Dandruff - A Major Cause Of Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common defect nowadays and it has attracted a large market. So many companies now make money with treating this defect. One of the reasons that generate this defect is dandruff. Dandruff is a phenomenon whereby white flakes and dead skin scales are developed on the scalp, and later, they shed off. This causes a lot of people suffering from this disease to cover their head most of the time. Statistics have shown that about 40% of the world population suffers from dandruff at one point in time or the other. The presence of dandruff consequently results in shedding of hair strands which invariably leads to loss of hair. In fact, the sufferers are emotionally affected as it makes people laugh at them. This causes low self-esteem.

Though dandruff isn't a life-threatening disease, it causes a lot of embarrassment for people infected with it, especially when they go out and see people around. The difficulties encountered with this disease are inflammation, frequent scalp irritation, and itching of the scalp. Even with the controversy that "can dandruff cause hair loss", scientists have proven it that it does. Dandruff causes itching and irritation to the scalp, people suffering from this tends to scratch the itching area vigorously and scratching weakens the root of the hair. This will invariably lead to shedding of hair. Dandruff go simultaneously with hair loss and it is common to both men and women. In kids, dandruff becomes frequent at the puberty age. This is due to changes in the hormones taking place in their system. Actually, the main cause of dandruff in children is improper rinsing of the scalp after applying shampoo. The dead skin cells will accumulate after a while and lead to dandruff. Children having dandruff are prone to have rapid shedding of hair. Furthermore, if not quickly treated, it can result in chronic dandruff which is called cradle crap.

Causes

In most part of the world, dandruff is caused due to dry hair scalp. Dry hair scalp makes hair weak and brittle; this may cause the hair to fall. However, there are so many causes ofthis disease.

Too much exposure to sunlight

Genetics: a child born into a family line with dandruff will definitely be infected with it.

Fungal infection: Malassezia globosa is a common fungus that causes dandruff. This fungus is always in the atmosphere, thus, anyone can be infected.

Too much perspiration

Carelessness in the washing of scalp

Frequent change of shampoo

Too much sugar in the body system

Excessive sebum secretion which produces a favourable environment for Pityrosporum ovale, a fungus that causes dandruff.

Treatment

Regular hair massage with mixed olive oil and almond oil removes dandruff. This mixed oil is used to massage the scalp thoroughly for some time. Wash off after 15 minutes. Do not leave this oil on the scalp for too long.

Use fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight. Remove these seeds each morning and grind them into paste. Apply this paste to the scalp and allow it to dry on the scalp. Carefully, wash the scalp thoroughly with warm water and soap. Make certain that the scalp is thoroughly clean.

Massaging the hair with yoghurt.

Introduce lemon juice to the hair before washing. Allow this juice top stay on the scalp for 30 minutes then wash it off thoroughly. This is very effective.

Extracted juice from beetroot is also a good treatment. Leave the juice on the scalp for some time and then wash it off. Even rubbing the beetroot on the scalp also cures dandruff.

Snake juice gourd is also known to be effective for treating dandruff. This should be applied regularly so as to work effectively.

Clean the scalp with the use of mild anti-dandruff shampoo. This'll help to keep the scalp free from dirts and unwanted oil. This prevents fungi and bacteria from surviving on the scalp, the main cause of inflammation.

For severe cases, use coal tar, zinc, sulphur or salicylic acid to wash the scalp.

Using antibiotics containing vitamin B supplement.

Drink water blended with flax seed. Drinking an abundance of water also helps a lot.

Eat garlic regularly. This reduces fungal infection in the body.

Do not scratch the scalp too much. This weakens hair roots.

Shampoo mixed with peppermint and conditioner is also effective when used to wash the scalp regularly.

Have a well-conditioned and moisturized scalp.

Massaging of the scalp with coconut oil is also helpful. This doesn't need to be done daily.

Using aloe vera for treating dandruff is also effective. Aloe vera gel can be rubbed on the scalp in large quantity. Leave the gel for about 50 minutes and then wash with cold water. Aloe vera oil can be mixed with other herbs to boost its effectiveness. Theses herbs are tea tree oil, fenugreek, eucalyptus oil and lemon.

Conclusively, dandruff can be cured to avoid hair loss. The above mentioned treatments should be used regularly for effective results.