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.
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.
When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse. If you feel the urge to scratch, use your time to the shower to gently massage your scalp instead. This will give you some relief and not disturb your scalp as much.
Dandruff is a common skin condition. It's not harmful and you cannot catch it.
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.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid (Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo, Baker P&S, others). These products help eliminate scaling. Selenium sulfide shampoos (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, others). These contain an antifungal agent.
Unfortunately, many people are sensitive to one of the main by-products of Malassezia globosa: oleic acid. For those who are sensitive, Malassezia globosa will lead to symptoms that include: Itchiness. White flakes in the hair.
You might clear out some of the flakes which are on top and displace some of the dead skin cells. But unless you attack the underlying cause of dandruff, your body will just keep creating more flakes. So you're going to keep using a dandruff removal comb, and never actually remove dandruff from your life.
Lemon juice is a natural exfoliant and antiseptic that removes dead skin cells and fights dandruff-causing bacteria. Its acidic nature balances the scalp's pH, helping to reduce flakiness and itchiness. Gently apply fresh lemon juice to the scalp and rinse it off after a few minutes.
Rub your scalp.
When you wash your hair, lather once, rinse, then lather a second time and rub your scalp vigorously as you shampoo. This will help dislodge excess skin cells. Be careful not to rub so hard that you damage your scalp.
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.
An over-the-counter dandruff shampoo, used as directed for a few weeks, should clear up the problem. If your dandruff is especially severe, you might need a prescription medicine. You can try home remedies, including various plant oils, but the evidence that they work is sparse.
You have dry skin.
Dry skin is one of the most common causes of dandruff. And unfortunately, if this is the root of your dandruff, you might see it get worse this time of year. “If dry skin is causing your dandruff, it's easier to tell as other places of your body are most likely dry as well,” Dr. Kwon says.
If you have fine or naturally straight hair, or an oily scalp, wash your hair often. For example, you may need to shampoo daily and use your dandruff shampoo twice a week. If you have coarse or naturally curly or coily hair, wash your hair when needed, and use your dandruff shampoo about once a week, if tolerated.
They can help soothe an itchy or irritated scalp and reduce dandruff symptoms. For those with scalp conditions like psoriasis or eczema, cold water can provide relief by calming inflammation and reducing itching. Incorporating cold showers into your routine may take some adjustment, as it can be an acquired preference.
Shampooing. Some people believe that dandruff becomes worse the more often you shampoo, but that is not the case. In fact, not shampooing enough can make your dandruff worse. It causes more oil and dead skin to sit on top of your scalp, worsening dandruff.
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.
Dandruff isn't caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you don't wash your hair regularly. Stress and cold weather may also make it worse.