Dandruff Care
Dandruff is a far too common scalp condition. It occurs when the normal process of skin cell renewal on the scalp is not working properly. Healthy cells normally slough off monthly to be replaced with new cells. But sometimes skin cells can be sloughed off before they have died and flakes can be seen.
There are some common signs of dandruff. The most prominent sign is white flakes of skin in the hair and on your clothes. These flakes may be oily looking. They are accompanied by itching, that can at times be very bothersome. Some people also report that head feels tingly or sore. Some people will even develop larger scaly patches or mounds of flakes that are stuck together. This more severe form of dandruff is called seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants is known as cradle cap.
When infants experience cradle cap it usually goes away on its own in a few months, but for everyone else dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are generally chronic conditions that need to be treated. Dandruff and other scalp conditions often occur because of an imbalance of oil on the scalp. If the scalp is not balance and has too much or too little oil it will be prone to many problems. Many people believe that the primary cause of dandruff is an excess of a fungus called Malessia. It is normal for the fungus to be present on the scalp, but at times it may multiply out of control.
If you do develop dandruff there are several options for treatment. Some of the most common ingredients used to treat dandruff are selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acids, and tea tree oil. Selenium sulphide is used to reduce production of natural oils. Zinc pyrithione is used to balance the scalp. It is a good natural ingredient for scalp care. Coal tar and ketoconazole are both anti-fungal agents. Salicylic acid helps cells renew but tends to dry the scalp. Tea tree oil is both anti fungal and anti bacterial. Be aware that many dandruff shampoos contain chemicals that can actually dry the scalp out and cause more problems. It is best to use all natural products that contain ingredients such as zinc and tea tree oil.