Dandruff

Dandruff : Its Symptoms, Causes and Ayurvedic treatments

White and dry flakes are easily noticeable while an individual is suffering from Dandruff. When these flakes turn greasy and itchy it is an alarm that the disease of dandruff is getting nasty. Almost 50 percent of people are affected by dandruff worldwide. Though dandruff is a widespread and not a serious problem, it can be very embarrassing and not easily curable.

This condition occurs when you face those dry flakes on the hair scalp, these are dry fungus that lives on the scalp and may increase when the host is stressed out or sick. Cold and dry weather may trigger the fungus on the scalp causing it to fall on your shoulders or even clothes.

Dandruff is not only limited to the scalp, and it can be noticed in other areas like ears, on the center of the chest, and even on the face.

Fortunately, this is not a serious problem if one takes care and maintains hygiene.

Signs and symptoms of dandruff –

Certain signs can be noticed while one is suffering from dandruff, like: –

  • Visible flakes on your scalp, ear, eyelashes, eyebrows, and heavy beard or mustache in males.
  • Dry and itchy scalp.
  • These flakes can be whitish or yellowish, according to the hair type.

Causes and risk factors related to dandruff –

This is still not confirmed why and how a person gets affected by dandruff, but there are several cases when a person may suffer from dandruff.

And some of the notable causes of dandruff are –

  • Oily skin of the scalp
  • Keeping large gaps while washing your hairs.
  • Sensitivity from harsh hair products.
  • Having a fungal infection named Malassezia.
  • Dehydrated and flaky skin

Some other skin infections like,

  • Psoriasis and eczema could also cause dandruff.

There are many risk factors involved in causing dandruff in an individual, and they are: –

  1. Age –

Dandruff plays an essential role in different aged people,

It is widely seen among young adults to mid-aged people. But sometimes, it is seen that dandruff could be a lifelong problem in some.

  1. Gender –

Dandruff is said to be caused more among males because the hormones may cause an increase in this infection.

  1. Recurring illness –

Diseases that may affect the immune system are likely to increase dandruff’s risk in the scalp.

Like, HIV, or Parkinson’s disease, it adds more risk to dandruff.

Treatments provided for dandruff –

While talking about treatment, there is absolutely no permanent cure provided by the medicals, to remove dandruff once and for all.

Many types of medicated shampoos are available in the market nowadays, proving themselves to be antibacterial and anti-fungal. While most of them are rich in chemicals that harm the hair, causing severe hair loss and redness or dryness in the scalp.

You can count on some prevention that may reduce the chances of recurring dandruff.

That is –

  • Using a mild shampoo that suits the best for the texture of your hair.
  • Always read the contents of shampoo, and make sure it is chemicals-free.
  • Do not use hair products that are harsh on the scalp and hair. Read and follow the instructions carefully, and follow as directed.
  • It is vital to do an allergic test beforehand. This implies the hair product is ready to use.
  • WARNING – do not use any heating products. Like straightener, blow dryer, curler, hair spray or hair iron, etc., this leads to permanent damage to the hair, giving a rise to dandruff.

Ayurvedic cure for dandruff –

The real cure for dandruff and flaky scalp is available in Ayurveda, and by following some of these steps and home remedies, one can get rid of dandruff completely.

  1. Manage stress : – Stress negatively affects overall health and can trigger dandruff to its worst conditions.
  2. Morning walk in sunlight : – Dandruff is known to be a fungal infection, and the exposure of sunlight on the scalp can be beneficial to control dandruff. Keep in mind, do not expose yourself to sunlight in late hours, especially after 10 AM. Also, make sure to cover your face and body with sunscreen.
  3. Diet :- Diet is one of the most critical factors for the body, keeping disease away. And if one excludes the oily, fatty and spicy food from the diet, it helps keep dandruff intact till a minimal spot. You must add foods rich in Zinc, vitamin B, omega three fatty acids, and vitamin B7. Foods like potato, salmon, sweet potatoes, egg yolks, and almonds are very beneficial in keeping dandruff limited.
  4. Clean hair often : – A clean and hygienic scalp is much better than dirty hair. If your hairs are dry or oily, shampooing them regularly prevents dandruff. Do massage your scalp, as it helps to lose flakes and wash them off gently.
  5. Massage hair with oils : – Applying hair oil on the scalp is very beneficial for controlling dandruff or any other infection. It improves the skin and quality of hair by giving them the required nutrients. Coconut hair oil is known as essential to manage dandruff from hair and scalp. Another essential oil is tea tree oil, and it is revolutionary to control and cure dandruff in an individual. You can use hair oils and hair shampoos that contain the extract of tea tree oil.
  6. Apply aloe Vera on the scalp : – Applying aloe Vera on the areas affected by dandruff is very beneficial. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that decrease dandruff and reduce inflammation and itching on the scalp.