Dandruff refers to the flaking scalp which falls like snow flakes and settles on one's brows, shoulders and clothes, but assumes an unpleasant, irritating condition associated with bacteria, in the case of excessive formation of scales on the scalp. These scales are formed from the horny layer of the skin.
The scaliness increases whenever the hair is brushed or rubbed. It may also appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. Often there is itching as well, and the scalp may becomes red from scratching.
Causes
The main causes of dandruff are - impairment of general health, toxic condition of the system brought on mainly by wrong feeding, constipation and lowered vitality due to infectious diseases. Other factors contributing to dandruff are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold and general exhaustion.
1. Numerous medicated shampoos are available in the market for the treatment of dandruff. But most of these, causes irreparable damage to the hair roots because of the synthetic ingredients contained in them. The treatment of dandruff has to be largely constitutional, if a permanent cure is desired.
So choose your product carefully.
2. The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. Short or shoulder - length hair can be brushed right from the roots to the ends in one stroke. In case of long hair, two strokes would be best to avoid stretching the hair.
3. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged every day, using one's finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the air. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff and encourages hair growth. For a proper massage, spread your fingers fan wise and slip them through the hair. With your thumbs pressed behind your ears, press down on your scalp with your fingertips. Now rotate your fingers so that they move the scalp or the bony structure of the head. You will feel your skin move and the scalp tingle. Move up an inch at a time until you have covered the whole head. It is a very simple procedure, and takes only a few minutes to perform.
4. Several home made remedies with fenugreek seeds, shikakai, lime, curd are useful treatment to dandruff.
5. Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about 5 days. in this regimen, there should be three meals a day, consisting of fresh, juicy fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, pineapple and peaches.Only unsweetened lemon or plain water, either hot or cold, should be drunk. Products made with sugar and white flour should avoided.
6. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun(until 9:00 A.M.) is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff. Simultaneously, an attempt should be made to keep the body in good health. This also helps clear dandruff.
){kind=link}