ByJohn H LambertWhat is Dandruff?
The skin is continually regenerating itself and as this happens the old skin is pushed away from the scalp. This is normal and happens to everybody, everyday and the flakes are too small to be noticeable. Dandruff occurs when this process is caused to be sped up. This results on more flakes of skin which often clump together to form the larger visible flakes of dandruff.
What causes Dandruff?
There are number of factors that can on their own or in combination cause a person to suffer dandruff. The following are the main causes of dandruff.
Dry skin: The most common cause of dandruff is simply dry skin. Dry skin can be caused by the cold air of winter and the dry warmed air inside heated buildings. The flakes dandruff from dry skin are usually smaller and less noticeable. If this is the cause of dandruff, other areas of the body often show signs of dryness such as legs, arms.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: This is also a common cause of dandruff and severe dandruff. It is recognised by red patchy, greasy skin and large white of yellow flakes. As with dry skin seborrheic dermititis can affect other parts of the body. Any part of the body with a large amount of oil glands such as the nose, chest, crotch and armpits can be affected.
Psoriasis: This shows the same symptoms as seborrheic dermatitis but has silver flakes. Psoriasis is more likely to affect the knees and elbows but it will be a cause of dandruff if it covers the scalp.
Eczema: Eczema can affect any part of the body, the scalp included. If this happens, dandruff will likely be a symptom.
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is caused by the scalps sensitivity to hair styling products, hair dyes and some shampoos. It causes an itchy scaly scalp and ultimately leads to dandruff. People may think that dirty hair causes dandruff but shampooing too often can also cause a person to develop dandruff.
Malassezia: This is a fungus that is normally present on the scalp and causes to ill effects. A dandruff problem may occur if the fungus growth is out of control. It feeds on the oil from the hair follicles and irritates the skin and more skin grows than is normal. The flakes of dandruff produced are large as the skin clumps together binded by the oil. The symptoms are very similar to seborrheic dermatitis.
Not shampooing enough: Allowing oil and skin flakes to build up on your scalp can cause dandruff.
Around 2-5% of the population suffer from dandruff at any one time, but experts say most people will suffer at some stage of their lives. Millions of dollars are spent each year on over the counter shampoos and medicines to help cure dandruff. There is an alternative to these products. Using a can save money and be a natural chemical free cure for dandruff.
There are many different cures around and everybody is sure to find something that works for them. Some of the more popular cures are listed below:
1. Tea Tree oil
2. White Vinegar
3. Olive oil
4. Baby oil
5. Lemon/Lime juice
6. Thyme
7. Fenugreek seeds
8. Aloe vera
9. Baking soda
10. Asprin
11. Beet juice
12. Milk of magnesia
13. Listerine
14. Vics Vapor rub
The last two may be a bit out of left field but people will try anything to get rid of their embarrassing dandruff. If it worked for them they are more than willing to share their cure with the rest of the dandruff sufferers.
A is a much better option than using chemicals on your skin to fight against dandruff and as you can see the ingredients are easily available if you do not have them at home already.
As a long time dandruff sufferer I am well aware how this condition can damage your self confidence and be very embarrassing.
I discovered there was a whole world full of natural home made remedies for dandruff and was finally able to get rid of my troublesome flaky scalp
You can read more detailed information on these cures at my website.
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