Ever wondered what those flaky white things falling on your shoulder from your scalp are? Well they are not just flaky but at times they can also be really itchy and result in a lot of white residue. That is what dandruff actually is. To be honest , we are not really unknown to the whole concept of Dandruff, but to know the real causes and treatment is something that more people must be aware of. So here we bring to some reasons, and potential treatment of Dandruff.
In scientific terms ‘Dandruff’ is a skin condition of the scalp wherein shiny white flakes often appear on the shoulder and cause a lot of itching in the scalp. Generally caused when the skin cells on the scalp renew themselves leading to the new skin cells appearing on the scalp and pushing away the old ones resulting in the process of licking and shedding in the form of white flakes known as dandruff. The common causative agent for dandruff is a fungus called Malassezia globosa that generally resides on the scale of humans with or without any health conditions.
Physiological reasons of dandruff
It can be caused due to hormonal imbalance during puberty.
Using products to which the head scalp is sensitive.
Not having a routine hygiene practice, living to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp resulting in its saying and flaking.
The predominance of yeast or fungus-like Malassezia globosa on the scalp.
History of skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne etc.
Any neurological or psychiatric conditions
Weakened immune systems
Having a specific skin condition like dry skin
Ayurvedic treatment or medicines for dandruff
Neem treatment: Neem is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and triglycerides. It contains antioxidants and nimbidin that helps in skin regeneration and prevent scalp irritation.
Neem water: Boil 1-litre of water, adding 50 neem leaves in it and letting it rest for 24 hours. The next day, rinse hair with this water and repeat the process twice a week to get rid of dandruff.
Neem hair pack : Add 40 neem leaves and honey in boiled 1 litre water , let it rest for 24 hours, strain the water and make a paste of the remaining mixture. Apply the paste on the scalp and rinse using the strained water.
Neem oil : Take 30 ml carrier oil ( castor, jojoba, olive or coconut ) and add 10-12 drops of neem oil, mix it and massage on the scalp, keep on for 30 minutes and wash away using mild shampoo.
Coconut oil treatment: Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and can help in moisturising the scalp well, which can restore the scalp health and inhibit the flaking.
Take one or two tablespoons of coconut oil and massage on the scalp, leave it for half an hour and wash off using a gentle shampoo repeating twice a week.
Methi seeds treatment: Methi (fenugreek) seeds have high protein and nicotinic acid content which can help with the drying of the skin on the scalp and restore the flaking. It also contains lecithin which helps to strengthen the hair follicles
Soak 2 tbsp Methi seeds fenugreek overnight in a bowl of water, grind it into a paste and apply it on the scalp, leave it for 30 minutes and wash the hair off with mild shampoo.
Amla powder treatment: Amla is rich in vitamin C which promotes the antioxidants action and has a lot of antifungal properties which can prevent the fungal growth on the scalp and restore the flaky condition
Paste of Amla powder can be used for making a mask and be applied on to the scalp which can sit to rest for 30 minutes and can be rinsed off using a mild shampoo
A mix of Amla shikakai and Reetha can be used for treating dandruff. Soaking around 5 Rita pods, 6 Shikakai and a few Amla in the water for 24 hours and then boiling the mixture, let the mixture cool for a while then blend using a blender, strain the residue and use the liquid as a shampoo.
Yoghurt treatment: The presence of fat and a population of good bacteria in yoghurt can help in dealing with the flaky scalp as well as the fungal growth on the scalp.
Yoghurt can be spread directly on the scalp left for 15 minutes then rinsed off using water.
Bhringraj oil treatment: Bhringraj is rich in Vit D, Vit E, magnesium along with having antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Any local brand bhringraj oil can be massaged on the scalp and be left on for 30 minutes and be washed off using a mild shampoo.
Lemon treatment: Lemon rich in Vit C, citric acid, flavonoid and a low pH can help with scalp flaking.
Can be directly applied on the scalp that would help it penetrate in the roots of hair and then can be washed off using mild shampoo and rinsed off easily.
Aloe Vera gel treatment: Helps repair skin cell damage, has antioxidant properties.
½ cup aloe vera gel mixed with 2 tbsp lemon juice can be
applied directly to the scalp and be left on for 30 minutes and then rinsed off
using lukewarm water and can be done once a week.
Diet plays a very important role in causing, alleviating or elevating dandruff. According to past research a direct connection has been found between the type of diet or food consumption and the condition of dandruff
Food that induces dandruff
Simple carbohydrates and a sugar rich diet can give rise to dandruff by promoting inflammation.
Imbalance in hormones, a major reason for dandruff, which is caused by high consumption of sugar or improper diet.
Sugary food stuffs like sweets, chocolates, carbonated drinks, bread, alcohol etc should be avoided.
Food that help in controlling dandruff
Food rich in biotin and zinc helps in controlling the flaky scalp condition.
Yogurt, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and dark chocolate having good amounts of biotin and zinc can help in controlling dandruff.
Diet rich in essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help in controlling dandruff by promoting good scalp health which generally include peanut, flaxseeds, walnuts etc
Yoga and Pranayam to control and get rid of dandruff
Paschimottanasana (Two-legged Forward bend):
Balayam Yoga (Rubbing nails):
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing Dog pose):
Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand):
Matsyasana(Fish) pose:
Read through our medical, healthcare Blogs to gain more insights from the experts in the various field. You can also book an consultation and discuss one-on-one with our doctors to learn the simple tricks to take care of your health !!
