Dandruf - Information on Dandruf

What is Dandruf?

Dandruff is a bothersome problem sometimes thought to be associated with inefficient hair care. Dandruf can lead to other problems, like acne or a rashy skin, and can even trigger off hair loss. Scratching the scalp, in itchy forms of dandruf, can also lead to secondary bacterial infections. Dandruf is rare in children. Scaling generally begin stoemergeat adolescence. It's a white powder like substance, which is dry or oily and covers the scalp surface of the head. Dry dandruff falls on the shoulders from the head and troubles the skin of the face and back also. It spreads from one person to another if comes in contact so one who suffers from dandruff should keep his towel, hair brush and comb and pillow cover separate from others and they should be cleaned everyday for better hygiene and protection from it. Excessive flaking can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or excoriation associated with infestation of head lice.

Dandruff is a global phenomenon and many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem problems. It is a skin disorder that results from neither too little moisture nor too much oil. It is a form of skin inflammation (dermatitis) which has no known cause. Dandruff mostly occurs after puberty, usually between the ages of 20 and 30, and affects males more than females. There are two ways of treating dandruf: either the scales are removed as quickly as they are fonned, or the formation of scales is suppressed. Shampooingis a good way to rapidly remove the scales. Excessive usage of chemicals on the hair in forms of hair dyes, hair sprays, gels and creams are harmful for the hair. Dandruff can be a cause of premature graying of hair so take it seriously and don't ignore. For better results you can take anti dandruff oil easily available in the market to use on your hair.

Dandruf is rare in children. Scaling generally begin stoemergeat adolescence. Starting at puberty, Dandruf increases gradually over the next few years; it is maximumin the early twenties. Later over the years, it gradually decreases and is decidedly rare in the elderly. Earlier, skin care people made a distinction between oily and dry Dandruf. Today this opinion is held as absurd. Scientific studies have shown that the oil production in scalps with Dandruf is the same as that of scalps without Dandruf. Moreover, artificially degreasing the scalp does not decrease the amount of Dandruf produced, even though the oiliness is decidedly reduced.

Types of dandruff

• Oily dandruff
• Dry dandruff

Oily dandruff occurs most likely among adolescents and adults with an excessive oily skin and scalp.

Dry dandruff appears as loose white flakes and scalp itches.

What causes Dandruf?

We all shed dead skin cells as a nonnal process; these cells are not shed off individually but as aggregates which are nonnally too small to be seen. In Dandruf, however, the shedding of the dead cells is in larger visible aggregates; there is also an excessive production of dead cells. What causes this is not conclusively known- but it is definite that Dandruf is not infectious. You cannot catch Dandruf,just by using the comb of a person who has this problem.

The common causes of Dandruff:

• Lack of proper diet.
• Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair curlers.
• Oily hair and scalp.
• Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.
• Exposure to cold.

Getting rid of Dandruf - Dandruf Cure

There are two ways of treating Dandruf: either the scales are removed as quickly as they are fonned, or the formation of scales is suppressed. Shampooing is a good way to rapidly remove the scales. To be effective, the washing should be thorough and frequent. Application of oils temporarily improves the appearance of a scaly scalp because the scales stick to the scalp and are less visible. But oils tend to nullify the effect of shampooing to a considerable extent and are best avoided if you are suffering from Dandruf.

Medicated shampoos are very popular; these may contain selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithione or coaltar. These agents decrease the production of scales in addition to removing the scales. Cortico steroid applications are also very effective in reducing the production of scales and are used for severe Dandruf. But the most important aspect of treatiig Dandruf is that the medications should be used regularly till you out grow the problem. Treatment options include:

• In general, mild scaling can often be helped by daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and cell buildup.
• The antifungal properties of tea tree oil have been reported as useful in the treatment of dandruff.
• Tar containing shampoos are also used for treatment of dandruff.
• Vinegar is also used as treatment.
• Treatments include topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, keratolytics to remove thick scaly patches, oral anti-fungals (if a fungal infection is widespread) and oral antibiotics if your scalp becomes infected.

Symptoms of Dandruff

The some common symptom of Dandruff:

• Dry skin.
• Itching or soreness on your scalp.
• White, oily-looking flakes of dead skin in your hair.
• Mild redness.
• Hair loss may also be associated with this disease.