How to prevent dandruff

Dandruff (Pityriasis capitis) is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff is sometimes caused by frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold. It is marked by itching and flaking of the skin on our scalp.

Dandruff causes irritation and itching

The main reason for this condition is due to more sweating in the hair follicles and also infection same time. Best way to prevent is to have good hygiene for the hair that can be achieved by regular bathing of hair and also using anti dandruff shampoo.

Excess of use of some medicines may also cause the irritation and thereby causing the dandruff.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF:

Not enough hair brushing - slightly higher risk of having dandruff - this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provides.

A yeast-like fungus (malassezia): Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everyones's scalp without causing problems. But sometimes it grows out of control, feeding on the oils secreted by your hair follicles. This can irritate the skin on your scalp and cause more skin cells to grow. The extra skin cells die and fall off, clumping together with oil from our hair and scalp, making them appear white & flaky

Dry skin - people with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; which are not oily.

Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin) - The patient will have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. this affects not only our scalp but also other areas rich in oil glands

Not enough shampooing - If you don't regularly wash your hair, oils and skin cells from your scalp can build up, causing dandruff.-

Certain skin conditions - People with psoriasis(silvery scales), eczema and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people.

Some illnesses - Adults with Parkinson's disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to having dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes, and some people with weak immune systems may have dandruff more often than other people.

Reaction to hair/skin care products - Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp.

Diet - lack of zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruf

Mental stress - stress and many skin problems are inter related.

HIV - these persons are prone to many skin conditions

SYMPTOMS:

1. There are white/grey flakes of skin on the scalp, and in the person's hair

2.Flakes may be oily looking

3. Head may feel tight and itchy

4. Head may feel tingly

5. Head may feel sore

6.Red, flaky, greasy patches of skin in adults

7.Crusting and scaling rash on scalp in babies

Scaling can occur anywhere on the scalp, in the hair, on the eyebrows, the beard and can spread to the neck and shoulders.

MANAGEMENT:

1.Proper shampooing

2.Proper diet

3. Avoid stress factors

4. Follow the physcians guide