Wellness Positive

INTRODUCTION:

  Dandruff is a global phenomenon affecting millions worldwide. And yet, the strange thing is that the cause of dandruff is actually part of the body's own natural processes of regeneration and self-repair.  Skin cells all over your body are continually replaced with new ones.  As they are replaced the older cells die and flake off naturally.  This happens on a regular basis and the process usually takes a month.  Your body usually sheds these tiny flakes of dead cells in minute invisible amounts...

  Now, dandruff is a part of this natural process, EXCEPT that in dandruff this natural process is massively speeded up and accelerated on the scalp by a fungus Malassezia globosa. To not go into too much detail, this fungus basically lives off the oil on the scalp and secretes an acid that triggers an inflammatory response. As a result of this inflammation, cells replace themselves not in weeks but in days. The natural cell replacement process that usually takes a month is now done in two to three days.  This leads to an accumulation of dead cells on the scalp - this is what you call.. dandruff!

DANDRUFF, DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM

   There are several ways of dealing with dandruff. One way is to simply wash your hair regularly! Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner, every second day at least and though the dandruff will still exist, you will not have a problem with it as it takes at least three days for the skin cells to accumulate into flakes. So, if you wash them off within that period, though you still technically have dandruff, it will never manifest itself. Note, that I have specifically recommended MILD shampoo and conditioner as being least damaging to your hair and most beneficial to the problem at hand.

SOME EFFECTIVE NATURAL TREATMENTS

  Garlic and oregano are excellent natural treatments for dandruff. You can take them internally or rub them on your scalp, whatever works best for you. Onion, which contains sulphur, is also extremely beneficial - apply it externally by rubbing it on the scalp, or you can use a sulphur-based soap - as I said experiment with different things, the solution to the problem varies from person to person, so find out what works best for you.

VARIOUS ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOOS

  While there are many anti-dandruff shampoos put on the market by many major companies, you should be aware that most of these will ONLY control the dandruff, NOT eradicate it.  As I have mentioned earlier in this article, controlling the problem is a perfectly acceptable choice, just make sure that whatever shampoo you choose is a mild one.  A strong shampoo will clean your hair well but will contribute to the dryness of the scalp and cause increased flaking, thus aggravating the problem.  An example of good shampoos are 'Head and Shoulders' and the anti-dandruff shampoo by Pantene.

A SHAMPOO THAT IS KNOWN TO WORK

  One of the most effective anti-dandruff shampoos ever devised is Nizoral - it's active ingredient is ketoconazole, discovered by Dr. Paul Janssen. Nizoral not only inhibits fungal growth, but also is long lasting in its effect - the effect lasts for several days after use, thus making it an extremely cost effective solution to the problem.

THE CLINICAL CURE

  In very extreme cases of dandruff, the spread of the fungus (and thus of the dandruff) is virulent - the dandruff can spread from the hair to the eyebrows and even to facial and body hair.  Even if it does not do this, the condition of the scalp becomes unbearable - such cases cannot be ignored and have to be treated clinically by a doctor. 

  Drug store remedies for severe cases of dandruff include treatments and ointments containing zinc pyritheone or selenium sulfide.

  Note that sometimes what seems like an extremely severe case of dandruff might be something else altogether - psoriasis or ringworm infections often have similar symptoms to dandruff, symptoms like redness, swelling and scabbing.  As a general rule if your dandruff problem crosses the line from being a minor irritation to a serious and painful discomfort, you MUST see a doctor.

THINGS TO AVOID IF YOU HAVE A DANDRUFF PROBLEM

  Above all, if you have dandruff, avoid ANYTHING that would dry your hair - such as any product containing alcohol, for example. Any product containing alcohol will seriously aggravate the problem.  If possible, avoid using products that dry the hair - or even a hair drier - as these things will also dry your skin and aggravate the problem.

SOME POPULAR MISCONCEPTIONS

  It may seem slightly ridiculous but dried shampoo is sometimes confused with dandruff - make sure that this is not your case. Rinse your hair well, making sure that there is no residual shampoo left behind.

  Another common misconception is that dandruff causes hair loss - it doesn't.  At least it doesn't so long as you CONTROL the problem. Rinse your hair at least every second day and keep it clean, and your scalp and hair will be healthy, fungal infection or not, and you can rest assured that your dandruff problem will not result in hair loss.

  Well, that's it - dandruff may be a global phenomenon, yet it is an affliction that is easily CONTROLLED.  You need not let it affect the quality of your life or cause you any form of discomfort, whether physical or psychological. 

"Dandruff is a minor problem, easily dealt with, so use the information provided here to put it to rest.. PERMANENTLY!"