Get Some Relief from Itching and Flaking caused by dandruff!
Freshly washed hair and scalp, scratching your scalp hours later revealing white flakes throughout your clean hair? Dandruff symptoms can be a nuisance. You aren’t alone!
Seborrheic Dermatitis is the medical name for dandruff. Some medical professionals believe an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia is the cause. This fungus naturally lives on the scalp.
The overgrowth is said to result in accelerated production of new skin cells. The skin cells then mix with oil produced by your sebaceous glands creating big white flakes.
However, there isn’t any conclusive research stating the direct cause of dandruff.
Here’s a list of ways to reduce or eliminate dandruff:
1.Hot Oil Treatments– Improves blood circulation allowing white blood cells to get to the area to fight off and remove toxins. The oils soothe dry and itchy scalps, additionally add drops of essential oil for anti-fungal properties.
2. Peppermint Oil – Invigorating and stimulates the scalp increasing blood flow, add 1 to 3 drops to your conditioner. This oil decreases the growth of fungus and other microorganisms while reducing inflammation.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Diluted– ACV diluted in water is a good cleanser, helping to break up oil and flakes on the scalp. The acid in ACV helps decrease fungus and restore the natural balance of your scalp.
4. Selsun Blue Medicated Shampoo– This is an effective shampoo for treating dandruff, working to kill off fungus wreaking havoc on the scalp. This blue shampoo is invigorating and produces a tingling sensation.
Selenium sulfide is the active ingredient in Selsun Blue medicated shampoo, reducing itching and flaking. By far, this is the best dandruff shampoo!
Massage the shampoo into your scalp and enjoy the feeling of, ” my scalp can breathe”!
5. Sulfur 8 Five Star –Sulfur 8 Five Star is highly effective in controlling dryness, itching and decreases flaking.
This product is a great scalp moisturizer. Apply on your scalp after it has been washed and dried, then rub it on whenever you feel an itch or see a dry patch.
Absorbed by the scalp and surrounding hair, consider this to be lotion for your scalp. The active ingredient is pyrithione zinc 0.1%. Other components include castor oil and beeswax.
6. Scalp Massage– Massaging your scalp helps bring white blood cells to the area, therefore attacking the problem within. Wash your hands, and move your scalp gently in a circular motion using the tips of your fingers. Be gentle with this process to prevent hair breakage.
7. Wash Hair with Warm / Cold water– Hot water can cause dryness, damage your hair follicles, and further irritation. You may notice immediate flaking shortly after washing your scalp with hot water. Warm water is best when cleaning the scalp. Cold-water tightens your pores; they are less exposed to dirt, pollutants, and microorganisms.
8. Reduce Junk Food – What you put in your body is extremely important, it could be the direct cause of an overgrowth of fungus. Generally, limiting food such as cookies, chips, candy, and soda is a good start.
Some organisms that overgrow and wreak havoc feast off the byproduct of these foods. Avoid overeating as well. You want to give your body time to digest food so you aren’t overworking and weakening your system.
9. Stay Hydrated – Drinking water is important to combat dandruff internally. Water flushes excess sugar, sodium, and toxins such as bad bacteria out of the body.
It helps the digestive system breakdown food and increase blood circulation. This promotes a healthy balance in the body, reducing inflammation.
So You Really Want To Improve Your Dandruff
The important thing to keep in mind to control dandruff is that consistency and monitoring are vital. Start a treatment routine to keep track of your product usage .
Don’t expect to use all of the product within a small period and see a major change. Products are known to be effective over a longer period of time such as a full month vs a week.
Take note of the products you put on your hair, the temperature and humidity you were in before you experienced lots of flaking.
* Advice was not given from a medical professional. It is important to consult with your medical advisor regarding diagnosis and treatment of your condition*
For more information visit: White Flakes In Hair Despite Using Shampoo?
Selsun Blue is a great treatment!
Selsun Blue and Sulfur 8 Five Star are both great treatments to use! There’s more information about Sulfur 8 Five Star in the post “ When Dandruff Shampoo Doesn’t Work” .