WHAT IS DANDRUFF AND HOW DO WE AVOID IT?

WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

Dandruff is a very common occurrence and deemed as a chronic scalp condition. The other names are scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii. Flakes of skin appear on the scalp accompanied by itching. The condition is far from easy to treat and is extremely embarrassing. Though, it is not contagious. It isn’t about the hair rather it is about the skin on your head. One of the most common fungi called Malassezia lives on the head. A more scientific explanation would be the breakdown of the sebum by the lipases forming a compound called oleic acid. Lipases are formed due to the fungal yeast Malassezia Globosa that are in turn materialised due to the lack of fatty acids. In other words, the causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis are closely related and both are caused due to the dead skin cells in the scalp.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

The most common cause of dermatitis is parched skin that suffers due to instant changes in the environment from freezing cold to sweltering heat. During this time the skin is always asking for nourishment and nutrition. Dandruff is characterised by occasional redness, flaking (yellow-white scales) which manifest due to oil accumulation in the skin. Some predominant causes are outlined as:
  • Ring worm, dermatitis, acne, lupus, rosacea and other autoimmune disorders are some of the causes of dandruff.
  • Yeast-like fungus called Malassezia that lives on the scalps of adults.
  • Improper shampooing or deficient shampooing: when there is no regulated washing of hair, skins and oils in the hair accumulate to form dandruff; the extra skin cells fall off causing a deposit on the hair and shoulder.
  • Oily and irritated skin or seborrhoeic dermatitis – known to be one of the most frequent and common causes of dandruff.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF

Symptoms of dandruff are easy to spot:
    • White and oily skin flakes or dead skin are seen on your hair and shoulders.
    • The scalp is itchy and scaly.
    • Condition of the scalp worsens during winter and fall (especially when indoor heating contributes to dry skin); in such a case the scalp condition also improves in summer.

HOW TO AVOID AND PREVENT DANDRUFF

Prevention is better than cure. It is better to take preventive measures to see to it that, dandruff never occurs in your scalp. It requires a few healthy changes in your lifestyle.
  • A balanced diet: Hair, to grow, requires the right kind of nourishment and food that can help it grow. It is essential to partake of foods rich in vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids, iron and zinc.
  • Vitamin B – sweet potatoes, cabbage, fish, milk, whole grain cereals etc.
  • Zinc – whole grains, nuts, lobster, crab, red meat, beans etc.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids – broccoli, spinach, kidney beans, canola oil, grape leaves etc.

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