Dandruff Can Be Embarrassing If It Appears at the Wrong Moment
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes scaling and itching on the scalp. It can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and difficult to treat. Luckily, there are many ways of preventing or treating dandruff so you don't have to deal with it any longer! There never has to be a meeting or first impression that is ruined by unexpected and unwanted dandruff.
Many people suffer from dandruff and can be quite embarrassed by it, so if you find yourself scratching at your scalp more than usual or having a flaky mess on the floor of your shower or in your hairbrush, read below to learn about its causes and how to prevent and treat it.
Causes of Dandruff
There are many different factors that can contribute to dandruff but the most common one is the overproduction of skin cells in areas where sebaceous glands are larger and more numerous, such as on the scalp. This causes an increase in oil production which leads to a yeast called Malassezia globosa feeding off this excess oil and producing a toxin that inflames the skin and causes irritation. This then leads to itching, which can cause your scalp to flake even more! These things can contribute to the typical symptoms of dandruff.
Dandruff is not considered serious or contagious in any way but it does affect many people of all ages around the world. It's incredibly common and the majority of people will deal with it at some point in their lives.
Tips for Preventing or Treating Dandruff
Preventing dandruff is a lot easier than treating it. There are many ways to prevent dandruff from occurring, so you don't have to worry about dealing with the embarrassment or discomfort that comes along with it! Here's how:
- Proper Hair Care. This one seems like common sense but too often we neglect our hair and scalp! Try using a gentle shampoo, conditioning your hair regularly, not brushing or combing too often (as this can cause you to lose natural oils), and leaving it down instead of tying it up in tight braids/buns for long periods of time.
- Eating healthy is an easy way to prevent dandruff. Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet, especially zinc.
- Exercising for 20-30 minutes a day or more can boost circulation which encourages hair growth. Those with increased blood flow are much less likely to experience dry skin.
If you're already experiencing dandruff, don't worry! It's not a serious condition and there are many solutions that can help clear it up in no time. The most effective way to treat dandruff is to use medicated shampoos and conditioners. These will get rid of the yeast that's causing your scalp issues. Not all medicated shampoos are the same and it's important to find one that works best for your hair type. This is where consulting a dermatologist can come in handy!
If you're experiencing a lot of itching or discomfort, be sure to speak with your dermatologist. Some people also find that using fungus countering cream on their scalp is an effective way to treat dandruff, as well.
If you're dealing with dandruff on a regular basis, it's important to follow these steps regularly so that the problem doesn't come back! Being proactive in treating your scalp is always better than trying to fix an issue after it has already occurred.