Treat Dandruff With These Easy Tips
Posted on December 21, 2011 by DFHS Article Team
Dandruff is a fairly common skin condition affecting the scalp, where dead skin cells are shed in excessive amount. It is characterized by the appearance of white flakes all over the head or white patches, which cause major discomfort and often result in severe hair loss.
The first step for treating dandruff is to keep your hair and scalp clean. If you allow layers of grease and dirt to accumulate, they will cause itchiness. You will thus be forced to scratch the skin on the scalp, which will ultimately give rise to flakes. If you prefer to use natural ways to keep your scalp clean, you can dab some diluted cider vinegar (mixed in 1:1 ration with water) on the scalp. You may even use witch hazel instead of cider vinegar for the purpose. A message with undiluted coconut oil can also work wonders for your scalp and hair.
Some other home remedies that are effective in reducing dandruff consist of lime, curd, amla juice, and green gram powder.
The treatment for Seborrheic dermatitis (a severe form of dandruff) usually comprises of treating the inflammations and lesions with topical cortisone based anti fungal creams. These reduce the yeast formation and help in controlling the inflammation. Anti- dandruff shampoo and other products available in the market are also effective in treating dandruff. These products contain compounds that are effective against dandruff. The major compounds which help in controlling dandruff are:
Salicyclic Acid – It helps in getting rid of dead skin cells. However for some people, dryness of the scalp may occur.
Zinc Pyrithione – It slows down the growth of yeast.
Selenium Sulphide – It reduces oil secretion by the sebaceous glands.
Ketoconazole – An effective anti fungal drug which controls fungal infections even in patients with immune-deficiency disease like AIDS.
Coal tar – It has natural anti-fungal properties.
Tea tree oil – Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil has anti fungal, antibiotic and antiseptic property. It is being increasingly used in shampoos and other anti dandruff products.
Remember that dandruff cannot be treated overnight. The ideal way of treating dandruff is repeated application of anti-dandruff shampoo containing one or more of the above mentioned compounds over a period of time. Once applied, the shampoo must be left on the scalp for at least 5 minutes in order to let it work, before rinsing it off. Since every product does not work equally for everybody, you should find out the compound that best suits your condition after consultation with your dermatologist.
Changing your eating habits and some lifestyle modifications may also be required to fight dandruff. In case the condition persists even after several weeks of treatment with anti-dandruff shampoo, do not hesitate to seek medical supervision.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4313030
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