One of the most embarrassing things that might happen to you in public is the need to scratch your itchy scalp. When this happens, you might see visible white flakes fall onto your clothing. These flakes, called dandruff, are a medical problem which affects over half the population of adults all over the world. This is beyond any race, gender or age. However, there are various ways to get rid of dandruff. You can use anti-dandruff shampoo or you can naturally treat dandruff.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is an example of a chronic scalp condition that is noticeable because of skin flaking on the scalp. It is not a serious or contagious ailment. However, it can be very embarrassing and hard to deal with.
Dandruff can be controlled. Mild cases of this problem may need nothing more than a daily shampooing. More persistent dandruff cases usually respond to medicated shampoos.
What Causes Dandruff?
Dandruff is usually caused by Malassezia, a type of fungus which feeds on sebum and the dead skin cells which may occur naturally because of the formation of new skin. Though this bacteria is a usual part of the scalp, it may still turn problematic. Why? Because the fungus feeds on sebum and then breaks down into fatty acids which may eventually irritate the skin on the scalp.
This irritation is also the reason for the itchiness and dryness of the scalp, which may lead to dead skin cells. These dead cells will then form into visible flakes and cause dandruff. The sensitivity level of the fatty acids of some people determines whether they develop mild or acute dandruff.
What are Signs and Symptoms of Dandruff?
Before knowing how to naturally treat dandruff, you must know first if you really have it. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of dandruff:
-Chest rash with dry flakes and red spots
-Beard rash
-Eyebrow rash
-Oily scalp and facial skin with dry flakes
-Facial rash over eyebrows, ears, and nose
-Recurrent ear “eczema”
-Scaly facial skin
-Itchy scalp
-Visible white flakes on shoulders of dark clothes
Some Ways To Naturally Treat Dandruff
If you want to get rid of dandruff, you can choose to do it naturally or by the use of chemicals. However, excessive use of chemicals may harm your scalp. If you’d prefer to treat it naturally, here are some of the easiest and most convenient ways to do so:
1 Aloe Vera. As we know, aloe vera has amazing cooling properties that may help in hydrating the scalp. Furthermore, it also helps in mildly exfoliating the skin and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The best thing to do is to directly extract the transparent and thick substance in the aloe vera leaf. You can apply it to your scalp and then wash it off with mild shampoo.
2 Garlic. Even though garlic has a pungent smell, its value in the medical field is definitely amazing. It is vastly beneficial as a natural anti-fungal product and, crushed or raw, garlic’s benefits are amazing. You can crush a clove of garlic then mix it into water and apply it to your hair.
3 Baking Soda. Baking soda can also help to naturally treat dandruff. It acts like a scrub and gently exfoliates the scalp without causing any irritation. You just need to add some baking soda into your shampoo while you are washing your hair.
4 Vinegar. Some say vinegar may help in treating dry and itchy skin. Furthermore, it also helps in killing the fungus that may cause dandruff. The acid contents of vinegar are beneficial in reducing flakes on the scalp.
5 Don’t put oil. If you apply oil onto your dry and itchy scalp, it does not cure dandruff. It may actually worsen your dandruff condition if you leave it on for a long period of time.
Conclusion
Dandruff may not be a serious medical problem, however it may embarrass you and cause low self-esteem. You must remember, however, that it can be treated. You can naturally treat dandruff or you can use chemicals. Whatever choice you make, make sure it’ll make you feel better about yourself.
If you find yourself experiencing dandruff as a result of stress, you must find a way to release your stress. Meditate if needed and make sure you relax your mind. If your dandruff gets worse, consult your doctor for advice and treatment.
