Everyone wants to put their best hair and skin forward, but that’s easier said than done.
Whether it’s acne or varicose veins, age spots, and more, the journey to glowing skin from head to toe can be challenging. If you’re starting with your head, though, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to eliminate dandruff.
Before you try different products, it helps to know what are the causes of dandruff. Here, we’ll talk about why it happens, how to prevent it, and tips to get rid of it.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
One of the causes of dandruff in children and adults is seborrheic dermatitis. Remember that dermatitis is the term for conditions that result in skin inflammation.
For example, eczema is atopic dermatitis. Diaper rash is diaper dermatitis, etc.
Other terms for seborrheic dermatitis are cradle cap and pityriasis capitis. Symptoms include itchy red patches and greasy scales on the scalp. Scratching these can dislodge white or yellow crusty powder flakes that are pretty visible on dark-colored clothing.
Dietary Causes of Dandruff
Can what you eat trigger dandruff? It’s possible.
You see malassezia, a fungus that causes dandruff and other skin conditions, multiply when the scalp overproduces oils. Keep in mind that this yeast-like fungus lives naturally on the skin. Lifestyle and dietary habits could cause its population to overgrow, triggering dandruff.
Besides eating foods rich in zinc, B vitamins, and selenium, it’s also a good idea to reduce your consumption of bread and alcohol, as these could promote fungal growth.
Hair Care Habits
One common cause of dandruff on the scalp is not shampooing enough. While the oft-repeated advice is to not shampoo daily because this strips off natural oils in the hair and scalp, it doesn’t apply to some people.
If you have an oily scalp, not shampooing enough could cause the oil to build up. It would help if you also make sure to use enough shampoo. If you don’t apply it sufficiently, it will not break down the oil barrier causing your dandruff.
Don’t forget that the products you use can also contribute to a flaky scalp. It would be best to consult a dermatologist for dandruff treatment that can help with your condition. These include shampoos containing pyrithione zinc, coal tar, and selenium sulfide.
Now, if these products don’t work for you, your doctor might recommend shampoos with salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or fluocinolone.
Addressing the Causes of Dandruff in Hair: Prevention and Treatment
To prevent dandruff, practice good hygiene. That includes resisting the urge to scratch, since this could irritate the scalp even more.
It also helps to stick to a hair care regimen that works for you. While trying new products is exciting, using too many products can make dandruff worse. Other things you can do to prevent dandruff are massaging your scalp and forgoing the use of hats and scarves made from synthetic fibers.
Watching what you eat and reducing stress can also help, but, of course, the best way to prevent dandruff is to see a dermatologist. Beyond prescribing topical meds, they can also explain the underlying causes of dandruff and give you tips and advice on addressing it.
Don’t Let It Snow
Having dandruff can be embarrassing, but the good thing is you can do something about it.
Knowing the causes of dandruff is an excellent place to start, and now that you know them, you can check your current hair care products and see if it’s time to replace them. For best results, don’t forget to see a dermatologist.
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