Health And Fitness Archives

Anne Cresacre asked:

There are many anti-dandruff shampoos and “remedies” on the market that claim to show you how to cure dandruff. These treatments usually come in the form of shampoos. They do seem to do a fairly good job with controlling dandruff, but they also can cause irreparable damage to the hair follicles because of the toxic ingredients these anti-dandruff shampoos contain.

How to cure dandruff with home remedies is a question on many people’s minds. How do you cure dandruff with home remedies? Well, it’s not actually that difficult. You just need to know what works and what doesn’t. Below you will find various home remedies to cure dandruff that have been proven to work over and over again, and can be made easily and cheaply.

Fenugreeks seeds home remedy to cure dandruff:

Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind the seeds into a paste in the morning and apply all over the scalp. Leave the paste on for roughly half an hour. You should then rinse your hair thoroughly with soap nut (Ritha), solution or shikakai. Rinse again with an added teaspoon of fresh lime juice. This prevents dandruff and removes stickiness.

Scalp massage and curd remedy to cure dandruff:

Massage your scalp for half an hour with curd that has been left in the open for three days. Lime juice mixed with amla juice can be used in place of curd. Repeat this process every night before going to bed. Massaging the scalp helps stimulate blood circulation and the production of sebum.

Apple cider vinegar remedy to cure dandruff:

Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on your hair with cotton wool in between washing. Rinse your hair with cider vinegar as well.

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Louise Forrest asked:

Dandruff is a really common problem, and around 40% of the population suffers from the problem. It can be so embarrassing, and many people simply cannot get rid of it. So how exactly do you end up with dandruff, and how the hell can you get rid of it?

The Common Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is caused by microscopic yeast which generally occurs naturally on every single persons scalp. Usually, when our dead skin cells are washed away, or brushed away, and they are gone without a trace. However, with dandruff the skin yeasts for whatever reason, increase and then they start to irritate the scalp, which triggers an inflammatory immune response.

More skin cells are created and they die quicker than usual, which then causes lumps of immature, sticky skin cells to be formed. Due to this, the skin starts to itch and peel, and flakes of skin can be seen by the naked eye. These flakes are what we associate with dandruff.

It is still unknown why the yeast begins to multiply but there are several theories such as stress, puberty and other general hormone changes. Other possible causes include:

The excessive use of hair sprays and gel

Not getting enough sleep

Cold weather

A poor diet

The Symptoms and the Treatments Available

Usually dandruff is found in people aged between 12 to 80, though there is a form of dandruff known as Cradle Cap which affects new born babies.

You can usually tell if you have dandruff due to the constant itchiness of the scalp. You will literally feel, and see the dandruff which appears after you have scratched the scalp. Often dandruff is seen on dark clothing and this can be particularly embarrassing.

Most people associate dandruff with greasy hair, however, it is possible for the dandruff to cause your hair to become overly dry too. Luckily, whichever form of dandruff you do have, there is always a treatment available for it.

Head and Shoulders is one of the most famous brands of dandruff shampoo and conditioner. You can also buy good dandruff shampoos from brands such as Pantene. The best way to tell which one will work for you is to simply try it. You may have to mix and match your shampoo and conditioner as the hair often becomes immune to a shampoo or conditioner if it is used all the time.

Also, many people do not realize that the shampoo and conditioner you use to remove your dandruff will have to be used constantly. If you do stop using it, it is more than likely that the dandruff will come back.

If you cannot find a suitable dandruff shampoo, then it is best to remember that the milder the shampoo and conditioner, the better. Detergent based shampoos may cleanse the scalp really well; however they will often make the scalp dry and even itchier than it already is. So, always go for a mild shampoo.

If you can find it, the best shampoo to actually go for is Nizoral. This particular shampoo is designed specially to defeat dandruff and is the most advanced formula available today. It will be more expensive, but you will find it better than any other shampoo which you have already tried.

Other alternative treatments available include ointments and lotions, and when buying products in a drugstore, look out for products which contain Zinc Pyritheone or Selenium Sulphide as they work really well to eliminate dandruff. It is also said that including plenty of vitamin B into your diet, will also counteract dandruff. Also, flax seed and nuts can be good for promoting a healthy scalp too.

Overall, dandruff can occur at practically any age, and it can be a pain to get rid of. Whilst most anti-dandruff shampoos do work, in more severe cases you may need to seek help from a doctor. Whichever type of dandruff you do have there is a treatment available for you.

Fight Dandruff With Natural Home Remedies

Anita R Choudhary asked:

Dandruff is an irritating hair problem which is known to be caused by a fungal infection. Dead skin cells accumulate to form thick white scales, on the scalp and shed randomly. Itchy and dry, the scaly dead skin is unsightly and embarrassing. However, if you are suffering from dandruff, sit back and read for further information on easy remedies that will make dandruff go away for ever!

Apart from using harsh chemical based shampoos, you can try using some effective home remedies that work better and give you freedom for constant itching and scaling. Natural and organic products give best results and cause no damage the hair cuticles. Dandruff is aggravated by exposure to sun, using chemical treatments on the hair and excessive dryness. If you can manage to keep your hair clean and nourished, dandruff can be eliminated.

If we take a little time to peep into our homes, cultures all over the world have some unique tip to offer which are home made solutions to eliminating dandruff.

There are many basic remedies that you can take to keep your hair dandruff free. A warm oil head massage can do your hair wonders. Apart from making your hair lustrous and shiny, the optimized oil levels keep the scalp nourished while the vigorous massage aids better blood circulation, exfoliates the scalp of dead skin build up.

Take a few drops of lemon juice and honey and mix it well with some yogurt. Apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it for some time. Scrub and wash well with warm water. You can even buy a bottle of pure lemon juice and massage your scalp with it. Leave the lemon juice soaked scalp and hair for sometime and wash it well. After about 2 or 3 treatments, you will be able to see the difference.

Application of egg after shampooing is known to be an effective conditioner and helps reduce dandruff. You can even apply baby oil on your head and let it soak in overnight. In the morning, wash with warm water and a mild shampoo. You can so this on a regular basis and see the difference.

However, for severe dandruff problems it is best to see a dermatologist and use shampoos specially manufactured for dandruff treatment. Otherwise, these remedies work wonders by removing dandruff and getting you hair that is lustrous and shiny.

Safe Home Remedies For Dandruff

Geoff White asked:

Shedding skin is a natural process of skin renewal that takes place all over the body including the head area everyday. However when fungal infections gain access to favourable areas and conditions, skin shedding can increase substantially.

The fungal infection causing Dandruff is known as Malassezia. Malassezia feeds on oil secreted by hair follicles and increases skin renewal turn around times from a couple of weeks to a couple of days. The infection is spread by communal use of towels, combs and brushes. Before treatment can be conducted the type Dandruff must first be identified as being either waxy or dry dandruff. Waxy Dandruff occurs in patches on the scalp when oily sebum mixes with dry skin cells. Dry dandruff is present when small white pieces of skin lie loose on head or is attached to hair. Various remedies are available to treat dandruff including home remedies.

Treatment for dandruff can take form of prescribed or natural remedies. Prescription remedies are available from your physician and natural remedies you can make yourself at home. Caution must be excised with home remedies to ensure that they are safe. Chemical reaction can result from various chemicals being mixed as well as poisoning from ingredients recommended in home recipes. The following home recipes are safe and reliable to use in treating all types of dandruff:

Hot olive or Coconut oil – Massage hot olive or coconut oil on scalp before bedtime. This will moisturise the skin assisting itchiness and flaking. In the morning rub onto scalp lemon juice mixed with vinegar. Leave 2 minutes and wash hair with good quality moisturising shampoo.

Rosemary, Sage, Thyme or Neem – Make a strong tea-like solution from either Rosemary, Sage, Thyme or Neem leaves by adding the leaves to boiling water and leaving to brew for 24 hours. Strain and pour water over just-washed hair and leave in. Style your hair as usual but keep styling products to the minimum as these products can increase dandruff.

Aloe Vera – Rub crushed fresh Aloe Vera leaves or gel onto scalp and leave for 15 minutes before you wash you hair.

Beetroot – Boil beetroot, make a paste and massage onto scalp before bedtime. Please avoid using red beet as it will stain your hair as well as clothing and linen. White beetroot would be best.

Egg – Beat three whole eggs with three tablespoons of water. Rub mixture on damp hair and massage onto scalp. Leave in for 15 minutes. Wash hair with lukewarm water.

Aspirins – Dissolve two Aspirins a quality dandruff shampoo. Leave the mixture on for 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly and style as normal.

Causes Of Sore Itchy Scalp

Anne Cresacre asked:

There can be many causes of sore itchy scalp problems. In rare cases it can be put down to a lack of hygiene, though that is generally not the case for most people and it can in fact more likely be attributed to excessive washing or the use of harsh shampoos and conditioners that cause the scalp to dry out and leave the follicles open to infection (folliculitis). Many of today’s shampoos and conditioners contain a number of toxic chemicals which dry out the skin, stripping it of its natural oils and thereby causing a sore, itchy scalp. Without these essential oils the skin is open to a number of infections and yeast organisms like Melassezia Globbosa (the fungus which causes dandruff) or Pitysporum Ovale – which result in dandruff and flaking of the scalp. An example of one of these toxic chemicals is Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) which is an aggressive cleaning and foaming agent commonly used as an engine degreaser. Although proven to strip oils from and prematurely age your skin, damage eye membranes, retard healing, inhibit hair follicle growth and more, it is added to 90% of shampoos on the market. Silicon is also often added to conditioners as an artificial shine enhancer.

Some other possible causes are:

A skin condition, such as acne, which can occur for a number of reasons – often hormonal, but also via infection, ingrown hairs and blocked pores, or incorrect diet. A fungus like Ringworm (tinea capitis). This is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp and is caused by mould-like fungi called dermatophytes. It is more common in children and the symptoms include red, itchy patches on the scalp, which cause hair loss and leave bald areas. The skin might itch and be red and peel or be scaly, have swollen blisters or a rash (that can spread) and looks like black dots. The rash is highly contagious, and I would highly recommend seeing your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible to get further advice and prevent it from spreading further. A cyst, such as an epidermal or sebaceous cyst, a sac beneath the outer layer of the skin that is filled with a greasy white material. These cysts most often appear on the scalp, ears, face or back and are caused by plugged ducts at the site of a hair shaft. An allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis). This usually comes in two forms – Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The former is normally a reaction caused by the direct effect of an irritant substance on the skin, while the latter is a hypersensitivity reaction, acting through the body’s immune system, due to a particular substance or group of related substances. This goes back to what I mentioned above about the harsh irritant chemicals that you find in many of today’s shampoos and hair products. Stress – brought on by exhaustion, work pressures, emotional tension. Stress can also cause acne to develop. Viral infections, such as chickenpox and shingles

(Please note that every case is different and if you have an extreme case of scalp problems or are worried and uncertain about anything I would highly recommend you consult your doctor or dermatologist).

To soothe the itching on your scalp there are a few things you can do. Natural oils such as Lavender, German Chamomile, Eucalyptus, and Avocado Oil are excellent at relieving the itchiness. Simply mix them together and add water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), then apply locally to the affected areas on your scalp for relief. This mixture can also be added to your shampoo or conditioner to give your skin an extra boost (try to use a pH neutral shampoo with natural oils such as Tea Tree – this will stop your scalp from drying out further and will help to prevent any infection).

Neem oil is an excellent dandruff preventative and is also great for relieving psoriasis and eczema. As above, it can be added to your shampoo to soothe and aid your scalp problem.

(As with all oils, consult your doctor first if you are pregnant. It is also recommended you patch test all oils/formulas before application or addition to your shampoos).