An ideal scalp exfoliation routine can serve as the perfect answer on how to get rid of dandruff. Much like every good thing, moderation is the key when you're figuring out how to exfoliate your scalp at home. The frequency should be no more than once or twice a week.
``You should not force the flakes from the scalp, as this can cause trauma to your scalp.'' Scraping could cause more inflammation, bleeding and scabbing, and hair loss the derms warn.
Yes, it is generally okay to comb out dandruff flakes from your hair. Combing can help remove loose flakes and improve the appearance of your scalp and hair. However, be gentle when doing so to avoid irritating your scalp.
If it comes off easily with a gentle rub, go ahead. Basically just exfoliating dead skin from the scalp. If you have to pick at the clump and it's sore underneath, don't bother.
For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.
Any condition that causes skin flakiness or makes the outer layer of skin shed at an unusually fast rate may cause dandruff. If a person does not seek treatment, these conditions may also damage the scalp and cause hair loss.
The simple answer to this is - No, dandruff is not a fungus by itself. However, dandruff is caused by the presence of a naturally occurring fungus. It's important to understand the role this fungus plays in your body's ecosystem before you try to use a dandruff remedy on your head.
So that's that – as tempting as it might be to scrape your scalp until it's raw, just don't do it. If your dandruff's not that bad, treat it at home with a specialist shampoo (of which there are many). If it's so severe you want to scrape it all off for clicks, get yourself to a doctor post-haste.
Use a shampoo for dandruff
One of the most obvious things to do is to pick the best anti-dandruff shampoo. Look for shampoos containing ingredients that clarify the scalp and act against flakes like tea tree oil, salicylic acid and selenium sulfide.
Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.
Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.
However, if we produce too much of this fungus, the skin becomes irritated and flakes off as dandruff. However, it can be beneficial to step outside occasionally. UVA rays counteract this fungus – remember, most fungi like to live in dark, moist environments, so getting some safe sun could be just what you need.
Brushing your hair can help the skin cells on your scalp to shed naturally, and also spreads natural oils evenly down the hair. However, since dandruff results from an overproduction of skin cells, brushing your hair more won't solve the root cause of dandruff.
Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin. Dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.
Exfoliation is useful for scalp health and dead skin removal, but too much of it can cause dryness, irritation, or even damage. Exfoliating too much can cause inflammation, excess oil production, and sensitivity.
Don't Scratch
While you might believe scratching your scalp will help you get rid of dandruff, this tempting habit causes more harm than good. When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse.
But whether the cause is dryness or oiliness, you should actually be washing your hair pretty regularly to rinse away the flakes and any buildup of debris on your scalp. In fact, the most effective way to treat most dandruff is to use an over-the-counter shampoo, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains.
It is important not to pick at dandruff or remove the scales manually, as this can worsen the condition. This article was medically reviewed by Jason R. McKnight, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine.
Does Hot Water Cause Dandruff? Hot water itself doesn't cause dandruff, but it can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and potentially worsening dandruff symptoms. It's advisable to use lukewarm water when washing your hair to prevent excessive drying of the scalp.
Cheyletiella is a contagious skin parasite that results in scaling of the skin. Sometimes, in a severe infestation, the white mites can be seen walking across the skin, hence the nickname “walking dandruff.” Cheyletiellosis affects dogs, cats, rabbits, and humans.
Yeast-like fungus (Malassezia)
The major culprit of dandruff is a fungus called Malassezia. This fungus exists on most adults' scalps. It feeds on the oils on your scalp, breaking it down and leaving oleic acid in its place. Many people are sensitive to oleic acid.