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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 |
