Written by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn

Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

All rights reserved with siahmsr digital healthcare[siahmsr wellness]

Reviewed by SIAHMSR medical team.

 Dandruff solutions

 What is dandruff?

 Dandruff is a great cause of worry for a large group of people around the world. Both sexes are affected with the problem of dandruff irrespective of their age. Dandruff is a common scalp disorder with flaky scales and itching of scalp. It is non-inflammatory in nature. The exact mechanism leading to dandruff is  still not clear although dandruff symptoms overlap with seborrhoeic dermatitis.

The probable causes are:

·         seborrheic dermatitis

·         overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia

·         dry skin

·         allergic reactions to some hair and skin products

·         other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

·         dietary errors

·         stress

A few known facts about dandruff

·         Malassezia is a fungus infection  which is often connected with dandruff although it is not regarded as the microbe causing dandruff.

·         It is often found that steroid medications clearing dandruff although dandruff is not an immune mediated disease.

·         Excessive exposure to sunlight is known to cause scaling of the scalp. Cold weather also aggravates it. Dandruff gets worse also in winter.Therefore dandruff is considered as a disease fluctuating seasonally.

·          The severity of dandruff ranges from mild to severe among people and it is seen in association with hair loss.

Does oily scalp skin increase the risk for dandruff?

   Dandruff is a condition of scalp with increased proliferation of keratinocyte cells. Excess sebum or oil production on scalp may cause more dirt and impurities to get clogged in the scalp, facilitating the growth of microbes that cause dandruff.

 Oily scalp may increase the dandruff risk. However everyone with oily scalp is not affected with dandruff.

 Oily fat of sebum may help the formation of dandruff to some extent but it is not considered as the primary cause. Other susceptibility factors of the person may play a major role in dandruff formation.

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis may occur from stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones or excess fungus growth on the scalp etc. The severity of dandruff worsens in winter. In short, oily scalp is more prone to dandruff  while other factors also have contributory role in causing dandruff.

What are the symptoms of dandruff?

 Dandruff   appears as an itchy, scaly scalp and white oily flakes that may fall on the hair or shoulders. Dandruff may get worse during the autumn and winter months as the air is very dry in these seasons. People with seborrheic dermatitis may have irritated, oily scalp skin and are prone to get dandruff. The skin may appear red, greasy, and covered with flaky white or yellow scales in this condition.  It is common among people who are obese and depressed. Emotional stress worsens it.

Dandruff is associated with hair loss.

What are the medical solutions for dandruff?

·         Medicated shampoos

The American academy of dermatology recommends antidandruff Shampoos and scalp treatment as the solutions for dandruff. Most antidandruff shampoos may have ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulphide,tea tree oil, salicylic acid etc. There are different types of shampoos.

To get the best results, always follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle.

 Be cautious if you are using a dandruff shampoo that contains coal tar.

 Tar shampoo may discolor blonde, grey or white hair, so if you have light-colored hair, you may have to choose a different type of anti -dandruff shampoo. Tar shampoo also may make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight.

Use a conditioner after shampooing your hair to maintain its moisture content and shine.

It is recommended that you always consult a dermatologist who can properly diagnose your condition and suggest a treatment plan in an individualized way.

·         Medicines

A dermatologist can suggest a treatment plan based on the underlying causes for dandruff.

General instructions

·         Follow a well-balanced dietary pattern to improve scalp health as well as for preventing hair loss from dandruff.

·         Zinc in adequate amounts is important for hair growth and health as it regulates the levels of androgens or male hormones in the body. Any reduction in androgens has been linked to dandruff and also slow hair growth. Consume zinc rich natural foods such as sea foods, some green leafy vegetables, oysters, lobster, baked beans, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, almonds   etc. Do not take supplements without directions from a healthcare provider.

·         Exfoliating the scalp regularly with hair and scalp masks can avoid dead skin cells clogging the pores on scalp.

·         Stress reduction is important as anxiety worsens seborrheic dermatitis.

Home remedies for dandruff

Some natural ingredients for reducing dandruff:

·         Tea tree oil

·         Lemongrass oil

·         Aloe vera gel

·         Apple cider vinegar

·         Coconut oil with lemon

·         Fenugreek seed 

·         Olive oil

·         Green tea

You may add these ingredients in your various hair masks for improving hair and scalp health.

 Diet to improve scalp health &prevent dandruff 

·         Omega 3 fatty acids –it helps in managing oil production, regulating inflammation and improving hydration of scalp skin.

·         Fruits and vegetables- they contain many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can improve scalp skin health.

·         Biotin rich foods-egg yolk, salmon, nuts etc. help to improve the health of hair, nails, and skin.

·         Zinc rich foods –oysters, lobster, baked beans ,pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, almonds.

Hair mask for preventing dandruff

 Aloe Vera hair mask

Ingredients 

Aloe vera gel      2-4tbsp

Coconut oil         2tbsp

Olive oil               1tbsp

Green tea            1 tbsp. 

Preparation

·         Use either aloe Vera gel bought from market or aloe Vera gel extracted out of the plant.

·         Mix 2-4 tbsp aloe vera gel [depending on your hair length] with 2tbsp coconut oil and 1tbsp olive oil.

·         Add green tea solution 1tbsp.

·         Stir well and apply the mask on your scalp and hair gently. Use a wide toothed comb to spread it all over the length of your hair. Do not rub it on your hair as friction may damage hair roots.

·         Keep it on your hair for 30 minutes so that the nutritional properties of aloe Vera and oils may nourish the hair well.

·         After 30 minutes wash with a non-sulphate shampoo or mild herbal shampoo.

·         Let air dry the hair.

This hair mask may leave your hair soft, shiny and silky. Aloe Vera is intensely moisturizing to the hair and removes the dryness of hair. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover aloe Vera contains antioxidants also. Green tea has antioxidant properties. It is anti-inflammatory also. It reduces the UV rays of sun induced damage to hair. Coconut oil is deep penetrating and intensely moisturizes your hair. Olive oil is anti-inflammatory and keeps your scalp healthy.

References

 

1.       https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/treat-dandruff

2.       https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887514/

3.       https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27328441/

4.       https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662214321X

5.       https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2394299/