Dealing
with Dandruff - Causes and Treatment
 The
term dandruff has become a catchall name for an annoying
and often embarrassing condition characterized by itchy
or flaky scalp. Millions of people across the globe
are affected dandruff, itchy or flaky scalp. Although
no one really knows for sure what causes the flakes
and itches of dandruff researchers suggest they may
be an inflammatory reaction triggered by too much of
the microscopic yeast-like organism normally found in
small amounts on healthy scalps.
What is dandruff anyway?
By definition, common dandruff is an overproduction
and build-up of dead skin cells. Our scalp -- like the
rest of our body -- is covered with skin cells. As our
skin renews itself, the top layer of old cells die and
come off. Normally, the entire renewal process takes
about two to three weeks. But for some, this process
gets speeded up. The scalp increases its production
of cells, causing the dead ones to pack together and
build up on the scalp resulting in an itchy and red
scalp. The dead skin slough off as white or gray flakes
on our collars and shoulders.
Possible Causes:
Causes of dandruff are due to food allergies; allergies
to hair care products; a combination of cold weather,
low humidity and dry indoor heat; infrequent shampooing;
and that standby root of most health problems -- stress.
However dandruff cannot be associated with dry skin.
Dandruff can actually cause due to overproduction in
the scalp's oil glands and people with oilier scalp
are more likely to have this disorder.
Dandruff Treatment and Preventions:
1. The first -- and probably most simple -- step in
treating dandruff is frequent and effective shampooing
of the hair and scalp. This washes away flakes before
they can build up and helps soothe itchy scalp.
2. Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon.
Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes
and then wash as usual.
3. Eat a well balanced diet and make at least 50 percent
of your diet raw food.
4. Avoid or decrease your intake of fried foods, dairy
products, sugar, chocolate and nuts
|
|
