How can dandruff be prevented

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that that causes flaky skin and an itchy scalp. Common signs and symptoms of dandruff include: white flakes of dead skin in your hair and on your shoulders red, crusty, or raw areas on your scalp an itchy scalp What Causes Dandruff? The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known, but it's likely a combination of things like: too much skin oil sebum in the oil glands and hair follicles a type of yeast found on the skin called Malassezia Stress, cold and dry winter weather, and some hair care products may make dandruff worse.

Dandruff isn't contagious. You can't catch it from or give it to another person. How Is Dandruff Diagnosed? How Is Dandruff Treated? Tar-based shampoos can make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight, so users should wear a hat outside. Don't use a tar shampoo on dyed or treated hair. Long-term use can stain skin, hair, and nails. Talk to the pharmacist if you have any questions about dandruff shampoos.

When Should I Call the Doctor? Behind the ears there may be redness or greasy scaling may also develop in the fold.

Not every scaling of the scalp should be called dandruff. More severe conditions like scalp psoriasis, contact allergy, scalp infections lichen simplex of the nape of the neck may mimic dandruff therefore a consultation with a dermatologist should be considered in severe and recalcitrant cases. Dandruff sometimes gets worse throughout the autumn and winter as a result of the dry air whereas improving in the summer.

But there are many ways to prevent the formation of dandruff, some are mentioned Using natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, etc. A hot oil massage could do wonders for your scalp and hair. But, it is advised not to apply too much oil and for a longer duration.

Hot water makes the hair rough and dehydrates the scalp. Which ultimately leads to brittle hair and a flaky scalp. Doing this can help in the prevention and reduction of dandruff. Most people find it difficult to tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, and it is also possible to have both dandruff and a dry scalp.

In general, flakes are more likely to be dandruff:. Both dandruff and dry scalp can usually be managed at home. However, some scalp conditions can look like dandruff. Scalp psoriasis , for example, causes redness, flakes, and itching but is caused by an autoimmune disorder. A form of severe dandruff called seborrheic dermatitis can cause intense, painful inflammation. People with autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses should talk to their doctor before treating dandruff.

Symptoms that resemble dandruff may be due to another condition, and a weakened immune system increases the chances that a scalp condition will quickly get worse. Most cases of dandruff can easily be treated at home. People with dandruff should aim to shampoo their hair with anti-dandruff shampoo regularly. This can treat many underlying causes of dandruff, including minor fungal infections. Most dandruff shampoos contain pyrithione, and many different types of anti-dandruff shampoo are available online.

Another option to treat dandruff is coal tar shampoo. However, this shampoo may change the color of light hair, so people with blonde or gray hair may prefer another option. Dandruff shampoo can have a strong smell. Some people may wish to alternate between dandruff shampoo and traditional shampoo, or shampoo with a different shampoo immediately following treatment with dandruff shampoo.

People who prefer natural remedies, or who dislike the smell of dandruff shampoo, may wish to try tea tree oil shampoo. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties. An old study found that a 5-percent tea tree oil shampoo could effectively treat dandruff without causing serious side effects.

However, there is a lack of recent research to back this claim up. People whose dandruff does not improve with home treatment should see a doctor. Identifying the cause of the dandruff — which could be a bacterial or fungal infection — can be helpful.

Prescription-strength treatments usually clear up dandruff. The idea that poor hygiene causes dandruff is a myth. Going long periods of time without shampooing, however, may make dandruff more visible. As researchers do not fully understand what causes dandruff, it is unclear if it can be prevented. In most people, dandruff is a chronic condition that tends to go away and then come back. While some people think that lifestyle changes improve their symptoms, there is little research on this topic.