Natural Home Remedies   /     Common Myths About the Cause of Dandruff

Dandruff , also known as seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis, is a very common skin disorder that affects almost everyone regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. It appears like dry and fine flaky skin in pink or red areas on the scalp, and sometimes on the ears, eyebrows, beard, or on hair-bearing chest parts. Advanced cases of dandruff are found to cause severe itching, burning and uncontrollable scratching. It is not curable, but can be controlled and prevented by proper hair and skin hygiene. A variety of shampoos, washes, creams and lotions are available in the market for easy control and prevention of recurring conditions.

No one really knows the exact cause of dandruff. Dandruff is not always a fungal infection, is not contagious, and is not caused by bacteria. But various factors are known to trigger the occurrence of dandruff and worsen existing dandruff cases. Some of the common myths about the cause of dandruff are based on these known factors.

Dandruff Myth: Poor hygiene causes dandruff
Poor hygiene is not the main cause of dandruff but is one of the factors that worsen the condition. Infrequent shampooing and washing, along with the hot and humid weather or cold and dry weather, aggravate the occurrence of dandruff on the skin. Regular shampooing using an anti-fungal shampoo like Ketoconazole (Nizoral) is proven to be an effective and safe way of controlling dandruff.

Dandruff Myth: Greasy hair and oily scalp cause dandruff
Having greasy hair and oily skin and scalp is not just unattractive, unpleasant and not a pretty sight, but also triggers the occurrence of dandruff on the scalp. Excessive oil in the hair may also lead to severe skin conditions such as scalp eczema and scalp psoriasis. Greasy hair is a sign of poor hygiene, so in order to avoid it, regular shampooing and washing of the hair is necessary. Medicated shampoos may be used to control dandruff caused by greasy hair and oily scalp. Changes in dietary habits are also necessary to avoid oiliness on the scalp. Eating right is not just a healthy option, but can prevent dandruff as well.

Dandruff Myth: Hair styling products cause dandruff
Some people are sensitive to hair styling products, such that hairsprays, mousse, and gels may make things worse for some people. Hair styling products, with the exception of therapeutic hair sprays and gels used in controlling existing dandruff, may cause excessive skin drying and flaking leading to severe dandruff cases. In addition to that, excessive use of hair styling products may trigger intense allergic reactions. Limiting the use of hair styling products is a must..

Dandruff Myth: Emotional or mental stress causes dandruff
Emotional or mental stress is also found to trigger the occurrence of dandruff. Stress allows the human body to react to challenges and affects a person’s mental and physical well-being, causing changes in body hormones. Changes in body hormones may cause secretion of too much oil on the scalp, leading to dandruff. Keeping stress levels to a minimum and making subtle changes in lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.

Source : Home Remedies for Dandruff