How to get rid of dandruff?

Dandruff is a common condition where the scalp sheds small bits of dry skin. It can develop due to multiple reasons, including certain medical conditions, oily skin, or your hair care habits.

Understanding the underlying cause can help you manage, treat and prevent it. Mild dandruff can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo. If that does not work, a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo may help.

Keep on reading to understand the most common symptoms of dandruff and ways to improve your scalp health.

Major causes of dandruff

Dandruff may have several causes, including:

• Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis

• Overgrowth of Malassezia on the scalp, a yeast-like fungus that feeds on oils on the scalp

• Sensitivity to hair products like sprays, gels, hair dye or mousses

• Diet that lacks certain nutrients

• Irritated, oily skin

• Frequent shampooing which can over-dry the scalp

Symptoms of dandruff

Dandruff signs and symptoms include:

• White or yellow flakes of dead skin that may be visible in the hair, on the scalp or on clothing

• Mild redness or inflammation on the scalp in some cases

• Itching and irritation on the scalp, which may worsen after using certain hair products

Treatment options for dandruff

Treatment options for dandruff include anti-dandruff shampoo, medications — both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) — as well as home remedies. Some major treatment options are given below.

• Anti-dandruff shampoos: Medicated shampoos that contain ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide or coal tar help reduce fungus and control flakes. Tar-based shampoos also help slow down the rapid growth of skin cells on the scalp while salicylic acid shampoos can help exfoliate and remove flakes.

• Scalp medication: Apart from anti-dandruff shampoos, your health care provider may prescribe topical steroids to reduce inflammation and control itching in severe cases of dandruff. Antifungal creams are also prescribed in case the dandruff is caused by fungal overgrowth.

• Home remedies: Tea tree oil has natural anti-fungal properties that may help reduce dandruff symptoms. You can also use aloe vera as it soothes and moisturises skin. believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff.

• Lifestyle changes: Certain changes in your everyday routine like eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote scalp health. Moreover, stress is known to worsen dandruff symptoms, so finding ways to manage stress may be beneficial.

Conclusion

Dandruff is a condition that can usually be managed with appropriate treatment and self-care.

However, it can turn into a serious issue and even lead to major hair fall if not taken care of. While symptoms can often be controlled effectively with scalp treatments, medicated anti-dandruff shampoo, and adjusting your hair care routines, if all these options are ineffective, consulting a healthcare provider is necessary to explore other treatment options or rule out underlying conditions.

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