Do you also have a problem with dandruff? Let's talk about this in detail!

Do you constantly scratch your head? Do you notice small white flakes on your clothes or on your shoulders? Then you may also have the problem of dandruff. This is really a bit annoying for many people. But don't worry, this is not a dangerous disease. Today, we will talk about this dandruff in a simple way, just like talking to a friend.

What exactly is dandruff?

Simply put, dandruff is dead skin cells on your scalp. Our skin is constantly renewing itself. Old cells die and fall off, and new cells are formed. This is normal. However, sometimes these dead cells accumulate and start to fall off in small white or sometimes yellowish flakes or flakes. That's when we call it "dandruff."

Normally, these dead skin cells are too small to see. But when you have dandruff, they accumulate in large pieces and become visible. When you comb your hair, comb your hair, or wear something over it like a T-shirt, they fall on your clothes. Although this is not a serious condition, it can be a bit embarrassing and uncomfortable for some people. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this and manage it properly.

Why do we get dandruff? What are the causes?

There is no single cause of hair loss. There can be several factors that contribute to it. Let's look at the main causes.

Dry Skin

Just like the skin on your face or hands can become dry, your scalp can also become dry. When your skin is this dry , you are more likely to develop dandruff. This can be especially true in cold weather or when you have been wearing a heater for a long time. The dandruff flakes can then fall off, but they are usually small and not greasy.

Oily skin and seborrheic dermatitis

This is the most common cause of dandruff. Our skin has oil glands. Some people's glands produce too much oil, which can cause an oily scalp. This oily environment is a good place for a fungus called Malassezia, which normally lives on our skin, to grow. This fungus causes skin cells to die off quickly, which can also cause redness and itching.

When this condition becomes more severe, we call it Seborrheic Dermatitis . Then, yellowish, oily flakes appear, sometimes on the eyelids, behind the ears, and on the chest.

Imagine, Nimal is always scratching his head, and yellow flakes are coming out of his hair. The shampoo he uses doesn't seem to be working. He might have this seborrheic dermatitis.

The fungus Malassezia

As I mentioned before, Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that lives on the scalp of all of us to some extent. Usually, they don't cause any problems. But in some people, if this fungus grows excessively due to sebum or other reasons, it can increase the rate at which skin cells divide, causing dandruff.

Sensitivity to hair products (Contact Dermatitis)

Sometimes your scalp can become sensitive to certain chemicals in the shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, hair spray, or hair dye you use. This is called an allergic reaction. Your scalp can become red, itchy, and flaky. This is called contact dermatitis .

Not shampooing properly

Some people think that shampooing your hair too often is bad for your hair. While that may be true to some extent, if your scalp is oily, if you don't shampoo it properly and keep it clean, oil and dead skin cells can build up and cause dandruff. Therefore, it's important to shampoo your hair and scalp in a way that suits your needs .

Other skin conditions

Sometimes, other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, can cause flaking and itching on the scalp, which may look like dandruff, but are actually different conditions.

Stress and hormonal changes

You may be surprised, but when stress increases, the problem of hair loss can also increase. Stress changes the balance of our entire body. Also, hormonal changes, especially during puberty or adolescence, increase the production of oil in the skin, which increases the likelihood of hair loss.

What are the symptoms of dandruff? Do you have these too?

These are some of the main characteristics of the Hishori:

• White or yellow flakes/powder: These can be seen in your hair, on your scalp, and on your shoulders.
• Itchy scalp: This is the most annoying symptom for many people.
• Scalp redness or oiliness: Sometimes, especially with seborrheic dermatitis, these symptoms can also be seen.
• Scalp dryness and flaking: This can be seen in dandruff caused by dry skin.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may be bald.

Misconceptions and truths about Hishori

There are various stories in society about Hishori. Let's see if some of them are true or not.

• Misconception: Head lice are contagious.
• Fact: No, ringworm is not contagious . You will not get ringworm if you use the comb of someone who has ringworm or are around them.
• Misconception: Acne is caused by dirt.
• The truth: It's not entirely due to dirt. However, not washing your hair properly and not shampooing it can cause oil and dead skin cells to build up on your scalp, which can lead to dandruff. However, even those who are very clean can get dandruff.
• Misconception: Shampooing every day will cause more hair loss.
• Fact: This varies from person to person . Some people have very sensitive scalps, and using harsh shampoos every day can dry out the scalp and cause more dandruff. However, there are anti-dandruff shampoos that are specifically designed for dandruff, and when used as directed by a doctor, can help control dandruff.

Things you can do at home to control dandruff

There are a few simple things you can do at home to control dandruff.

Just like washing your hair.

• If your scalp is oily, wash your hair with a mild shampoo daily or every other day.
• When applying shampoo , massage the scalp thoroughly with your fingertips , do not scratch with your nails.
• Rinse the shampoo well. Otherwise, any residue can cause scalp irritation.

Choosing the right shampoo

• If regular shampoo doesn't reduce dandruff, try a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo. These contain various active ingredients. We'll talk about that in a bit.
• Try changing shampoos. If one doesn't work, try another.

Reduce stress.

• Since stress can affect your hair, find ways to reduce it. Things like meditation, yoga, and exercise can help. Do something you enjoy and that makes you feel relaxed.

Let's think a little about food and drink.

• Eating a balanced diet is good for your overall health, as well as your scalp. Eat foods that are rich in nutrients like zinc and B vitamins.

Avoid scratching your head frequently.

• Scratching your head can make the itch worse and cause damage to your scalp. So, try to control your scratching as much as possible.

Types of Anti-dandruff Shampoos and their functions

There are different types of shampoos for dandruff available in pharmacies. They work according to the main active ingredients they contain.

• Shampoos containing Zinc Pyrithione: These help control Malassezia fungus.
• Shampoos containing selenium sulfide: These also have antifungal properties and slow down the rate at which skin cells die. However, these can change hair color, so read the label carefully and follow the instructions.
• Shampoos containing Ketoconazole: These are a powerful antifungal and can effectively control Malassezia fungus.
• Shampoos containing Salicylic Acid: These are exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells, or scales, from the scalp. However, they can sometimes dry out the scalp, so it's best to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
• Coal Tar Shampoo: These are a substance made from coal. They control dandruff by slowing down the growth and death of skin cells. They have a distinctive smell and can sometimes change the color of your hair.

How do you use this shampoo?

Typically, you apply these shampoos to your scalp, leave them on for about 5 minutes, and then rinse them off. That's when the ingredients in them start to work. How many times a week you should use them will depend on the type of shampoo and the condition of your hair. You may want to use them two or three times a week at first, and then once your hair loss has subsided, you can use them once a week. It's best to ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Do I need to see a doctor for my hair loss?

In most cases, dandruff can be controlled with home remedies and over-the-counter shampoos. However, it's best to see a doctor in these cases:

• You've been using dandruff shampoo for several weeks and there's no improvement.
• If the scalp is very red, swollen, and itchy.
• If there is a wound on the scalp and pus is coming out.
• If you feel a lot of stress and embarrassment because of your hair loss.
• If you suspect you have dandruff or another skin condition like psoriasis.

A doctor can examine your condition and determine the cause. They may also prescribe stronger shampoos, creams, or pills.

Cradle Cap

Newborn babies sometimes develop a yellow, oily, flaky coating on their scalp. This is called cradle cap . This is similar to dandruff, but it is a condition that affects babies. It usually goes away on its own within a few months. This can be controlled by gently cleaning your baby's scalp, massaging it with baby oil, and then removing it with a soft brush. If you have any doubts, it is best to consult a pediatrician.

Are you worried about your hair loss?

Although hair loss is not a serious physical condition, it can be very distressing for some people. Especially when you're young, you may feel embarrassed about what others will think and feel ashamed when you see dirt on your clothes. This is normal.

Remember, you are not alone. Hair loss is a common problem for many people. And, there are good treatments for it.

So, don't worry too much about this. If you manage it properly, you can overcome this problem.

So, the most important things we learned from this (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so we've talked a lot about dandruff today. Here are some of the most important things to remember:

• Hirsutism is a very common condition . There is nothing to be afraid of.
• There are several reasons why it can develop (dry skin, oily skin, fungus, etc.).
• Head lice is not a contagious disease .
• It can often be controlled with simple home treatments and special shampoos .
• If home treatments don't help, or if the condition is severe, be sure to see a doctor .
• Don't get depressed because of hair loss. This is something that can be cured.

If you too have a problem with hair loss, I hope this article has provided some knowledge and relief. May you too have a healthy scalp and beautiful hair!

` Dandruff, Scalp, Skin Disease, Shampoo, Malassezia, Seborrheic Dermatitis