Dandruff Causes, Prevention, Remedies and Natural Cures

Dandruff is a type of fungal infection of the skin/scalp, resulting in thin mica like scaling, which aggravates on scratching, along with acute burning and itching sensation. Though this condition may occur at any age, it is common among the young.

Causes of dandruff

• The actual cause of dandruff is not clear, but some doctors believe it is the either too much or too little oil being produced by sebaceous glands in the scalp.
  
  
  
• Sometimes there is underlying fungal infection of the scalp.
• Dandruff appears when the skin on the scalp sheds its dead cells, rather more quickly and profusely, than usual. It is usually worst on greasy skins. Dry white scales are shed on the clothes.

Occasionally, dandruff can develop into a more severe seborrhea’s dermatitis, the signs of which are a reddened, greasy and very itchy scalp with brownish scales in the hair.

Prevention and Home Remedies for Dandruff

1. Clean  hair 2 to 3 times a week with a mildly medicated shampoo.
2. The emulsion prepared with oil of sandalwood and lemon juice is highly effective. One part of sandalwood oil is mixed with three parts of fresh lemon juice and briskly shaken in a glass bottle before applying. Apply half an hour before washing your hair at least three times a week.
3. Application of a mixture of margosa oil and camphor is also effective, followed by washing the hair.
4. Some natural treatment for blood purification, for relieving itching sensation, should be taken.
5. About 25gms of dry Indian gooseberry is soaked in one litre of water overnight. Boil it in the morning until half of it remains, add 25gms of yogurt and prepare a paste and apply on the scalp. Wash it after one hour first with gooseberry water and then with plain water. This treatment should be repeated every week for 2 to 3 months.
6. Coconut oil mixed with lemon juice is very effective for external usage.
7. Purified powder of sulphur 60mgs mixed with honey or butter can be taken by mouth for fungal infection and dandruff of long duration.
8. Hair oil made at home, by adding fresh juice of Indian gooseberries to pure coconut oil. This should be boiled till the gooseberries juice is completely absorbed in the oil. This should be applied after washing your hair.
9. Hygiene and cleanliness of combs is essential as re-infection is common, if it’s not cleaned regularly.
10. Do not wash your hair too often.
11. Dandruff can affect all types of skin and is a common problem. Regular washing, combing, brushing and a balanced diet helps in preventing it.
12. Massage your scalp with hot gooseberries oil and wrap a hot damp towel around your head for 30 minutes before washing.

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