Having excessive dandruff can be quite unsightly and embarrassing problem. Excessive dandruff fuels hair fall. Individuals with this complex presentation of scaly scalp and hair loss mount a huge mental distress.
It is normal for skin cells to die and flake off; a small amount of flaking is normal and common. Dandruff is shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, more than normal. It can get formed when the scalp is too dry or oily. A fungus called pityrosporum ovale, which lives naturally on the scalp, has been implicated in the development of dandruff. Dandruff is one of the most common reasons of flaky and scaly scalp but it is not the only one.
Scalp diseases show itself as one or all of the following i.e. itching, redness and flaking of scalp.
Scalp Psoriasis, Sebhorric eczema, Ringworm infections, Bacterial folliculitis, Allergic scalp reactions, Lichen planus etc.
Most of these scalp infections cause irritation and inflammation of the hair roots, thereby damaging them and causing hair to fall. Hair fall in these cases is diffused and widespread.
Common ways of catching them are from contaminated water, combs, pillow cover, and barber shops.
However, Scalp Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder. The flakes in psoriasis are often silvery white with dryness of the scalp and pitting of the nails. There can also be psoriatic eruptions noticed on other parts of the body and sometimes associated with joint pains.
The flakes in Sebhorric Eczema are often greasier and more yellow in colour and can also affect the eyebrows, ears, face and upper body.
Scalp damage may also be caused as a result of irritant or allergic reactions due to use of chemicals, solvents, adhesives ,direct heat from use of blow dryers, hot oil application etc.
Anti-dandruff shampoos help in cleansing the scalp and reducing dandruff. Choose a correct shampoo, as scalp is very sensitive to external products. Never scratch the scalp vigorously. Massage the scalp gently while applying the shampoo. Do not use combs, hair pins to pick the scales, as it will worsen the condition. If your scales are greasy and yellow limit the application of oil on the scalp and use of conditioners.
Your diet should be rich in Vitamin E, B6, B12, Selenium, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil and flax seeds are rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids which prevents scaling of the scalp.
Do not ignore your condition. It is very important to get the reasons of scaly scalp evaluated by your doctor.
Homeopathy provides optimum benefits to effectively manage dandruff. Kali Sulph 6X, a Homeopathic remedy has been found useful in treating dandruff. Similarly remedies like Mezerium and Natrum mur reduces scalp damage and prevents chronic scalp inflammation.
Once the scalp condition improves, the hair fall reduces and hair texture starts improving.
