Brilio.net - Dandruff is a common scalp problem that can be annoying. This condition is usually caused by the growth of fungus or bacteria, an imbalance in the scalp's natural oils, an excessively dry or oily scalp, or a reaction to hair care products. Dandruff can cause symptoms such as itching, dry scalp, and visible flakes of dead skin in the hair.
Apart from physical discomfort, dandruff can also disrupt the health of the scalp and hair. When dandruff is left untreated, it can lead to more serious scalp inflammation, such as seborrheic dermatitis. This condition can cause the scalp to become red, scaly and crusty. Severe dandruff can also cause hair loss, because the inflammation that occurs can damage hair follicles.
Apart from that, untreated dandruff can also affect a person's mental health. The itching and discomfort caused by dandruff can cause stress and sleep disturbances, which in turn can affect your overall health. Therefore, it is important to treat dandruff appropriately to maintain scalp and hair health and overall well-being.
Here, brilio.net has reported on the causes of dandruff scalp health problems and how to overcome them from a summary of several sources, Tuesday (30/4).
Causes of dandruff on the scalp
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Heathline.com states that there are several diseases that are characterized by dandruff on your scalp
1. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis occurs more often in people with oily skin. This is a severe form of oily skin dandruff. In addition to flakes, this common scalp condition can cause red, itchy scaly patches.
One of the most effective ways to treat dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis is with shampoo containing zinc pyrithione.
2. Eczema
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is characterized by patches of scaly skin, itching, and sometimes a red rash. When it appears on your scalp, this inflammatory condition can cause flakes that are usually larger than dry skin dandruff flakes.
You may also notice your scalp becoming red and irritated. Using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo may help, although you may need a stronger topical treatment prescribed by your doctor.
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune condition in which skin cells grow too quickly, causing thick, scaly patches on the skin. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 50 percent of people who have psoriasis also have scalp psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis can appear as fine, powdery flakes with a silver sheen. It can also appear as raised, inflamed, scaly patches of skin covered by a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells.
Corticosteroids can sometimes reduce psoriasis flare-ups. Shampoos containing salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione can also help reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
The importance of caring for dandruff scalp
Increasing awareness of the condition of the scalp with dandruff is important because it can be a sign of a skin health problem that needs to be addressed. Dandruff can be caused by various factors, such as dry scalp, fungal infections, or other skin conditions.
By increasing your awareness, you can pay more attention to the condition of your scalp and immediately take steps to overcome it. This is important because untreated dandruff can cause discomfort, such as itching, scalp irritation, and reddish scalp.
Apart from that, increasing awareness also allows you to look for causes of dandruff, such as poor hair hygiene, use of unsuitable hair care products, or certain skin conditions. By knowing the cause, you can avoid the factors that trigger dandruff and prevent it from appearing again in the future.
How to deal with excess dandruff
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1. Limit the use of certain products on hair.
Excessive or inappropriate use of hair products can cause buildup on the scalp, which can become a breeding ground for dandruff-causing fungi or bacteria. Products that contain harsh chemicals or are not suitable for the scalp can disrupt the natural balance of the scalp.
Using certain ingredients can dry out the scalp, which can also trigger dandruff. You need to choose products that are lighter and do not contain ingredients that can irritate the scalp to help maintain scalp moisture.
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2. Use anti-dandruff shampoo and use warm water when washing your hair
You can use warm water when cleaning your hair. The warm water used to clean the head functions to help open the pores of the scalp, making it easier for the shampoo to penetrate and clean dirt and excess oil. However, don't use too hot water, because it can dry out the scalp and cause dandruff.
Choosing shampoo can optimize scalp cleanliness. Using anti-dandruff shampoo when your scalp has dandruff must follow the instructions for use listed on the packaging. Usually, anti-dandruff shampoo is recommended to be used 2-3 times a week or as recommended by a doctor or skin health expert. If your scalp has a severe dandruff problem, you should consult a doctor to get appropriate treatment.
3. Avoid stress
photo: pixabay.com
Stress can have a negative impact on scalp health and cause dandruff. Hormonal changes due to stress can affect the scalp's natural oil balance. This can make the scalp more susceptible to fungal infections that contribute to dandruff.
In addition, stress can also affect the activity of the sebaceous glands on the scalp, which are responsible for oil production. This imbalance in oil production can trigger the growth of Malassezia fungus, which can also trigger dandruff. Therefore, it is important to manage stress well, for example by exercising, meditating, or doing enjoyable activities, to maintain a healthy scalp and prevent dandruff.
4. Consume healthy food
photo: pixabay.com
The dandruff you experience is caused by hormonal changes that cause oil buildup. When your scalp has dandruff, food can also help you to relieve it. You are advised to consume foods that can help maintain healthy skin and reduce inflammation. You should try several foods that contain lots of them to heal your scalp.
Ingredients in shampoo that can treat dandruff
photo: pixabay.com
1. Pyrithione zinc, can help destroy bacteria and fungi on the scalp.
2. Coal tar, its function is to slow down the process of skin cell death on the scalp.
3. Salicylic acid, helps overcome excess oil on the scalp.
4. Selenium sulfide, to fight fungus on the scalp.
5. Ketoconazole, helps to fight hair fungus.
Foods recommended for treating dandruff
1. Fatty Fish: Fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids
2. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds contain selenium, zinc, and vitamin E
3. Green Vegetables: Green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in vitamins A and C
4. Fruits: Fruits such as oranges, strawberries and kiwi contain vitamin C
5. Yogurt: Yogurt contains good bacteria
6. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties
7. Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants
Author: mgg/Robiul Adil Robani