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Dandruff: There's More to Know

Dandruff: There Is More To Know About It

Dandruff is a common problem faced by men. It is rarely dangerous but can be embarrassing in public. It is a chronic condition of itching and flaking of dead skin from scalp. Since far more men suffer from dandruff then women, some researchers think male hormones play a
part in it. However, sufficient results are not available to support this idea. But there are many other causes of dandruff in men that can be easily treated.

Causes Of Dandruff

Dandruff is an overgrowth of skin cells of scalp. There are many theories regarding the factors that accelerate this cell growth in men.

1. Fungus
Scientists have discovered that dandruff occurs when a natural fungus, malassezia, present on scalp grows uncontrollably. This actually speeds up cell turnover on scalp from a month to less than two weeks. So, there is excessive shedding of dead cells, resulting in dandruff problem in men.

2. Dead Skin
Shedding of dead skin from scalp is a natural process in men. But when this takes place at an accelerated rate, it leads to dandruff.

3. Oily Scalp
The excessive secretion of oil forms a layer on the scalp. This layer dries, thickens and flakes off from the scalp in the form of dandruff.

4. Sweating
Excessive perspiration in men leads to dandruff, especially when hair is not washed often.

5. Cold Weather
Dryness of scalp due to cold weather causes it to flake and shed, leading to dandruff.

6. Nutritional Deficiency
Sometimes, deficiency of B- complex vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and other such vitamins leads to flaking from the scalp. The conditions that exacerbate the above factors are stress, diet, use of hair spray and gel by men on a daily basis and infrequent hair washing.

Treatment

Dandruff can be easily controlled and prevented from increasing. The treatment can be categorized as following:

1. External Treatment
The topical application of anti-dandruff shampoos can be helpful. The four most common types of shampoos available for men are zinc pyrithione shampoos, selenium sulfide shampoos, ketocanozole shampoo and tar-based shampoo.

2. Nutritional Treatment
Diet and nutrition play an important role in treating dandruff. You should consume food rich in B-complex vitamins like egg and cabbage. Eating a lot of fruits and juices is also beneficial. Avoid strong tea or coffee, refined food, pickles and meat. Drinking lot of water helps to hydrate your scalp skin.

3. Relaxation Treatment
Yoga and meditation ease out stress and could be beneficial in controlling dandruff. Yoga headstands improves the circulation of blood in the scalp region and prevents dandruff. Adequate sleep is also important for men.

4. Allopathic Treatment
Apart from the allopathic shampoos mentioned above, there are many tablets which can be taken. There are many anti-dandruff tonics available in the market based on glycerin. But these are to be used only after consultation with a dermatologist.

5. Natural Remedies
There are many home remedies available for curing dandruff easily. These are natural, safe, cheap and effective. For example, you can use curd, lemon, poppy seeds etc.

Tips for men

1. Keep your scalp clean.
2. Shampoo regularly.
3. Comb your hair daily.
4. Spend some time daily in sunlight.
5. Avoid chemical treatments like hair sprays, gels and pomades.
6. Eat a healthy and well balanced diet.
7. Drink lots of water.

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