Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff is a common scalp disorder that causes the skin on the scalp to become itchy and flaky. This is generally the result of a bacterial infection of the skin on the scalp and can spread from one person to another through the common use of soaps, towels, clothes, hairbrushes and combs. Dandruff may be either waxy or dry. Dry dandruff is characterized by an itchy scalp that sheds small white flakes onto your face, shoulders and back. Waxy dandruff is characterized by an oily scalp that on account of an excessive production of sebum causes the dandruff flakes to form patches on the scalp and hair. Thus, it is not only a dry scalp alone that contributes to the formation of dandruff, sometimes excessive oil produced by the skin or even conditions like psoriasis can cause dandruff. Several factors contribute to the infection of the skin on the scalp. Primarily, dust and pollution causes a daily build up on the scalp that may lead to an infection. In addition, several dietary and nutritional factors contribute to the formation of dandruff. A lack of zinc in the diet, poor nutrition, high stress levels and irregular eating habits may also lead to dandruff. Dandruff can also result as an allergic reaction to the chemicals or high alkaline content of some shampoos and soaps. Certain kinds of yeast and fungus infections of the scalp can also cause dandruff.
Home Remedies for Treating Dandruff
One of the first steps to treating dandruff is to take some precautionary measures while caring for your hair and scalp. Don’t keep a dandruff problem unattended because regular scratching may worsen the scalp infection. It is easiest to control dandruff if you shampoo regularly. Regular shampooing gets rid of the excess oil produced by your scalp and the daily build up of dead skin and other pollutants, and this helps keep your dandruff under control. Ensure that you use mild shampoos, and that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in your hair care products. A mild medicated shampoo that contains salicylic acid is ideal for loosening dandruff flakes from your scalp, and a shampoo that has an antibacterial agent will help cure your infection.
In addition, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate your dandruff. Thyme has excellent antiseptic qualities that will help cure your dandruff. Make a hair rinse using thyme (4 tablespoons) and two cups of water. Boil the thyme in the water, strain and cool the solution, and massage it into your hair to rid of dandruff.