3 Common Causes of Dandruff
You’ve been battling it for months, starting every conversation at the Barber with, ‘I'm sorry I have a bit of dandruff' Dandruff has become a reoccurring annoyance in your life, and you’ve tried every trick to get rid of it.
Many people have probably told you that the reason you have dandruff is that you don't want your hair enough - or you wash it too much! Or that your skin is too dry, prompting you to smear your hair with more oil only to end up with even more dandruff. Excess oil in the hair has been identified as one of the factors that cause dandruff, and you can get dandruff even if you shampoo regularly.
Getting a basic understanding of what causes dandruff might just be the first step in trying to get rid of dandruff.
What Causes Dandruff?
Diagnosing dandruff is a no-brainer. Anyone can tell just by looking at your scalp. However, figuring out a way to treat your dandruff is where it gets a bit tricky. Most people have had to deal with dandruff at some point in their lives, as this is a very common condition. Yet, not many people understand the condition or the risk factors.
People might be predisposed to getting dandruff if they are male, young, stressed, suffering from certain medical conditions, especially diseases that affect the nervous system, and using harmful hair products. Understanding what causes your dandruff might help you choose the right course of treatment.
Common Causes Of Dandruff
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This skin condition causes redness, scaly patches, and severe dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis often requires a biopsy to be established as other skin conditions manifest similarly. People with Seborrheic dermatitis have irritated oily skin. It is common among people with psoriasis, HIV, weak immune system, and other medical conditions.
Yeast
You may develop dandruff as a result of a yeast infection. Dandruff can come about as a result of Malassezia, a fungus that feeds on oils secreted by hair follicles. While there is typically an amount of yeast on the body, too much of this type of yeast growth might lead to a production of extra skin cells, which then die and mix with the oil from the hair to form dandruff. Scalp yeast may manifest as a red or purple rash, cracks or patches on the skin or white, flaky scales, or shedding.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact with certain substances might irritate the skin, causing itching, rashes, and dry, cracked, and flaky skin. When this occurs on the scalp, it can cause dandruff. `
Shampoo and Other Skin Care Products
Some products, when used, can irritate the scalp and cause dandruff. The quality of hair care products that one chooses will go a long way in the overall health of their hair. Products made with harsh chemicals may strip off the essential oils in the hair creating an environment for dandruff to build up.
Lifestyle Factors To Consider
Certain lifestyle factors may increase the possibility of a person developing dandruff.
Age: Dandruff is more likely to occur in teenagers and middle-aged persons than in older persons.
Weather: Incidence of dandruff is usually on the increase during the winter instead of other seasons.
Hormones: Certain male hormones make the incidence of dandruff a lot higher in the male population.
Diet: There is a suggestion that a deficiency of certain nutrients may worsen the occurrence of dandruff in an individual. Also, it is essential to avoid substances that you know trigger allergic reactions on your skin.
Can It Be Treated?
The simple answer to this question is yes. Dandruff can be treated quickly, and once you have figured out why you have dandruff, you can decide on the best course of treatment for you. The fix to your dandruff problem that has caused you worry and embarrassment could be as simple as just shampooing more frequently. However, you should note that you might need to be more intentional about your choice of shampoo and other hair products.
Some hair products might aggravate the condition, so you should choose a good shampoo. It is usually advisable that you opt for a natural (organic) product that will get rid of your dandruff and nourish your hair and protect it. Devil’s Dandruff is one of such products available in the market today. Devil’s Dandruff is a natural organic vegan dandruff shampoo.
If your dandruff is a result of any one of the underlying conditions earlier mentioned, then you must, in addition to treating with a dandruff shampoo, treat the underlying cause. For instance, if your dandruff is caused by psoriasis, you can apply any recommended products from your dermatologist to soften the scales and make them easier to peel off and then shampoo with a natural dandruff shampoo.
