Sunday, November 20, 2011

Causes and Home Remedies for Dandruff - Health - Hair Loss

The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin wherein shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the hair. Seborrheic dermatitis is quite a common skin condition that affects the scalp causing an itchy scalp and scaly or flaky skin and stubborn dandruff. The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected.

There are two main types of dandruff, namely dry dandruff and oily dandruff. Those with an oily skin tend to suffer from oily dandruff while those with dry skin suffer from dry dandruff. The type of dandruff home remedy that one chooses must therefore be decided according to the type of dandruff. Oily dandruff can be a little tougher to treat as it tends to recur quite easily while dry dandruff can be prevented quite easily. Nevertheless, with a suitable dandruff home remedy and a regular hair care regimen, you can get obtain permanent relief from this condition.

While most people see dandruff as a purely cosmetic problem that can be embarrassing at times, dandruff can have several serious repercussions. Dandruff increases ones risk of scalp infections, especially dry skin conditions, like psoriasis and it can also cause loss of hair which is generally temporary but which can be permanent. Dandruff can also cause itching on your forehead and face as it settles on your skin. This may explain why some people tend to confuse the itchiness and skin irritation symptoms of lice, or rather head lice with dandruff.

A dandruff home remedy needs to be used for a prolonged period to ensure that the condition is successfully treated. Very often, people use home remedies for dandruff for just a week or so and as soon as the dandruff has seemed to have cleared, they stop the treatment. However, discontinuing treatment before the condition has cleared completely will cause the problem to resurface. A dandruff home remedy is usually made up of natural ingredients and can be used for at least two weeks or so as this will ensure permanent relief.

Dandruff Causes

Impairment of general health, wrong food intake, constipationThe main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases.

Emotional Tension, Harsh Shampoos, General ExhaustionOther factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold, and general exhaustion.

Overuse of Hair Styling Products Such as Hair Gel or HairsprayThe frequent use of styling products may also trigger a scalp reaction that results in dandruff. In such cases, terminating the use of these products for a few weeks will help to remedy the situation.

Frequent Exposure to Extreme TemperaturesThe regular exposure to extreme heat is one of the contributing factors or causes of dandruff. In such cases, it is best to use a scarf or hat to protect ones scalp from the elements.

Scalp Specific FungusA certain type of fungus that is commonly found on the scalp is thought to be one of the factors that cause dandruff. This fungus is generally present in very small amounts on the scalp and when this amount increases, it becomes a scalp infection that results in dandruff.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff Treatment using Fenugreek SeedsThe use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna. This dandruff home remedy is especially effective for those suffering from dry dandruff. You will need to use this anti dandruff treatment at least twice a week for the first two weeks and then once a week for another two weeks.

You could also use the water that you soak the seeds as an after-shower hair tonic. After you shampoo your hair, allow it to dry naturally and then soak a cotton ball in this liquid and apply it to your scalp. This is one of the simplest and most effective dandruff solutions and it can also be used as a preventative measure to make sure that you dont have to suffer from dandruff again. The market is flooded with shampoos that claim to be the best anti dandruff shampoo, so make sure that you choose reliable products that suit your hair type.

Dandruff Treatment using LimeThe use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff. Lime juice or lemon juice is an excellent oily dandruff home remedy and can also be used to prevent this scalp condition. You can also apply a paste made out of lemon juice and fullers earth to your scalp once a week. This pack is one of the best dandruff home remedies as it is an effective method of deep cleansing your scalp. The lemon juice in this paste will help to break down the excessive sebum that has collected on your scalp while the Fullers earth will help to cleanse your scalp of the excess dead skin cells.

Find powerful herbal remedies Dandruff Home Remedies

Dandruff treatment using Green Gram PowderA valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.

Dandruff Treatment using BeetBeets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose. Make sure that you use old pillowcases and sheets as this home treatment for dandruff may stain your linen.

Dandruff Treatment using Snake GourdThe juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose. This natural dandruff treatment can be mixed with fresh beet juice to increase its effectiveness.

Dandruff Treatment using Other RemediesDandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with indian gooseberry juice every night, before going to bed. Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.


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