How To Get Rid Of Dandruff?

Dandruff is the result of the shredding of dead skin by our scalp. In medical terminology it is known as pityriasis. The skin shredding its dead cells is not an unnatural phenomenon but excessive flaking could be a result of exposure to extreme heat or cold or some kind of illness or other psychological problems. Here we will deal with the causes one-by-one and provide you with the solutions to deal with them:

Causes:
Epidermal layer (outer layer of our skin) constantly replaces itself at regular intervals. In people with dandruff it happens at the rate of one each month and in contrast to this, those who have problem, have their epidermal layer shedding itself every 2-7 days.

Normally the flakes of dead skin are too small to be visible but they catch our attention when they accumulate. It has also been found that that a fungus named malassezia globosa is responsible for dandruff in healthy persons. Dandruff could also result as an epidermal reaction to external factors, which includes shampoos, soaps, climate etc.

Treatment:
There are two kinds of treatment available: commercial and home made. One can be chosen out of two or if the conditions permit both can be used as supplementary to each other.

Commercial Treatments:
Increasing the frequency at which the hair is shampooed is one way. Shampoos have chemicals that clear the scalp off the dead skin and their regular use would result in fewer flakes of dead skin on our scalp. Salicylic acid not only cleans the scalp but also reduces the rate at which these dead cells are created. It is a common reagent used in the manufacturing of cosmetics. To confirm if the shampoo that you are using contains this product or not, you can check the chemical ingredients—most manufactures publish them on the sachets and bottles.

Some dermatologists say a better way to contain dandruff is to remove the fungus responsible for it. These substances are called anti-fungal agents and they include zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide etc.

Home remedies:

(1) Leave two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water for a night. In the morning take them out and make a fine paste of them. Apply the paste to your scalp, leave it for half an hour and then wash it thoroughly. For washing you can use either shampoos or soap-nut.

(2) One teaspoon of fresh lime, if poured on the scalp while washing is useful.

(3) Add green gram powder to half a cup of curd and wash with them twice a week.

(4) Juice of snake gourd is also found to be beneficial in the treatment of dandruff. The juice has to be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose.

Other treatments include:

(1) Take a healthy diet with a lot of salad and juicy fruits.

(2) Avoid tea, coffee and other processed foods.

(3) Dandruff is contagious so avoid using other people’s combs.

(4) Wash your comb every time after using it.

(5) Do not allow your hair to remain wet for a long time.

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