Ultimate guide for achieving a Flake-Free and Healthy Scalp

Dealing with an itchy scalp can be very irritating and uncomfortable. Dandruff occurs, essentially, when small bits of dry skin are shed from the scalp. These tiny little flakes falling off your hair onto your shoulders can be pretty embarrassing, especially when you are on the go. Absolutely no one would love their shoulders to be covered with these flakey bits of their scalp. But that’s dandruff for you; one of the most common hair problems which almost all of us have faced in our lives or are facing in the present. 

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And when these flakes get into notice you are definitely recommended with a lengthy list of chemical solutions and all sorts of anti-dandruff shampoo. But “nothing works better and is magical like home remedies”.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF

• Flakes of skin all over your shoulder and scalp which can range from small white to large, greasy, and yellow ones 
• They might appear on the scalp or eyebrows; around the hairline, ears, or nose.
• We can also sometimes notice yellowish to reddish scaly raised bumps along the hairline this is mostly seen in severe cases of dandruff.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF AND FLAKY SCALP 

Dandruff can happen for a number of reasons :- 

• Seborrheic dermatitis – If you are going through a rough case of dandruff then it is more likely that you are also having a mild case of seborrheic dermatitis. SD is an extreme form of eczema that affects areas of the body that secrete sebum or oil.

People with oily skin are more prone to dandruff. The reason behind this is a yeast called Malassezia globose. This yeast tends to feed on the oils that are secreted from the scalp. 

• Contact dermatitis – It is a type of skin irritation that is caused by an allergy or an irritant, which results in an itchy and painful rash. In the case of dandruff, this reaction is to be found on our scalp.

• Dry skin – During winters we find our skin to be dried out all over, including our scalp, and because of the dry skin dandruff can be caused. 

•  Oily skin – If you have skin that is oily in nature then you are very much prone to get seborrheic dermatitis.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION OPTIONS FOR DANDRUFF

Dandruff can be chronic but it can be treated easily. Here are some ways in which we can get rid of a flakey scalp :- 

• Use gentle shampoo – If you are suffering from dandruff then make sure that you wash your hair daily with a mild and gentle shampoo which will help in reducing scalp oil and skin cell buildup. You can lightly massage your scalp to lose the flakes. Try using shampoos that are tar–based and contain salicylic acid, you can even use anti-dandruff shampoos like ketoconazole, etc.

• Proper shampooing techniques- While shampooing make sure that you are gently massaging your scalp. And if you are using a medicated shampoo then it is recommended to leave it there for 4/5 minutes before raising it off completely. Avoid the use of warm water as it may make your scalp dry instead use lukewarm water.

• Tea tree oil – Tea tree oils contain antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal properties which will help your scalp to heal and get rid of dandruff. 

• Anti-fungal cream – In some severe cases of dandruff or if you feel like it might be a fungal infection it would be recommended to use an antifungal cream or an ointment that contains healing ingredients like ketoconazole, ciclopirox, or terbinafine. The cream is directly applied to the affected area and is left to sit for some time. 

• Regular brushing – Brushing your hair gently on a regular basis will help in the distribution of natural oils that are produced in your scalp to the lengths of your hair which will help your scalp get very dry. It also helps in removing loose flakes of dead skin from the scalp. It stimulates blood flow which helps in getting all the required nutrients to your scalp.

• Avoid irritants – Products like hair sprays, hair setting gels, styling wax, etc. can contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your scalp and can also be a reason for extra build–up on the scalp, which can increase or cause dandruff. 

• Aloe vera- This is a type of succulent that is often used as skin ointments and as a conditioning agent for your body. Because of it’s cool and medicinal properties like acts as an antibacterial and antifungal may help protect us from getting dandruff. It also heals burns, psoriasis and cold sores. Some test tube research suggests that aloe vera can be very helpful in reducing inflammation which can relive dandruff.

• Consult a dermatologist – If your dandruff is stubborn and despite doing everything which is mentioned above then it is advisable to visit a professional as he would be able to evaluate your scalp situation in a better way. They will be able to accurately determine the reason for your dandruff and what medication you should proceed with. Consulting an expert ensures that you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment for your condition.

• Prescription of medicine- If you are facing a severe form of dandruff with extreme scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis then your dermatologist may recommend you with a stronger dose of medication. These medications may include shampoo and ointments with higher concentrations of medication. Your doctor may also recommend some strength treatments. It is very important to follow your derma’s instructions carefully while using this medication as they might also have some side effects on your body which might be concerning in the future.

CONCLUSION 

We can conclude that dandruff is a very common scalp condition that can be effectively managed with the combination of home remedies and some professional care. Some minor lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding scalp irritants, regular brushing of the hair, and maintaining a balanced diet can contribute to a healthy and dandruff-free scalp. For some severe cases, medication may be prescribed accompanied by some medicated shampoo and topical treatments. Consulting a dermatologist can be essential if dandruff is very stubborn and you are not able to get rid of it through home remedies. With the correct approach and direction dandruff can be effectively cured and we can achieve a healthy and smooth scalp. 

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