Dandruff Information You Need
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Dandruff can be a source of embarrassment, and the itchiness, which may arise with it, is a genuine nuisance. Many people incorrectly assume that the problem has something to do with hygiene and personal cleanliness. Although it's true that shampooing infrequently can aggravate an existing case of dandruff, it will not bring on one.
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| Symptoms |
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- Flakes of skins, which range from small and white to large, greasy and yellow.
- Itchy flaking that appears on the scalp or eyebrows, or around the hairline, ears or nose.
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| Causes |
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The most common causes of dandruff are a dry scalp. Regular shampooing prevents this from happening. Try not to scratch because this aggravates the inflammation and can cause a secondary bacterial infection. Showering dries skin, therefore take quick showers, avoiding excessively hot water, and apply moisturizing lotion immediately afterwards and throughout the day when you feel itchy. However, if the problem aggravates to turn into a serious skin condition like dermatitis, the following preventive measures should be taken: Identify and avoid any allergens that irritate your skin.
- Wear cotton-lined gloves when working with irritating chemicals such as hair dyes, gardening products, or hobby paints, in order to prevent coming into contact with these potential allergens.
- Wash new clothes before wearing them.
- Avoid stress.
Skin cells that grow and die off too fast result in causing dandruff, but doctors do not know why this happens. Some people with severe flaking have overactive sebaceous glands whose task is to lubricate the skin with oils; others have an elevated level of the fungus Pityrosporum ovale, which is present in most people but to excess in dandruff sufferers. Other causative factors include family history, food allergies, excessive sweating, yeast infections, stress and the use of alkaline soaps. Even the season of the year can contribute to the problem: Cold, dry winters are notorious for bringing on dandruff or making it worse. If dandruff flakes are greasy and yellow, the probable cause is the skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis; seborrhea is usually associated with redness, as well. Dry, thick lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp.
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| Diagnosis |
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If you have mild scaling, you can usually take care of it with an OTC Dandruff shampoo containing salicylic acid. Use it for several weeks, and if you don't see a clear- cut improvement in the scaling, consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist can diagnose whether you have a fungus infection of the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, or some other disorder." A form of seborrheic dermatitis that sometimes alarms new parents is known as "cradle cap." The scaly scalp inflammation is common in newborn babies, although it can occur anytime in infancy. Rubbing warm olive or mineral oil into the baby's scalp and leaving it on overnight can loosen and soften scales, which can be washed off the next day with a mild shampoo. It usually clears up quickly and does not recur.
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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Avoid a diet rich in fats and fried foods. Besides zinc is important for the synthesis of protein which comprises the scalp. Lecithin also helps strengthen the scalp membranes.
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| Home Care Suggestions |
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Try different over-the-counter dandruff shampoos until you find one that works for you, then use as needed. Preparations containing selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione work quickly and slow down the flaking process. Those with salicylic acid and sulfur loosen flakes so they can be washed away more easily. Coal-tar shampoos retard cell growth (but see warning, below). Don’t use dandruff-treatment products containing coal tar for prolonged periods without consulting your doctor. Be aware that coal-tar products make your scalp more sensitive to the sun and may tint light-colored hair light brown or orange. If you're using a prescription scalp lotion or shampoo, or if you are using an over-the-counter coal-tar preparation, wear a hat to protect your scalp. For heavy, stubborn dandruff, ask your doctor to recommend a prescription dandruff shampoo. Shampoo every day, or at least five times a week. Use a mild, non-medicated shampoo to control scalp oil without irritating scalp. If you don't see results, switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo. Use a conditioner to keep hair from drying out. Always rinse well.
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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Severe dandruff may be a cause of worry. Otherwise as such dandruff does not pose any danger to health. Stress also causes dandruff and should be avoided besides that a proper diet can help avoid dandruff.
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| Additional Information |
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Dandruff Relief Shampoo and Tea Tree Scalp Normalizing Shampoo contain tea tree oil. Tea tree herb shows its favorable effects on hair. 1,2,3
Natural Jojoba Shampoo contains herb that jojoba. Jojoba is also beneficial in condition of dandruff. 4 Shea Butter Shampoo Vanilla contains shea butter that shows its favorable effects on hair. 5 |
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| Disclaimer |
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. |
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