Causes and Prevention of Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
Have you been experiencing an itchy scalp or white or yellow skin cells for a while now? Actually, our hair is one of the most affected body parts. Due to regular sun exposure, various environmental stressors, unhealthy diet, and the lack of proper care, our hair faces severe damage. As a result, we often experience the discharge of white and yellow flakes along with itching and scalp irritation. It is popularly known as dandruff formation.
Therefore, to maintain healthy hair, it is advisable to follow a thorough dandruff treatment regimen. In this blog, we are about to discuss the dandruff causes and solutions to guide you in your hair care journey.
Common Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff is known to have two types. Those who have dry scalp often experience flaky dandruff that falls down. However, on the other hand, people with oily scalps often have dandruff that gets stuck to the scalp. So, here are some of the key influencing factors causing dandruff in your hair. The reasons are provided below:
1. Moisture Loss
Lack of moisture is one of the most common reasons for developing a dandruff-prone scalp. Actually, our scalp needs consistent nourishment, proper application of oil and moisture. However, the absence of these leads to rough and frizzy hair, further developing dandruff. Additionally, people who use several heating tools and avoid hair conditioning tend to experience dandruff.
2. The Lack of Proper Scalp Hygiene
Our scalp gets damaged due to various reasons, such as pollution, accumulation of dirt and sweat, and many other things. In that case, the lack of proper scalp cleaning and an inconsistent hair wash can lead to dandruff build-up. The unclean hair and improper scalp treatment can instigate the formation of dead skin cells, further leading to itching and scalp irritation.
3. Malassezia Yeast
Although unknown, the Malassezia yeast is believed to be one of the influencing factors causing dandruff accumulation. It refers to a fungus that feeds on the oils which is found on the scalp. Consequently, this leads to dandruff formation.
4. Poor Diet and Unhealthy Lifestyle
Unhealthy eating habits and a poor lifestyle can promote dandruff formation. For example, if you consume food containing enough omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, zinc, and many other nutrients, then you can experience dandruff. Furthermore, a lack of sleep, stress, and dehydration are some of the common influencing factors causing dandruff. So, it is advisable to follow a healthy eating habit and avoid an unhealthy lifestyle to solve the dandruff problem.
5. Multiple Skin Concerns
Several skin concerns, such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, are some of the common causes influencing dandruff formation. Seborrheic dermatitis can develop yellow scales. On the other hand, the other two skin conditions are believed to cause dry patches, further leading to scalp discomfort.
Possible Dandruff Treatments You Need to Know
Dandruff, or the dry white scales on the head can lead to multiple hair problems. It can also lead to severe hair loss. So, here are some of the most unknown yet effective dandruff removal treatments you can follow:
1. Regular Hair Wash
Proper hair wash may not be one of the most recommended prevention methods to treat dandruff. But if you live in a tropical country such as India, you can experience severe hair damage due to prolonged sun exposure and pollution. Consequently, individuals stepping out regularly experience dry scalp, further promoting the formation of dandruff. Nevertheless, you can opt for a shampoo catering to your need to eliminate dandruff from your hair. It is advisable to wash your hair at least twice or thrice a week to get the desired results.
2. Develop a Healthy Eating Habit
As discussed earlier, a poor and unhealthy eating habit leads to a poor scalp, further developing dandruff and many other hair problems. So, you should consider avoiding carbs and sugar-based food supplements. Furthermore, we recommend that you consume a more zinc-based diet as it can control the androgen level. This, in result, can slow the process of dandruff formation.
3. Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be considered to be one of the most useful dandruff treatments at home. Infused with lauric acid, this particular oil has antifungal properties. As a result, it is known to have a moisturizing effect on the hair. You are advised to take a little coconut oil (specifically 3 to 5 teaspoons). Now you can wash your hair with a suitable shampoo. Coconut oil is one of the most common home remedies that can eliminate bacteria and fungus from the scalp, further providing the users with a healthy and clean scalp.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is believed to be an effective ingredient that can treat dandruff. All you are recommended to do is take a little bit of vinegar (a quarter cup) and blend it with water. Once the blending is complete, apply it to your scalp and leave it for 15 minutes. After that, wash it off to get the best results. The antimicrobial properties present in the apple cider vinegar can contribute significantly to your scalp, further encouraging better hair health.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is known to be effective for eliminating dead skin cells and bacteria that contribute to dandruff formation. Actually, this particular ingredient is referred to as a natural exfoliant and an antiseptic. Furthermore, lemon juice can also balance the scalp’s pH level, which can help to decrease scalp itching and various other hair problems. So, it is advisable to apply the required amount of lemon juice to solve the dandruff problem. Additionally, you should consider being consistent with this dandruff treatment at home to eliminate this hair problem.
Most of the reasons for dandruff formation and its treatments are unknown. As a result, people often fail to find a sustainable solution to treat dandruff, which can further lead to hair thinning. So, read this blog to know about the possible causes and the sustainable solutions to treat this specific problem.