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Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a scalp infection that can occur occasionally or be persistent for several months. They are small, white-colored skin flakes that are observed on the scalp and spread across the hair strands. Dandruff is, simply put, dead skin cells that are shed by the scalp. Dandruff can also be very sticky on the scalp and difficult to get rid of. In men, it can also be observed on the beard, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
Causes Of Dandruff
There are various reasons for dandruff to occur on the scalp. Dandruff can occur due to sensitivity to harsh chemicals present in certain hair or skin care products. This causes an allergic reaction, giving rise to dry skin, itchiness, and dandruff. In some cases, overgrowth of a dermal fungus called Malassezia also causes white flaking of the scalp skin, giving rise to dandruff. An underlying medical condition such as psoriasis or eczema can also cause dandruff on the scalp. Minoxidil use can also cause dandruff as the alcohol base in the minoxidil solution can lead to dryness and irritation. Also, when the scalp is not kept clean on a frequent basis on account of oil and cell buildup on the scalp, sticky dandruff can occur. In this case, regular hair and scalp washing can reduce dandruff incidence. Climatic variations can also be attributed to dandruff.
If dandruff persists even after regular cleansing, there might be some underlying causes. Knowing these causes can help you manage them more effectively.
Identifying The Most Effective Dandruff-Fighting Ingredients
There are several anti-dandruff shampoos on the market. But if a particular dandruff treatment shampoo doesn’t work on reducing dandruff occurrences even after 1-2 months of use, we may need to use a more specialized and medicated shampoo. Some active ingredients include ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid.
No Oiling
Regular oiling and use of an appropriate anti-dandruff shampoo to clean the scalp can help minimize persistent dandruff caused by long-term minoxidil use. Hence, Traya’s treatment plans include curated product kits with oils, serums, shampoos, and supplements to manage hair issues holistically.
Hair And Scalp Hygiene
Persistent dandruff can also be caused when we don't keep our scalp clean and hygienic as expected. The hair washing method is also important. Avoid using too much shampoo during one wash and avoid harsh scrubbing of the scalp while washing the hair. Washing hair at least twice a week is necessary to reduce the issue of dandruff recurrence. Use a personal hair comb and wash it at least once a week to keep it clean of dead scalp cell buildup and oily debris to avoid contacting fungal microbes from them.
Vitamin Deficiencies And Incorrect Dietary Patterns
Intake of foods rich in refined sugar and refined flour can increase inflammation in the body, trigger an insulin spike and increase sebum production on the scalp. This can give rise to persistent dandruff issues over a period of time. Also, regular consumption of foods rich in saturated fats such as dairy and meat products can trigger increased sebum production and dandruff production on the scalp. Hence, Traya offers a healing diet plan to address these underlying issues. Deficiencies of Vitamin D3, niacin, zinc, biotin and iron in the diet can also increase the presence of dandruff on the scalp. Including a balanced diet with fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts can improve scalp health and enhance hair growth.
Dandruff recurrence can be a common problem if the treatment focuses on simply the use of various hair products to resolve it. A holistic approach to tackling dandruff issues by maintaining scalp hygiene, including a balanced diet, healthy sleep, and exercise routine, can keep dandruff at bay sustainably.
