feed on sebum,
• dry dandruff – this condition occurs when the scalp is excessively dry,
• dandruff – is caused by yeast-like fungi, which can be found on the skin of most people. The fungus multiplies in an uncontrolled manner, creating skin lesions, which are most often located on the chest, back, shoulders and neck. This type of dandruff is accompanied by flaking of the skin and severe itching,
• erythematous dandruff – skin infected with bacteria is the direct cause of this condition. The disease starts with a single erythematous spot, which peels off and then spreads. It is most common on the trunk, between the toes, on the armpits, groin and thighs.

The fight against dandruff

Usually, the fight against dandruff begins with the use of anti-dandruff shampoos and home remedies. However, if dandruff does not go away after about a month, you may need to consult a doctor.

Sometimes, additional side effects such as scalp sores or red and swollen skin also occur. After examining your scalp, the dermatologist will prepare a treatment tailored to your dandruff type.

In case of erythematous dandruff, the treatment is more complicated and requires prompt medical consultation.

Preparations for dandruff

Anti-dandruff shampoos include many ingredients with different effects. Before choosing the right one, it is important to adapt it to your scalp.

Shampoos may contain:

• salicylic acid – this ingredient helps to eliminate dandruff. It has cleansing properties, and selenium sulfide, which it contains, is fungicidal. It is important to remember to wash the product off very carefully, as it can discolor hair,
• zinc pyrithione – this is a substance that has antifungal and antibacterial properties,
• substances based on coal tar – it makes the destruction of skin cells slower. You can guess that due to this, the formation of skin flakes also slows down. With light-colored hair, this preparation causes a change in color. It also happens that people who have used coal tar-based products complain of increased sensitivity to light, especially sunlight,
• ketoconazole – its task is to destroy the symptoms of dandruff.

Sometimes it is necessary to combine individual preparations in order for the action to be most effective. It is important to always read the leaflets and check how to apply them.

Get rid of dandruff at home

Since dandruff is characterized by itching and seborrheic dermatitis, home remedies should primarily “calm” the symptoms of the disease. It is good if they additionally moisturize the skin and disinfect it.

There are home remedies, such as:

• rinses of calendula, chamomile, field horsetail, willow bark,
• masks adapted to the type of dandruff, for example, with the addition of chicken egg,
• natural rubs,
• masks with natural yogurt, jojoba and coconut oil,
• head massage with castor oil, sesame oil and olive oil.

It is important to remember that home remedies should be combined with preparations available in drugstores and pharmacies. Only then their action will be fast and effective, especially with strong dandruff.

Home remedies for dandruff do not have to (and even should not) completely replace other methods of hair and scalp care. However, you should make sure that they are an important part of your regular hair and scalp care routine. Herbs and other natural ingredients can effectively get rid of dandruff. Home remedies are a particularly good option for people who have a sensitive scalp.

Main Photo: Valeriia Kogan/unsplash.com