So how exactly do you end up with dandruff, and how the hell can you get rid of it?
The Common Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff is caused by microscopic yeast which generally occurs naturally on every single persons scalp. Usually, when our dead skin cells are washed away, or brushed away, and they are gone without a trace. However, with dandruff the skin yeasts for whatever reason, increase and then they start to irritate the scalp, which triggers an inflammatory immune response. More skin cells are created and they die quicker than usual, which then causes lumps of immature, sticky skin cells to be formed. Due to this, the skin starts to itch and peel, and flakes of skin can be seen by the naked eye. These flakes are what we associate with dandruff.
It is still unknown why the yeast begins to multiply but there are several theories such as stress, puberty and other general hormone changes. Other possible causes include:
The excessive use of hair sprays and gelNot getting enough sleepCold weatherA poor diet
The Symptoms and the Treatments Available
Usually dandruff is found in people aged between 12-80, though there is a form of dandruff known as Cradle Cap which affects new born babies.
You can usually tell if you have dandruff due to the constant itchiness of the scalp. You will literally feel, and see the dandruff which appears after you have scratched the scalp. Often dandruff is seen on dark clothing and this can be particularly embarrassing.
Most people associate dandruff with greasy hair, however, it is possible for the dandruff to cause your hair to become overly dry too. Luckily, whichever form of dandruff you do have, there is always a treatment available for it.
Head and Shoulders is one of the most famous brands of dandruff shampoo and conditioner. You can also buy good dandruff shampoos from brands such as Pantene. The best way to tell which one will work for you is to simply try it. You may have to mix and match your shampoo and conditioner as the hair often becomes immune to a shampoo or conditioner if it is used all the time. Also, many people do not realize that the shampoo and conditioner you use to remove your dandruff will have to be used constantly. If you do stop using it, it is more than likely that the dandruff will come back.
If you cannot find a suitable dandruff shampoo, then it is best to remember that the milder the shampoo and conditioner, the better. Detergent based shampoos may cleanse the scalp really well; however they will often make the scalp dry and even itchier than it already is. So, always go for a mild shampoo. If you can find it, the best shampoo to actually go for is Nizoral. This particular shampoo is designed specially to defeat dandruff and is the most advanced formula available today. It will be more expensive, but you will find it better than any other shampoo which you have already tried.
Other alternative treatments available include ointments and lotions, and when buying products in a drugstore, look out for products which contain Zinc Pyritheone or Selenium Sulphide as they work really well to eliminate dandruff. It is also said that including plenty of vitamin B into your diet, will also counteract dandruff. Also, flax seed and nuts can be good for promoting a healthy scalp too.
Overall, dandruff can occur at practically any age, and it can be a pain to get rid of. Whilst most anti-dandruff shampoos do work, in more severe cases you may need to seek help from a doctor. Whichever type of dandruff you do have there is a treatment available for you.
