How to fight severe dandruff with flakes. Dandruff appears on the scalp: what to do

Dandruff is a set of causes (or syndrome) that is characterized by the accelerated process of exfoliation of skin particles (in the form of scales) over a relatively long period. Dandruff is most common on the scalp, which is covered with hair.

Dandruff should not be confused with just dry scalp. During human life, skin cells constantly die and slight flaking of the scalp is normal (about 487,000 cells per 1 cm2).

Dandruff is a common scalp condition and affects almost half of the population of different ages, genders and ethnicities.

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff typically occurs as a result of three factors or combinations thereof:

1. Improper functioning of the sebaceous glands (or seborrhea)

Seborrhea - the general concept of dandruff, is a disease. In a general sense, this is an imbalance of sebum production, which leads to a decrease or increase in sebum production and a change in the chemical composition of the sebaceous secretion. This process can occur due to chronic metabolic disorders, the general condition of the immune system, age and gender, dietary habits and skin contamination.

Seborrhea is distinguished between oily (liquid and thick) and dry.

With oily liquid seborrhea, the pores are enlarged, the skin is shiny, and the hair on the head looks oiled and often sticks together in strands. The hair is covered with yellowish scales, and pustules often appear on the scalp.

With oily, thick seborrhea, the elasticity of the skin decreases, possibly causing comedones (horny plug, blackhead). The hair on the head is hard and coarse.

2.Skin infection by fungus

With reduced sebum secretion, scales abundantly cover the hair and scalp. This process is called dry seborrhea (dandruff). This phenomenon is associated with the process of activation of the fungus, which is called “Pityrosporum Ovale”, or “Malassezia Furfur”.

With good immunity, the fungus behaves stably. With severe physical and mental imbalance, with prolonged disruption of the diet, the fungus is activated, which leads to accelerated growth of epidermal cells. The period of skin exfoliation takes from 5 to 7 days (in the absence of disease, this period lasts about one month).

As a result, a large number of scales exceeding the norm. If this process is accompanied by irritation of the scalp, itching and isolated areas of redness, then we can talk about seborrheic dermatitis. Hair, in this case, becomes brittle, thin and dry.

3.Individual characteristics of the body

These include the characteristics of skin secretion and its structure, hereditary predisposition and seasonal changes. Other features include the following reasons:

• People with certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, are more likely to experience dandruff than others.
• Adults with Parkinson's disease and certain other neurological diseases are more likely than others to develop dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Patients of any age who have had heart attacks or strokes, and some people with weak immune systems, are more likely to develop dandruff than others.
• Some experts believe that people who do not consume enough foods containing zinc, vitamins and certain types of fats are more prone to dandruff.
• Mental stress. Many experts believe that there is a connection between frequent stress and many skin problems.
• The study found that 10.6% of people with HIV are susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis.

All of the above allows us to conclude that all processes and phenomena that lead to the appearance of dandruff are manageable and controllable.

Anti-dandruff products

Fortunately, these processes can be controlled. In mild cases, it is enough to find a suitable anti-dandruff shampoo of a certain composition and stabilize your lifestyle.

In most cases, mild dandruff does not require a visit to the doctor. However, if the condition of the scalp worsens, and the use of a treatment shampoo does not bring the desired result, then you should consult a doctor. A doctor may diagnose seborrheic dermatitis or another related disease, which requires certain treatment conditions.

Most anti-dandruff products or anti-fungal shampoos (anti-dandruff shampoos) contain at least one of the following active ingredients:

1. Zinc pyrithione is an antibacterial agent.
2. Selenium sulfide – is responsible for reducing the rate of cell production.
3. Sulfur – helps remove dandruff flakes.
4. Ketoconazole is a very effective antifungal component. Most people who use products containing ketoconazole are happy with the results. Shampoo with this ingredient can be used by both young and old people.
5. Salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent.
6. Tea Tree Oil – This oil is extracted from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). We can say that nowadays, shampoo manufacturers are increasingly including tea tree oil in their composition. Tea tree oil is antifungal and antiseptic. However, some people may be allergic to this type of oil.

The ideal solution would be to choose a shampoo that contains two or three of the above components.

In addition to shampoos, creams are also used to combat seborrhea:

1. Cortisone creams – reduce inflammation. This cream can be bought without a prescription in 0.5% or 1% concentration. The cream is used twice a day, the result will appear only after a few days. This type of cream is available as a scalp lotion. Apply once a day, preferably on damp hair after washing your hair. Can be used together with medicated shampoos.
2. Antifungal creams. The action of such creams is aimed at reducing the number of yeast organisms living on the skin. Available without a prescription are clotrimazole cream 1% and miconazole cream 2%. Antifungal creams are applied once or twice a day.

How to get rid of dandruff

Medicated dandruff shampoos, like medicated creams, should be used during the active stage of seborrhea. As the manifestation of the disease decreases, it is necessary to reduce the use of medications and, subsequently, switch to the use of everyday hygiene products. In case of the next appearance of the disease, creams and shampoos can be reused.

It may happen that if the disease reappears, the remedies that you used in previous times may now be ineffective. In this case, it will be necessary to use other shampoos and/or creams with the above components.

Basic rules for using medicated shampoos. The shampoo should be applied to damp hair and left on the scalp for about five minutes. If the shampoo is rinsed off too quickly, the active ingredients will not have enough time to work.

Basic rules for using medicinal creams (masks, lotions). Therapeutic creams are used in combination with medicated shampoos. Leave masks and lotions on the scalp for 20-30 minutes.

In parallel with the use of medicinal products, you must follow the following simple diet. The food you eat should be rich in vitamins and fiber. The diet should include fermented milk products. Consumption of fatty and sweet foods should be limited. It is also recommended to drink at least two liters of clean water daily.

Folk remedies for dandruff

Treating dandruff at home, can be as effective as treatment with expensive dandruff products.

Egg based mask. You need to beat two eggs in a small amount of warm water. Apply the resulting mixture to your hair for about ten minutes, then rinse. This procedure helps prevent dandruff.

Mask based on orange juice and aloe. You need two teaspoons of aloe juice and two teaspoons of orange juice, one egg yolk. Mix all ingredients until smooth and apply to scalp. Rinse off with warm water after 40 minutes. After using such a mask, you should rinse your hair with a decoction prepared from horsetail (which can be bought at the pharmacy).

Calendula based mouthwash. Pour one tablespoon of calendula (take inflorescences) into two glasses of 80% boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. After washing your hair, rub the resulting infusion into the scalp, then put a plastic bag on your head, remove the bag after 30 minutes, do not rinse your hair. This procedure is recommended to be carried out two or three times a week.

Chamomile based mouthwash. Pour two tablespoons of chamomile (inflorescences) into one liter of water and boil for five minutes. After cooling, rub the broth into the scalp.

Chamomile based rinse. Prepare an infusion of chamomile inflorescences in a ratio of 1 to 10. Wash your hair with the infusion two or three times a week, the number of procedures is from 10 to 15. This course can be repeated after two or three weeks.

Thyme based mouthwash. Pour four tablespoons of thyme into 0.5 liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. Cool the broth and strain, apply to damp hair, wetting it completely. There is no need to rinse off with water. You can use it after every hair wash.

Anti-fungal rinse. Dissolve one tablespoon of sea salt in 0.5 liters of warm water. Apply the solution to clean, damp hair and rinse well after 5 minutes. Then rinse your hair in another solution (add one teaspoon of lemon juice to 0.5 liters of water).

Hair oils. Mix one tablespoon with ten tablespoons of calendula alcohol tincture (sold at the pharmacy). Use to rub into the scalp twice a day.

When using any medication, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

What to do if dandruff appears constantly on your head? This problem worries almost every fourth person. This phenomenon brings a lot of inconvenience to a person - white scales “decorate” his clothes and hair, which is why their owner feels insecure when communicating with people. In addition, dandruff is often accompanied by itching, which is even more unpleasant. Why does it occur? How to get rid of dandruff?

Causes of dandruff

It is believed that the skin on the head begins to peel off and crumble when it is infected by a fungus called Pityrosparum Ovale. These are microorganisms that penetrate the epidermal layer of the scalp and feed on sebum. As a result of their vital activity, the skin becomes drier, small fragments and scales peel off. This is dandruff.

Interestingly, with strong immunity and favorable conditions for the body, these mushrooms do not cause harm, because they are always present on our body. Typically, several factors contribute to the occurrence of dandruff:

1. Weakened immunity.

2. Hormonal changes.

3. Frequent use of styling products.

4. Using alkaline hair washes.

5. Stress.

6. Diseases of internal organs.

7. Poor nutrition.

If you have been suffering from dandruff for a long time, know that you can fight it. This problem can be solved if we act comprehensively, since we have already found out that the reasons for its occurrence can be different. Let's discuss in detail what actions should be taken.

1. Organize your rest. If your nightly sleep is less than 8 hours, then you are most likely exhausted and stressed. Stressful situations have a very detrimental effect on the body, weakening it. Start getting full rest, go to bed no later than 10 pm.

2. Take care of nutritious and high-quality nutrition. When you neglect your normal diet, you also become weaker, lacking vitamins and other elements valuable for health. When the body lacks these substances, it is unable to cope with microorganisms that attack it. For a weakened body, even those that usually come into contact with our body become a threat.

3. Use quality shampoos for hair care. In some cases, you just need to buy a different detergent; perhaps the old one just doesn’t suit you.

4. Always wash off your hair styling products in the evenings. Try not to go to bed without removing any remaining foam or hairspray.

5. Use a hair dryer as little as possible. Its hot air currents greatly dry out the scalp, resulting in flaky skin. After washing your hair, try to dry yourself naturally or use cool air by switching the hair dryer's thermostat.

6. While treating dandruff, exclude all spicy, salty and sweet foods from your diet. Perhaps your internal organs are expressing their protest. If you are worried about your intestines, consult a gastroenterologist.

7. Use only your personal comb and wash it regularly. Never wear other people’s hats or borrow hygiene items, and do not dry yourself with other people’s towels.

If you follow these recommendations, you should see improvements after some time. However, the fungus itself, which has penetrated the skin of the scalp, also needs to be treated. This can be done with simple and affordable folk remedies.

Dandruff treatment - recipes

An excellent antiseptic that can easily overcome the fungus on the head that causes dandruff is tea tree oil. This natural product inhibits pathogenic microflora, relieves inflammation and heals microcracks in the skin. Take a few drops of it on your fingers and rub it into the root zone after each wash. Do this twice a week.

Tar soap is another effective remedy for treating dandruff. Birch tar also has antiseptic properties, and also ensures good blood flow to the bulbs and heals damage to the skin. You can use it for treatment even with seborrhea. Tar soap is thoroughly foamed and applied to moistened hair roots. The skin is massaged for five minutes, after which the soap is washed off with warm water. This product has one drawback - it dries out the curls greatly, so after using it you need to lubricate them with balm or moisturize them in other ways. The hair roots cannot be treated with anything else.

Onion juice - contains phytoncides that easily cope with most pathogenic microorganisms. Before washing your hair, apply the squeezed juice to the root zone, rubbing it in with your fingers. Put on a cellophane cap and do not wash off for 15 minutes. Then wash your hair as usual.

conclusions

What to do if you have dandruff on your head? First, you should rule out internal health problems. It is stupid to treat only the external consequences - a scalp fungus, which could not cause harm if you had good immunity. So, watch your diet, rest, don’t give in to stress, practice good hygiene and stop damaging your hair with hair dryers and fixatives. And to be sure, use folk remedies that can destroy the fungus that causes dandruff.

Dandruff is a minor but annoying nuisance that can ruin even a very attractive image. You can be stylishly dressed, neatly combed and behave impeccably, but white scales on your shoulders will ruin your reputation as soon as they are noticed by others. The appearance of dandruff is a sure sign that your metabolism is not in order, and also that you do not know how to treat dandruff on your head. Otherwise, they would have been cured long ago, right? Moreover, traditional medicine knows recipes against dandruff, and modern cosmetology creates new shampoos, creams and lotions for dandruff.

To be fair, we note that cosmetic and pharmaceutical anti-dandruff products do not help everyone and not always. And all because there can be several causes of dandruff, and dandruff itself can also be different. And in order to cure dandruff on the head, you must first determine its type, then diagnose the cause, and only then treat scalp dandruff at home or under the guidance of doctors. All this takes time and effort, but the sooner you start treating dandruff on your head, the sooner you can get rid of dandruff and be proud of your healthy and beautiful hair.

Why does dandruff appear? Types and causes of dandruff
Dandruff is not a disease, but a symptom of a disease called seborrhea. This is a dermatological problem associated with disruption of the sebaceous ducts. The epidermis cannot cope with excess (or vice versa, deficiency) of sebum and begins to peel off: the scalp is covered with white scales, constantly crumbling and causing physical and psychological discomfort. If dandruff is not treated at this stage, seborrhea will worsen and become noticeable to others. The owner of dandruff will begin to experience irritation, itching of the scalp, and notice hair loss. The remaining strands will become sparse and weak, with split ends.

How to get rid of dandruff at home? Anti-dandruff medications
Treatment of dandruff begins with an accurate determination of the causes of the disease. If you are sure of them and what type of seborrhea you have, or if you are just going to see a doctor, you can take action and even cure dandruff with the following remedies:
In addition, as an auxiliary treatment, the doctor may prescribe vitamins and minerals. Brewer's yeast helps against dandruff, as well as preparations of zinc, sulfur, calcium, vitamins A, D and group B.

How to treat dandruff on the head with folk remedies?
Scalp dandruff is not a new phenomenon. Our grandmothers also suffered from dandruff, and their grandmothers too. It is thanks to their wisdom and experience that folk remedies for dandruff exist and are actively used:
Make sure that no one in your household uses your comb, towel or other hygiene items through which the fungus that causes dandruff can be transmitted. And train yourself to follow a sleep, work and nutrition schedule. Although the last tip helps not only cure dandruff, but also strengthen the body in general. Take care of yourself and be healthy!

They are concentrated mainly near the roots. Gradual replacement of the top layer of skin, including on the head, is normal. Therefore, a small number of particles in the hair is normal.

Why dandruff appears on the head and its types

The most common causes of flaking of the scalp include:

1. activity of microorganisms;
2. irritation due to oleic acid, which results from the breakdown of sebum by fungi;
3. individual response to environmental factors;
4. stress;
5. age-related hormonal changes;
6. neglect of hygiene rules.

Another common reason for the constant appearance of flakes in the hair is the substances included in shampoos recommended for daily use. When you wash your hair frequently, a thin layer of sebum, which performs a protective function, is constantly washed off. The upper layer of the dermis peels off, and a new one begins to actively form. Thus, there are more and more new scales, and peeling of the skin becomes visible.

How is peeling skin on the scalp related to fungus?

The activity of the fungus can cause skin irritation, resulting in skin flakes appearing in the hair.

Is it possible to get infected?

Dandruff is not transmitted, even if it is caused by fungi. Fungi live on the skin of every person. And if their activity intensifies to such an extent that visible detachments of scales appear, then this is an individual feature and a specific person needs to be treated.

Why does itching occur?

Itching is a consequence of skin irritation.

How to choose the right detergent for daily use at home to remove dandruff?

For example, detergents containing sodium lauryl sulfate are not suitable for daily use, although they have enhanced cleaning properties. In general, alkaline shampoos dry out the scalp greatly.

Do men need any specialized shampoo?

Both women and men experience dandruff for the same reasons.

How effective are folk remedies: vegetable fatty oils and extracts for masks?

No official studies have been conducted, so no one can confirm the effect of certain folk remedies. But most likely, using oils in hair care can reduce scalp dryness. If the cause of dandruff is the drying of the upper layer of the dermis, perhaps this can help. There are research results on the effect of aloe vera extract on fungi, their number is becoming smaller. However, what effect will happen if it is added to the detergent? No such studies have been conducted.

Where do skin scales come from in the ears or on the body?

How to get rid of severe dandruff?

More often, specialized antifungal shampoos are used to get rid of dandruff. However, before starting treatment, it is worth visiting a trichologist, since skin peeling can be caused by many reasons.

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What to do if a child has a lot of dry skin particles, and how to remove them?

You should consult a doctor as this may be a sign of skin conditions (eg ringworm).

What is the consequence of skin peeling in a baby?

In infants, in the first days there is active desquamation of the skin, which begins to be replaced. The birth hairs also begin to come out. There is no need to worry about this, but the baby should be lubricated with baby cream or baby oil.