Dandruff is a mysterious ailment. Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos. Dandruff is not an organism like lice; it is just dead skin that accumulates in the scalp. Dandruff is unlikely to be the cause of hair loss. Dandruff can happen at any age but is most commonly found in people between the ages of 12 and 80. Dandruff is the result of the normal growing process of the skin cells of the scalp. Shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp at an excessive rate, is the result of the normal growing process of the skin cells of the scalp. Dandruff is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. A dark shirt and dandruff just simply don’t go together! There is nothing more embarrassing than to have someone brush white flakes off your new black sweater or denim jacket. Dandruff is a global phenomenon and many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem problems. Common older literature cites the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale) as the cause of dandruff.

This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff, it has recently been shown that a scalp specific fungus, Malassezia globosa, is the responsible agent. Hormones may also be involved, because dandruff usually starts after puberty and is more common in men than women. Oily hair and scalp. Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp. For that reason, having excessively oily skin and hair makes you more prone to dandruff. Contact dermatitis. Sometimes sensitivities to certain hair-care products or hair dyes can cause a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Another skin condition that affects the scalp is called Psoriasis. Inflamed red patches begin to appear, covered by silvery-white scales. This often also affects skin around the ears, knees and elbows. Dandruff is often known as “dry scalp”, but people with oily scalps tend to suffer the most. An oily scalp also supports the growth of P. ovale. Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but it may take a little patience and persistence.

There are plenty of home remedies for dandruff: rubbing a cut onion on your head, massaging your scalp with three-day-old cheese, rinsing with vinegar. Garlic and oil of oregano are also excellent for fighting dandruff. Try using one of these shampoos daily until your dandruff is controlled, then cut back to two or three times a week. Shampoos containing salicylic acid (Ionil T) help eliminate scale, but they may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking. Using a conditioner after shampooing can help counter dryness. Alternating hot and cold water on the head increases circulation to the scalp. Yoga headstands will also help with circulation. Exercising out in the fresh air will also help with circulation to the scalp. Brush your scalp carefully to loosen scales before shampooing. Anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole have been shown to be more effective than zinc pyrithione. Selenium sulfide been reported as the most effective of the tested shampoos at treating dandruff.

Get rid of dandruff

1. Hair gels and other hair products can irritate the scalp in some people.

2. Do not scratch your scalp. dandruff sufferers who scratch, using an electron microscope that magnifies 400 times.

3. Avoid dyeing your hair (unless you absolutely must).

4. Massage some of the liquid onto your scalp three times a week. Do not rinse it out.

5. Look for a shampoo containing tea tree oil.

6. The most effective treatment is an anti-yeast shampoo containing ketoconazole, which you can buy from a chemist without a doctor’s prescription.

7. Get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.

8. Try a tea tree oil shampoo.