Dandruff

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a scalp condition in which skin of the scalp becomes dry, flaky and itchy. It is a phenomenon when scalp sheds extra skin cells. Dandruff isn’t a threatening condition but it can be embarrassing sometimes. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Dandruff?

The symptoms of dandruff are easily recognised such as:

• Dry flaky skin on the scalp.
• Visibility of the flakes on the shoulders, eyebrows, hairline and nose.
• Itchy scalp.
• Greasy scalp.

What Are The Causes Of Dandruff?

There are various causes of dandruff like:

• Dry skin: People with dry skin are prone to dandruff. Dandruff occurs due to dry skin mostly in winters. These flakes are often small and itchy but not oily.
• Not Brushing the hair regularly: People who do not brush or comb their hair regularly tend to have more dandruff, as brushing can help in the shedding of the dead skin cells from the scalp.
• Not shampooing when required: When one does not shampoo their hair properly and regularly, the oil and dead skin cells keep on accumulating that results in dandruff.
• Reaction due to certain hair care products: Some people are allergic to certain hair care products which might cause an adverse reaction resulting in dandruff.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of dandruff. In this condition greasy, the red scalp is covered with white and yellow flaky scales.

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Dandruff?

• Choose right hair care products like shampoo conditioner and oil. In case the problem persists, then go for medicated shampoo.
• Shampoo and condition your hair regularly and properly. Make sure all the product is out of the hair after rinsing.
• Brush your hair regularly.
• Try out home remedies like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, coconut oil, baking soda, olive oil and tea tree oil.
• Keep your body well hydrated.
• Choose a healthy diet that is rich in protein instead of junk food.
• If the problem persists then refer to a good dermatologist.

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Dandruff?

• Don’t scratch your scalp. Scratching the scalp can cause inflammation and more damage to the scalp.
• Don’t leave your hair wet.  When you go out with wet hair, there are chances of accumulation of sweat in hair, causing dandruff formation.
• Do not keep the oil for long in hair.
• Do not use hair styling products much.

What Are The Best Foods For Dandruff?

Few nutrients that you should include in your diet to combat dandruff problem are:

• Zinc and vitamin B6 rich food: These two nutrients are essential in fighting with dandruff. Some of the Zinc and vitamin B6 rich foods are chickpeas, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and bananas.
• Vitamin A and vitamin C rich food: These two vitamins enhance the formation of sebum which works as a natural conditioner. Few Vitamin A and Vitamin C rich foods are green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and lettuce.
• Protein and vitamin D rich food: Protein and Vitamin D are must include in your diet for healthy and dandruff free hair. Salmon is a great source of protein and vitamin D. 
• Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids: Omega 3 fatty acids keep the scalp well hydrated hence reducing the chances of dandruff. Few omega 3 fatty acids rich foods are flax seeds, navy beans, kidney beans, walnuts and soy beans.
• Garlic: Garlic has a natural antifungal substance called allicin that helps in combating dandruff. So, include garlic in your food.
• Green tea: Green tea has polyphenol in it which helps to keep the scalp healthy and dandruff free. 

What Are The Worst Foods For Dandruff?

Certain foods to avoid for keeping the scalp dandruff free:

• Saturated fats rich foods: Excess of saturated fat can result in excessive sebum formation that leads to dandruff.
• Tea and coffee: Beverages like tea and coffee results in loss of hydration by an increase in urination and perspiration which results in dryness of skin and scalp. Dryness further results in flake formation on the scalp.
• Sugar: Excessive intake of sugar may lead to increased insulin level that affects certain hormones, which trigger the oil formation on the scalp. Oil formed on the scalp may promote dandruff flakes. 

What Are The Medicines For Dandruff?

What Are The Tips To Manage Dandruff?

Dandruff is not a threatening skin condition, but it should not be ignored if it is persistent, flakes are big and cause irritation on the scalp. In such cases, one should always consult a good dermatologist.