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Solutions for Dandruff Problems

Mayuri Kulkarni
Dandruff can be very embarrassing and can cause a lot of discomfort due to itching. Though it is not a harmful scalp problem, those white flakes falling on your black shirt can be very unsightly. You can get rid of dandruff by using anti-dandruff shampoos and a few home remedies.
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp problems that people are facing today. It has been observed that one out of every three people has dandruff. It is medically referred to as seborrheic dermatitis and can be caused due to a number of reasons. It can be dry or patchy, and in extreme cases, it causes severe itching. White scales are formed on the scalp which may settle down on face, eyebrows, clothes, shoulders, etc. Before moving on to its solutions, let us first understand the causes of dandruff formation.

Causes

The actual cause of dandruff has not yet been identified, but some of the possible reasons can be changes in climate, eating habits, candidiasis, zinc deficiency, certain medications, elevated stress level, etc. Dandruff is a consequence of excessive dead cell shedding of the scalp.
Sometimes the cause of dandruff development can also be genetic in nature. If any of your parents gets dandruff frequently, then you too are likely to get it. Some people sweat excessively, which can be a triggering factor. People living in cold climates can suffer from extreme dandruff problems.

Remedial Measures

One of the popular method of eliminating dandruff is by using anti-dandruff shampoos. But these shampoos are ineffective after some months, as the skin on the scalp becomes used to it and then develops a tolerance against it. Before purchasing any of these anti-dandruff shampoos make sure they contain, zinc pyrithione (ZPT).
Other alternatives include use of any one of the shampoos that are tar-based or contain salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole. Frequent shampooing may be required for good results. But it is observed that though these shampoos remove dandruff, they may harm the texture of your hair. Thus, it is always better to go for natural remedies.

Home Remedies

With the help of some ingredients at your home you can treat this condition. Natural remedies are some of the best solutions. Given below are some examples of homemade solutions that can help you get rid of dandruff.
  • Prepare a mixture of six tablespoons of hot water and two tablespoons of cosmetic vinegar. Apply this mixture to the scalp and leave it overnight. Shampoo your hair the next morning.
  • Prepare a mixture of olive oil and lime juice, one tablespoon each. Apply this mixture and massage your scalp and leave it overnight. Shampoo your hair the next morning.
  • Take two eggs and beat them, later add two tablespoons of water to it. Wet your hair and massage the scalp by applying this mixture for 10 minutes. Later rinse your hair with lukewarm water.
  • Apply and rub aloe vera gel to the scalp and leave it for half an hour. Later wash your hair with a shampoo that contains aloe vera.
Other than using the natural remedies for dandruff treatment, diet therapy can also help. High sugar intake is one of the key factors that triggers dandruff growth. Thus experts suggest that one should reduce the intake of sugar to reduce dandruff.
One should also reduce the consumption of oily and greasy foods. Vitamin B supplements and oods high in zinc can also help in eliminating dandruff.
Dandruff cannot be eliminated in a very short time and the solutions listed above can be effective only if you follow the hair care regime for a few weeks or so. If the results of the homemade remedies are not effective after three to four weeks, you should consult a doctor. While dandruff removal is not impossible, the same product or solution may not be equally effective for all people. Therefore, you just need to try to find the solution that works best for your condition.