Why dandruff appears and how to get rid of it at home

Symptoms and types of dandruff

This pathology is difficult not to notice. Light, dry, white or grayish scales easily fall off the scalp and contaminate hair, comb, and clothes. Hair can become dull, quickly become greasy, and thin. Quite often, with dandruff, a person is bothered by itching of the scalp, but inflammatory processes, as a rule, are absent.

Against the background of hypersecretion of large sebaceous glands, of which there are quite a lot in such an area as the scalp, dandruff can become oily. The exfoliated particles of the epidermis combine into fairly large yellowish flakes. They are greasy, difficult to separate from the surface of the skin, and can form layers. Hair very quickly becomes dirty, weakens, begins to split and fall out.

Dandruff is a fairly common problem. For some people, this pathology becomes chronic, while others suffer from it only from time to time. One way or another, every person has encountered this phenomenon at least once in their life. Attempts to get rid of the problem will not be effective if you do not find the answer to the question: “What caused dandruff?”

What is dandruff?

Seborrhea, or dandruff, is a process in which there are too many exfoliated skin particles on the surface of the head. When the number of such scales exceeds the norm, “decorates” clothing and brings with it many inconveniences such as itching and redness, a serious problem arises .

IMPORTANT! Dandruff can be contagious. Therefore, you should not use other people’s combs and other scalp hygiene items.

It is impossible to get rid of dandruff just like that, especially by self-medicating.
It is important to identify the cause of the problem and, based on it, select the necessary therapy.

Fungus is the main cause of dandruff

Most people perceive the appearance of dandruff solely as a cosmetic problem. Indeed, its presence is not very aesthetically pleasing and can ruin any outfit and hairstyle. However, the occurrence of dandruff primarily signals existing disorders in the body, although it is not an independent disease. The assumption that the main culprit in the appearance of dandruff is the fungal infection Pityrosporum Ovale was put forward about a hundred years ago. Dermatologists still hold the same opinion today.

Risk factors

In addition to the reasons that provoke the appearance of dandruff, there are also certain factors whose owners become victims of peeling of the epidermis most often. These include:

mature age. Statistics show that the most common victims of dandruff are people aged 30–55 years. Such features are associated with age-related changes in the human body and decreased immunity;
oily skin. Yeast fungus feeds on the fat produced by the sebaceous glands, so in those with oily scalps it is more active;
cold season. Malassezia Furfur reproduces well in the moist environment that forms under the cap.

Causes of active fungal growth

Interestingly, the notorious microorganism is a representative of the normal human microflora and can inhabit the scalp for a long time and not cause dandruff. The problem arises when the protective properties of the skin are reduced, the composition of sebum changes and conditions are created for the uncontrolled proliferation of fungus. And this happens under the influence of a number of factors, including:

metabolic disease;
hormonal imbalance;
some diseases, and, as a result, decreased immunity;
overstrain, both physical and emotional;
poor nutrition, hypovitaminosis;
mistakes in caring for hair and scalp: use of aggressive chemicals, blow-drying, hypothermia as a result of neglecting a hat in winter;
hereditary predisposition.

Most often, it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of what causes dandruff. Any of the listed reasons, and sometimes a combination of them, can provoke its occurrence. Age is an additional factor. Children almost never experience dandruff, but in teenagers it can be a transient phenomenon. There is a certain relationship between gender and the frequency of occurrence of this pathology. Thus, dandruff appears more often in men than in women. In the autumn-winter period, the problem tends to worsen.

Reasons for appearance

Why does dandruff appear on the head ? As a rule, this is due to a whole range of reasons. Dry or oily dandruff can appear due to:

hereditary predisposition;
malfunction of the immune system;
dysfunction of the endocrine glands;
unhealthy diet;
a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
exposure to severe stress and central nervous system diseases;
hormonal imbalances;
severe vitamin deficiency;
insufficient functioning of the sebaceous glands, leading to excessive dryness of the scalp;
severe overheating or hypothermia of the scalp;
using the wrong shampoo;
allergic reaction to the material of the headgear;
violations of the rules of scalp care (as a result of frequent dyeing, blow-drying, use of hairdressing irons and curling irons);
poor hygiene of the scalp.

About the mechanism of formation of dry dandruff

The main cause of dry dandruff is the activation of the opportunistic fungus Pityrosporum Ovale. Constantly present in small quantities in the body of every healthy person and without showing itself in any way, when favorable conditions arise (severe stress, hormonal imbalances and weakened immunity), it begins to multiply rapidly, reducing the duration of the cell exfoliation process to one week. , a lot of dandruff is formed on the surface of the scalp - dry grayish particles of dead epithelium, easily separated from the head, contaminating hair and clothes.

About the reasons for the formation of oily dandruff

Oily seborrhea develops due to the increased functioning of the sebaceous glands, which produce too much sebum. Oily seborrhea is divided into liquid and thick.

The liquid form of oily seborrhea is characterized by the presence of shiny skin with gaping enlarged pores, reminiscent of an orange peel. Due to the abundant secretion of sebum, the hair (always oily) sticks together, forming untidy strands, generously strewn with a large number of yellowish skin scales tightly sitting on them. The changed chemical composition of the secretion of the sebaceous glands leads to the loss of its initially inherent sterilizing qualities. As a result, ideal conditions are created for the occurrence of pustules and inflammatory processes in the scalp.
The thick form of oily seborrhea leads to significant thickening of the skin, a decrease in its elasticity and dilation of the ducts of the sebaceous glands. When these ducts are blocked by horny plugs from particles of rejected epithelium, blackheads - comedones - are formed. The hair of a patient with a thick form of oily seborrhea is characterized by increased stiffness and coarseness.

Many experts consider the question of classifying types of dandruff to be incorrect. From their point of view, only dry seborrhea, characterized by abundant exfoliation of the epithelium, can be considered true dandruff.

Dandruff Treatment: Lifestyle Changes

To understand what causes dandruff, sometimes it is enough to analyze your own menu and daily routine. Perhaps the nutritional system should be corrected by limiting the consumption of fatty, spicy and fried foods, alcohol and sweets. It is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of foods rich in fiber, vitamins A and B, and fermented milk products. Normalization of the drinking regime is important.

The absence of physical overload, stress, sufficient time for sleep and rest will definitely have a positive impact on the condition of the body in general and the scalp in particular.

Ways to fight

There are three ways to effectively combat this annoying disease: medications, traditional medicine, and alternative methods. All of them are effective, sometimes they are combined to achieve better results.

Drug treatment

How can a man get rid of dandruff with the help of medications? A specialist may prescribe the following remedies:

shampoos (most popular);
ointments (can also be used to eliminate flaking on eyebrows and beard);
medications for oral administration (prescribed for severe fungal diseases).

Active ingredients that help fight dandruff:

ketoconazole Contained in shampoos: Dermazol (price - about 1300 rubles per 100 ml), Keto Plus (730 rubles per 150 ml), Sebozol (350 rubles per 100 ml), Nizoral (826 rubles per 120 ml). Application gives good results in the fight against Malassezia Furfur. The use of ointments is also effective: Dermazol (about 950 rubles), Nizoral (500 rubles). Long-term treatment with ketoconazole is not recommended, since the fungus may “get used” to the drug. In particularly severe cases, the doctor may prescribe the use of this active component orally;

bifonazole Contained in Bifon lotion. Its approximate cost is 955 rubles per 100 ml. In addition to the indicated active component, the drug contains panthenol, which promotes healing and regeneration of the epidermis. This anti-dandruff remedy for men is used only on the hair; it cannot be used on the face, especially around the eyes;

salicylic acid, selenium sulfide. They have anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties. They are used mainly for the treatment of oily seborrhea. The most popular product containing selenium sulfide is Sulsena. The shampoo, the cost of which varies between 270 rubles per 150 ml, is best used once a week. To treat dandruff on the beard, eyebrows, and head, you can use shampoo paste, the cost of which ranges from 80 rubles per 40 ml;

ciclopirox. Contained in Fitoval shampoo (approximately 500 rubles per 100 ml). The product has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Can be used for a long time;

zinc pyrithione. Used to treat dry dandruff. The most famous drug containing this component is Friederm zinc (620 rubles per 150 ml);

medical tar. Exfoliates well and relieves irritation. Ineffective against fungus. It is recommended to use in combination with antifungal drugs.

Preparations based on several active ingredients also work well. These include the popular anti-dandruff product for men Ducrae Quelual DS (zinc pyrithione, keluamide, ciclopiroxolamine). The composition has antifungal and exfoliating properties.

Relieves redness and itching.

It is produced in the form of shampoo, costing about 900 rubles per 100 ml, and also in the form of keratoreditor cream, which is especially effective for the treatment of seborrhea on the face.

The price of the cream ranges from 1 thousand rubles per 40 ml. Ducrae Quelual DS not only treats, but also prevents the recurrence of the disease. Used for severe forms of seborrhea.

Important! Anti-dandruff shampoos should not be used daily.

Traditional methods

Treatment with folk remedies helps with non-advanced forms of seborrhea and if dandruff is not a consequence of any serious disease. Sometimes it is combined with the use of medications. The advantage of home remedies is that all the ingredients are natural, without preservatives, fragrances or other impurities. But the effect will not be noticeable immediately (after several weeks or even months), so you will have to be patient.

What to use:

rinsing hair with vinegar solution after each wash. It’s easy to do: add 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water. spoon of apple cider vinegar. These manipulations help restore natural metabolism in the skin and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
Combine 10 – 15 drops of juniper tincture with 1 tablespoon of shampoo and wash your hair. Juniper is an antiseptic and promotes the healing of wounds and cracks;
if you need to relieve itching, then add 10–15 drops of geranium tincture to 1 teaspoon of shampoo and wash your hair;
rub nettle infusion into the skin after washing;
make a mask, for the preparation of which you mix: the juice of 1 lemon, a tablespoon of castor oil (or burdock oil), 1 egg yolk. Leave on your head for half an hour, rinse with shampoo. By using this remedy regularly for three months, you can completely recover from dandruff;
rub a decoction of onion peels and oak bark into your head (take in equal proportions, add water until it covers all components, cook for 30 minutes). You need to keep the composition on your head for an hour, wrapped in a towel. Many note that recovery occurs within 30 days of using the product. Product with onion skins dyes hair dark;
Each time, rub a decoction of burdock roots into freshly washed hair (2 tablespoons per glass of water. Boil for 20 minutes. Use immediately after cooling). The product is effective. Eliminates the appearance of white “flakes” in 2 – 3 months;
Apply sea buckthorn ointment into the scalp with massage movements. After wrapping your head for 50 minutes, rinse with water and lemon juice. The oil is made by mixing a glass of pureed sea buckthorn berries with 50 ml of olive oil;
use a garlic mask. To do this, just rub a paste of freshly grated garlic into the skin and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with water and shampoo, applied twice. The same mask can be prepared from onions. The application is the same. It is better to use such a mask when you do not plan to leave the house for the next day or two. Garlic leaves a characteristic smell on the hair. And after the mask you will need to wash your hair the next day.
rub a paste of oatmeal, brewed with any herbal decoction, into the scalp. Cover with plastic and wrap with a towel. Leave for about half an hour, rinse off. Apply twice a week. Reviews indicate that using this product you can get rid of peeling in a month.

Advice. Whatever folk remedies you use, the effect should be within three months. If after this period the situation has not changed, consult a doctor.

Treatment of dandruff on the face. When choosing a folk remedy for peeling on the face, you need to treat the areas carefully and approach treatment comprehensively:

periodically wipe the affected areas with tea tree oil, which has bactericidal and antimycotic (antifungal) properties;
daily lubricate the eyebrow area with a mixture of 10 g of linseed, 5 g of castor and a couple of drops of camphor oils with 5 grams of petroleum jelly;
treat the skin with baby cream, avoiding drying out.

If you are worried about dandruff on your beard, it is better to shave it off. This will increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Alternative Treatment

Cryomassage

Prescribed to strengthen local immunity. The essence of the procedure is the effect of liquid nitrogen on problem areas, as a result of which the blood vessels are strengthened, their microcirculation is improved, and itching is reduced.

Darsonvalization

The procedure activates lymph and blood flow, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, normalizes the functioning of the skin glands, and prevents peeling. Belongs to the category of obsolete. During the procedure, the epidermis of the head is exposed to low-charge electrical voltage, which is transmitted to problem areas in the form of high-frequency pulses. During darsonvalization, impulses affect superficial tissues.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

A more modern way of influencing the human body through electrical impulses. Unlike darsonvalization, during TENS, impulses pass through reflexogenic zones, which helps restore hormonal levels and improve blood circulation. TENS exhibits antiallergic, immunomodulating and anti-stress properties.

Mesotherapy

Treatment is carried out by injecting nutrients with nutrients. Prescribed for seborrheic prolapse. Returns the epidermis to its normal state. The nutrition of the hair follicles improves, the hair becomes thicker.

Ozone therapy

During the procedure, the skin is saturated with ozone, as a result of which the skin is filled with oxygen, toxins are removed from the body, and the fungus is destroyed. Ozone can be administered either by injection or intravenously, or the entire head of hair is treated with a special ozone-containing composition.

MIL (magnetic-infrared-laser) therapy

Designed to activate the synthesis of protein compounds in the epidermis, normalize vascular microcirculation processes, increase the activity of hair follicles and stimulate local immunity. It is a complex therapy of exposure to pulses of infrared and laser radiation, as well as a magnetic field.

Vitamin therapy

It is a course of taking vitamins of the group: D, B1, B12, B6, A, C, E. Prescribed for vitamin deficiency.

Proper care of the scalp and hair

If dandruff appears, it is worth excluding aggressive hairdressing procedures at least for the duration of treatment: coloring, perming, blow-drying, using hairspray and hair gel. You can temporarily replace chemical hair dyes with natural ones: henna and basma, walnut shells. If desired, you can use natural styling products based on flax seeds, gelatin, egg whites, and sugar.

Special attention should be paid to the issue of hygiene. It is recommended to use natural wood combs and regularly replace them with new ones.

How does it manifest in men?

Depending on the type of seborrhea, dandruff can manifest itself in different ways:

dry. The surface layer of the skin is overdried, itching appears, and dandruff noticeably crumbles. The skin becomes sensitive and easily irritated. It can appear both in the occipital area and throughout the head. In particularly severe cases, crusts form, hair becomes thinner, and wounds may appear;
fat. Appears in those with oily skin. In this case, the dandruff may not fall off, it sticks to the hairs, and itching is not always encountered. If the disease is not treated, it threatens with baldness and inflammation of the epidermis;
mixed. Occurs in those with mixed skin. Maybe, for example, the scalp is oily, but the dandruff on the beard and eyebrows is dry.

If any of these types of dandruff is not treated, this threatens the development of a consequential disease - seborrheic alopecia (baldness). Therefore, you should not perceive skin peeling as a cosmetic defect, but be sure to consult a specialist (trichologist, dermatologist, and in some cases, a gastroenterologist). This will help establish the correct diagnosis, exclude other diseases and begin the correct treatment.

Anti-dandruff products

It is logical that the easiest way to ensure a direct effect on the hair and scalp is with the help of shampoos, masks and lotions. It is not so important what causes dandruff: effective products should always contain an antifungal component. Even if the fungus is not the root cause of dandruff, most often it joins the complex of problems later. In addition, it is good if the product has regenerating and bactericidal properties, and also regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. In this case, the impact will be complex.

Any cosmetic store has a wide selection of anti-dandruff shampoos. Consumer reviews about them are different: for some, such products helped get rid of the problem once and for all, while others were left disappointed. But, as practice shows, special medical dermatological shampoos are more effective. And the composition of such products, which can be purchased exclusively at the pharmacy, is much more natural.

Treatment

So, the patient was sadly convinced that he had dandruff. How to get rid of this unpleasant disease? First of all, it is necessary to find out the exact reason for its appearance. To do this, you should contact qualified specialists: a trichologist or a dermatologist. They are the ones who can determine the cause of seborrheic dermatitis, the degree of its severity and choose the only correct treatment tactics for each individual patient.

Sometimes this requires consultation with a number of specialists.

If there is a suspicion that the cause of seborrhea is a hormonal imbalance, the patient is referred to an endocrinologist. In this case, women should definitely visit a gynecologist. After a laboratory blood test (for hormones), the patient is prescribed medications that normalize hormonal levels.
If the appearance of dandruff is provoked by emotional stress or nervous stress, the patient should visit a neurologist. He will select a drug that will help cope with this condition.
To confirm or exclude the immune nature of the disease, as well as the influence of dysbiosis and a number of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, the patient is referred to an immunologist and gastroenterologist.

Having eliminated the main cause of the disease, they begin to treat the external manifestations of seborrhea. How to cure dandruff on the head ?

To wash away sebaceous secretions, the patient is prescribed antifungal medicinal emulsions and shampoos.
To treat external manifestations of seborrhea, it is necessary to use special sebum-regulating masks containing a number of medications: antimicrobial (zinc pyrithioneate), antifungal (bifonazole, ketoconazole), exfoliating, cytostatic (reducing the rate of cell division), keratolytic (removing desquamated epidermis) and herbal extracts (relieving irritation). The exposure time for masks containing at least two components from this list is from twenty minutes to half an hour.
What if the patient has dandruff complicated by an infection? How to deal with it? It is treated with antibacterial drugs containing zinc.
Lotions containing salicylic acid have an excellent exfoliating effect.
To stimulate the immune system, the doctor will prescribe multivitamins and drugs that normalize intestinal microflora (hilak forte, lactofiltrum).
To improve local blood circulation, biogenic stimulants (therapeutic mud, propolis, mumiyo, placenta extract) can be prescribed.
Taking brewer's yeast, rich in B vitamins, is extremely beneficial.
During the treatment of seborrhea, it is necessary to refrain from any hairdressing manipulations associated with hair coloring or lamination.

Active ingredients in anti-dandruff products

Most often, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium disulfide, ciclopirox, bifonazole, climbazole act as antifungal components in anti-dandruff products. Tar, sulfur, and salicylic acid have a pronounced exfoliating effect. These substances cleanse the scalp well of skin flakes. Octopyrox, tar, ichthyol slow down the accelerated vital activity of cells. Most of the listed components have an anti-inflammatory effect and normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands. It is better when the drug contains not one, but several active ingredients, and in addition they contain natural additives: herbal extracts (nettle, burdock, chamomile) and essential oils (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus). Sometimes such ingredients alone can combat itching and dandruff.

Traditional methods of treatment

Herbal medicine is a good aid for getting rid of dandruff. This method is time-tested and has proven itself on the positive side.

For example, for oily seborrhea, essential and natural oils work well in masks and as additional components to care products.

Rinsing your hair with a variety of herbal decoctions also helps get rid of the effects of seborrhea. Herbs such as chamomile, St. John's wort, nettle, calendula and others work best.

Sea salt and apple cider vinegar as components of masks help exfoliate the skin, destroy fungus and its manifestations . But the main thing here is not to harm yourself, so the holding time on the hair must be strictly observed.

Features of the use of medicated anti-dandruff shampoos

All the nuances of using this or that anti-dandruff product are indicated in the attached instructions. There are also some general points. As a rule, in order for the active substance in the shampoo to be as effective as possible, it is recommended to leave it on the scalp for some time, while doing a light massage. Medicinal hair washes most often have almost no foam. This indicates their beneficial composition.

Anti-dandruff shampoos should be used at least twice a week in the first month of use, and then, for prevention, twice a month. You can alternate the pharmaceutical product with a suitable shampoo from the cosmetic series.

There are many medicinal dermatological shampoos for different tastes and budgets: Nizoral, Friederm, Fitoval, Sebazol, Dermazol, Keto Plus, Sulsena, Sebiprox, Vichy. Well, there are cosmetic ones in almost every line of shampoos of most brands known to the mass buyer. If dandruff appears, its causes and treatment are an individual question. If it is not possible to consult with a trichologist, choosing a medicinal shampoo will have to be done by trial and error.

Signs

The symptoms of seborrhea are pronounced; it is simply impossible not to notice the manifestations of this disease. Women are especially attentive to their hair, and the appearance of dandruff becomes a real tragedy for women.

Symptoms:

Decreased elasticity of the scalp;
Change in skin color;
Hair becomes coarse;
Enlargement of pores at the site of the lesion;
Due to the large amount of sebum secreted, the hair quickly becomes oily;
Covering the entire scalp with keratinized skin scales of different shapes and colors;
Increased sensitivity of the scalp;
Itching;
Sometimes the formation of abscesses.

Dandruff can appear anywhere where there are a large number of sebaceous glands, such as the head, back, chest, and face. Seborrhea appears in all areas with increased oily skin, noticeable open pores, but keratinized scales are observed in almost all cases on the head.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers many recipes for those who are faced with such a nuisance as dandruff. What should people do if they are disappointed with pharmaceutical drugs or fear side effects? Choose a recipe option you like and try it, fortunately there are many of them, and they are distinguished by their simplicity and accessibility.

Herbal medicine suggests using decoctions and infusions of herbs: burdock root, nettle, tansy, chamomile, calendula, coltsfoot, oak bark. You can either rinse your hair after washing or rub it into the scalp.

Oil masks are often offered as effective folk remedies for dandruff. Olive or castor oil can be used alone, or in combination with lemon juice. Of course, after half an hour of exposure to such a mask, the hair must be washed with shampoo.

Another interesting recipe: take a chicken egg, add a tablespoon of vodka and kefir and rub into the scalp. After half an hour, wash off. You can combine an egg with natural honey.

It is worth trying to exfoliate the scalp with fine table salt before washing. It is claimed that this is one of the most effective methods of getting rid of dandruff. But you should be careful with salt if there are areas of inflammation on the scalp.

So, we must remember that such a seemingly harmless problem as dandruff should not be ignored, if only because behind it there is a certain disorder in the body. Neglected dandruff not only spoils the appearance, but can also lead to more serious consequences, including baldness.

Physiotherapy

It is useful not only to relieve symptoms and treat the body from the inside, but also to undergo some procedures.

For example, ozone therapy dries the skin, which is useful for oily seborrhea.
Laser therapy helps improve blood circulation and destroys fungus.
And mesotherapy can even improve immunity.

So, if the doctor has prescribed you to attend these procedures, you should listen to his opinion and go through them completely. They will not only relieve dandruff problems, but also improve the overall condition of the scalp and hair.

Darsonval for dandruff

This method provides high-quality and long-lasting results in the fight against dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Darsonvalization improves the metabolism of epidermal cells and restores the acid-base balance. As a result of this effect, the skin becomes less irritated, peeling and itching disappear.

The special electrode attachment has the shape of a comb for combing. It affects the skin while smoothly passing it over the head. To make the result more noticeable, specialists apply cocktails with medicinal components (with antifungal, healing, nutritional effects) to patients’ heads.

The duration of the procedure is 5–15 minutes. The course includes daily use of darsonval for 10–25 days. Sessions can be held once every 2 days.

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Antifungal creams

Ketoconazole

The ointment is a non-hormonal antifungal substance. The active ingredient is ketoconazole, which fights many types of fungi. Apply daily to the scalp after washing your hair. The course of treatment is 1.5 months . Used for dandruff without skin lesions.

Miconazole

The active ingredient is miconazole. It is an antiseptic and fights microorganisms and fungi. The composition is designed for any type of dandruff. The cream quickly relieves itching, irritation and flaking. Use 2 times a day (morning and evening) as recommended by a doctor (at least a month).

Boundary of Worlds

The human skin is the largest organ, with an area of 1.5 to 2.5 m2, which protects our internal contents from the aggressive influence of the external environment. In addition to the barrier function, it performs the following tasks:

participates in the breathing process;
plays a protective role;
responsible for transmitting tactile sensations;
partially removes metabolic products;
carries out thermoregulation;
synthesizes vitamin D and some hormones;
due to the high content of blood vessels, it functions as a blood depot on the periphery;
regulates water-salt balance due to sweating.

Thus, we see that the skin is a complex multifunctional structure, which in one way or another participates in many vital processes and is daily at risk of damage from the bad influence of the environment.

Prevention

To prevent the formation of flaky areas, you should follow simple rules:

eat right (do not overeat, eat less sweets, fatty foods, fried foods, etc.);
get rid of bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol);
do not use a hair dryer. Hot air dries out the epidermis;
wash your comb periodically. If it is wooden, change it every six months;
Those with a beard should apply conditioner to it during the cold season. This will maintain the water balance on the beard-covered skin and prevent flaking;
To keep the skin under your beard soft and well-groomed, you should include the use of oils in your daily care: coconut, argan, jojoba, and grape seed. You need to apply it to your beard and mustache, first rubbing it between your fingers. Quantity - the size of a pea;
the beard and hair must be kept clean and promptly cleaned from dust, dirt, etc.;
Don't wash your beard and hair very often. Constant dryness of the skin can also cause dandruff;
periodically comb your beard to untangle hairs and remove dead skin particles;
Wash your hair with warm, soft water, avoiding high temperatures.

Despite the fact that dandruff is a widespread phenomenon, it is necessary to fight it and any type of treatment gives good results. But to choose the right direction, you need to contact a specialist to diagnose the cause of excessive fungal activity. It is also necessary to monitor your diet, select high-quality skincare products and give up bad habits.

It has been proven that people who lead a healthy lifestyle suffer from dandruff much less often. This means that the disease can be completely overcome if you eliminate its true cause and monitor the health of your body as a whole.

Complex treatment

Treatment of seborrhea (dandruff) includes a whole range of measures. It is not enough to solve the problem with the external manifestations of the disease; it is important to cure the cause of the disease .

A dermatologist, after conducting an examination and establishing an accurate diagnosis, will prescribe treatment.

Tablet antifungal medications.
Antihistamines .
Topical products ( shampoos, lotions ).
Preparations for stabilizing hormones.
Immunomodulators (dietary supplements, vitamin complexes).
Physiotherapy:
electroporation;
magnetic therapy;
darsonvalization;
cryo massage.

If dandruff is a result of cosmetic errors, they must be eliminated. Otherwise, the treatment will not work.

Why dandruff appeared on the head - I understand the reasons

Before treating and eliminating a problem, it is necessary to understand why it occurs.

Uninvited dandruff may appear due to internal disorders of the body:

Hormonal imbalance.
Improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Stress, emotional distress, nervous tension.
Metabolic disorders.
Past infectious disease.
Weakened immunity.

Due to external influences, scalp cells can also die profusely.

External reasons are:

Insufficient care.
Over-drying the skin and hair with a hairdryer or iron.
Use of chemicals - gel, varnish, paints.
Violation of personal hygiene and use of a comb by a person who has this disease.

There are other reasons for the appearance of the disease - mental, spiritual . If you are angry at the world around you, or you are not satisfied with your situation, you want to change the people around you and you think that they do not listen to you, do not understand, then you probably have this problem.

Drugs used to normalize lipolysis processes

Methionine – normalizes the synthesis of phospholipids from fats.
Riboflavin – participates in fat metabolism, normalizes redox processes.

General restorative therapy

Dandruff often accompanies immunodeficiency conditions, hypovitaminosis, and dysbacteriosis. Therefore, in the treatment complex, vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed (see synthetic vitamins - harm or benefit), immunomodulators (see what immunity is and drugs to increase it) and probiotics: Linex (see list of probiotics).

Lifestyle, nutrition

As in the fight against any other disease, nutrition, emotional and physical well-being play an important, if not the main role in the fight against dandruff. Nutrition should be complete in terms of vitamin, mineral and protein composition, but the fat and carbohydrate portion should be limited. You should enrich your diet with herbs, vegetables and fruits, and seafood.

Normalizing the emotional state is sometimes key in the treatment of dandruff. If it is difficult to cope with traumatic situations on your own, you should consult a psychotherapist. It is possible to use mild sedatives, for example, Persen (see sedatives for adults).

Onion for flaking scalp

Onions have been used for dandruff and seborrhea for a long time. A mask made from it saturates the hair follicles with minerals, nutrients and vitamins.

For the onion mask you need to take 2 tbsp. onion ground through a meat grinder and add 1 tsp. alcohol The resulting pulp must be rubbed into the roots of the hair, covered with film and a towel. After an hour, the mixture is washed off.

Effective anti-dandruff products

Shampoos

Nizoral (ketoconazole);
Seborine (salicylic acid, caffeine);
Tervapuun Tuoksu (tar);
911 Tar;
Ketoconazole (ketoconazole);
Stopproblem (salicylic acid);
Sebozole (ketoconazole);
Sulsena (selenium disulfide);
Vichy Dercos (selenium disulfide);
Dermazole (ketoconazole);
Keto Plus (ketoconazole);
Klorane (salicylic acid);
Fitoval (zinc pyrithione);
Freederm (zinc or tar);
Biorga Squaphane S (salicylic acid, resorcinol, climbazole, miconazole);
Algopix (salicylic acid, tar);
Kelual DS (keluamide, zinc pyrithione, ciclopiroxolamine);
Zincon (zinc);
Elfa (ketoconazole, zinc);
Psoril (zinc, biotin, panthenol);
Compliment Zinc+ (zinc, salicylic acid, ketoconazole);
Jason Dandruff Relief (salicylic and folic acid, sulfur).

Lotions

Fitoval (ichthyol);
Subrina (octopirox, tea tree oil);
Ducray Squanorm (zinc sulfate, queluamide);
Belita (tar, zinc);
Vitex (salicylic acid, zinc);
ExpertPharma from Faberlic (climasol, panthenol, inulin);
Bifon (citric acid, bifonazole, menthol);
Belosalic (salicylic acid, glucocorticosteroid);
Yves Rocher (pomegranate extract);
Nature Siberica (salicylic acid, zinc).

Treatment of dandruff caused by dry scalp

Most often, increased dry skin is caused by dehydration, cold weather, dry air in the environment and using a hot hair dryer. Folk remedies for dandruff caused by dry skin include masks for temporary relief and a special diet that will help permanently cure dandruff on the head.

Prepare moisturizing anti-dandruff masks at home:

Coconut oil and lemon juice

The powerful moisturizing properties of coconut oil help relieve dry skin and an itchy scalp. Lemon has antimicrobial and exfoliating properties. Here is the recipe for preparing and using a coconut-lemon anti-dandruff mask:

Mix 5 tbsp. l. coconut oil and 1 tsp. lemon juice;
Apply the mixture to the scalp and leave for 30 minutes;
Rinse your hair using a mild shampoo;
Repeat the process 2 times a week.

Please note that due to the lemon content, this mask should not be used on cuts, wounds or ulcers on the head.

Honey mask against dandruff

Honey has antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, the moisturizing properties of honey help retain moisture in the cells and thereby provide relief from dryness and itching.

Depending on the consistency, take enough honey into your palm to cover your entire head;
Apply honey to scalp and massage gently for 5 minutes;
Leave the mask to act for 30 minutes;
Rinse your hair with shampoo and warm water;
Repeat the process regularly until you achieve results.

Olive oil for dandruff at home

Olive oil effectively moisturizes and nourishes the scalp, helping it become healthy again.

Warm the required amount of olive oil slightly;
Apply it with massage movements to the scalp and hair itself;
Put on a shower cap and leave the oil on overnight;
In the morning, wash your hair with shampoo and warm water;
Use the product regularly until dandruff is completely eliminated.

Effective treatment of dandruff with folk remedies for dry skin

To cure dry skin and get rid of dandruff on your scalp for good, introduce the following elements into your diet:

Vitamin B-12. It is commonly found in poultry, dairy products and fish. You can also buy special vitamin supplements at the pharmacy. The daily requirement for vitamin B-12 is 500 mcg.
Omega fatty acids. Fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6, are very important for maintaining healthy skin and the entire body. Foods rich in these acids include: sea fish (cod, salmon, perch, sardines), liver, yeast, whole grains and eggs. The daily dose of omega fatty acids is 1000-2000 mg. Use as a pharmaceutical supplement after meals.
Water. To combat skin dehydration, make sure you drink 4-5 liters of fluid per day. This can be not only pure water, but also herbal teas, homemade juices and lemonades.

Types of seborrhea and their symptoms

Infectious types of seborrhea that are transmitted from person to person include the following.

Dry seborrhea. Dry dandruff appears (usually large), there is constant itching and inflammation of the skin in places where dandruff accumulates, and the hair is brittle and dry. The color of dandruff is usually white, and if the skin is severely inflamed, it is red, or rather reddish.
Oily seborrhea. The hair becomes greasy, quickly becomes dirty, can stick together into separate strands, greasy yellowish-white dandruff appears, which is difficult to remove from the skin and is difficult to comb out. In the liquid form of oily seborrhea, acne and boils can form on the skin, in the thick form - atheromas, which can fester and other large purulent formations. If the symptoms are not eliminated, seborrheic dermatitis develops, which leads to hair loss. The color of dandruff with seborrheic dermatitis is yellow.
Mixed seborrhea. Symptoms of both types of seborrhea appear, but in different places. So, if dry dandruff forms on the head, oily scaly formations may appear on the face, covering the areas around the nose, ears, forehead, and cheekbones.(1)

Among the non-infectious seborrheic disorders, tubular seborrhea stands out, when white dandruff forms directly on the hair. Tube dandruff is small, and the skin itches and turns red when combed. In most cases, tubular seborrhea is a concomitant phenomenon with hormonal changes and most often occurs in adolescents during puberty.

Brown or black dandruff may also be observed. This is what acne peels and scales with dried blood look like, and treatment in this case is also necessary. Now about what helps best against dandruff.

Treatment options

To combat dandruff as effectively as possible, you first need to find out the cause of its occurrence, and only then select adequate means to combat it. They usually include topical medications:

medicated anti-dandruff shampoos;
drugs to normalize lipolysis processes;
special masks, balms, talkers.

An alternative way to combat dandruff is folk remedies - herbal decoctions and homemade masks. For example, masks based on nettle, calendula, and other herbs have good effectiveness. In most cases, to care for the scalp, it is enough to use decoctions, which can be prepared from pharmacy preparations.

In addition to these remedies, the patient may also be advised to adjust their lifestyle: get rid of stress, change skincare products, quit smoking or change their diet. In any case, all these actions will be aimed at normalizing the cell renewal processes of the scalp. In addition, the doctor may also recommend temporarily abandoning stressful procedures for the scalp such as perming, dyeing, and hair bleaching.

If dandruff in your case accompanies seborrhea, hair loss, or other severe accompanying symptoms, you should consult a dermatologist. It is possible that the appearance of white scales is the result of serious general diseases or dermatological pathology. In such cases, only he can prescribe adequate treatment and help you avoid baldness. Independent attempts to remove dandruff in complex skin diseases may not produce any effect, so it is advisable to abandon them.

Dandruff symptoms

visible white flakes of exfoliated skin on hair, shoulders, clothing, headdress, comb;
dry skin, but oily skin can also have dandruff, since both conditions are variations of metabolic disorders;
itching of the scalp;
irritation of affected skin;
dullness and fragility of hair;
with progression or long-term course: enlargement of scales, reddish spots and yellowish crusts on the skin.

general description

Most dandruff appears on the scalp, which is covered with abundant hair. In certain cases, it is quite difficult to cure it completely, and, nevertheless, most often this phenomenon is subject to some control through appropriate measures. For example, mild forms of dandruff necessitate thorough washing of the hair, which must be done daily and using a non-aggressive and mild shampoo. If dandruff manifests itself in a more persistent form, then shampoos with a medicinal effect specially designed to combat it are used.

What does dandruff look like? This question, probably, is not a question for many readers, because both advertising and the prevalence of this phenomenon - all this gives a general idea of dandruff and its type. However, we will define what exactly dandruff is, and it consists of yellow-white scales. In addition to the already noted itching, this phenomenon is also accompanied by the appearance of hair dullness and fragility. The hair also becomes shiny and oily. Such a phenomenon as dandruff can act as a result of a number of diseases, namely seborrhea, fungal skin lesions, psoriasis. Dandruff can be triggered by nervous tension or a deficiency of certain vitamins (groups A, B).

Additional factors that provoke the appearance of dandruff are improper hair care, certain types of gastrointestinal disorders, and certain types of diseases. It is dandruff that acts as a common cause of hair loss, which is why, accordingly, upon any consideration, it becomes a serious cosmetic defect in terms of its own effects.

Method number 1. Antifungal shampoos

It is known that dandruff appears due to disruption of the sebaceous glands, which can produce both insufficient and excessive amounts of secretion. In the first case, dry dandruff appears, in the second - oily. But excess sebum is not enough for dandruff to appear: flakes are formed as a result of the proliferation of the Malassezia fungus, which also lives on healthy skin, however, with an increase in the secretion of the sebaceous glands, an increase in Malassezia colonies is observed, which leads to the formation of dandruff. With insufficient sebum production, the epidermis becomes inflamed, and the fungus also begins to multiply, resulting in dandruff. Itching is a reaction to chemically active waste products of the fungus. Antifungal shampoo helps remove excess fungus, returning the amount of sebum to its normal value of 46%. (2). This shampoo contains ketoconazole, a drug that has a strong antimycotic effect, which has been proven by clinical studies of the effectiveness of ketoconazole. (3)

High-tech assistance

Advanced physiotherapeutic techniques have proven themselves as methods that speed up the healing process:

1. Cryomassage. Carried out using liquid nitrogen, it improves blood circulation in the upper layers of the skin, strengthens the immune system, and normalizes metabolic processes in tissues.

2. Darsonval. Local exposure to high-frequency currents of low strength. Relevant in the early stages of the seborrheic process, helps remove excess fat and prolong the life cycle of keratinocytes. The effect is achieved with regular use at the frequency prescribed by the doctor.

3. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). It acts transcutaneously on the hair follicles with a weak electrical impulse, which helps restore the hormonal function of the dermis and the delivery of nutrients directly to the hair root.

4. Ozone therapy. Aimed at normalizing the respiratory function of the scalp, which is extremely important when there is a high degree of sebum blockage.

5. Mesotherapy of the scalp. Introduction of therapeutic components (they are compiled individually for the patient) into the middle layers of the skin through injections, fractional traumatization, and hardware methods. Aimed at restoring the skin from the inside, in the layers where young cells are formed.

6. MIL therapy. An innovative technique based on the combined effect on problem areas of the scalp using three physical phenomena: a constant magnetic field, a laser pulse and infrared waves. This method activates regeneration processes in tissues, and also eliminates the side effects of inflammation: itching, swelling, hyperemia and restores immunity.

The choice of additional physiotherapeutic options is made by the attending trichologist based on the appropriateness of application to each specific case.

Contraindications

Anti-dandruff shampoos have one limitation in use: the composition must match the type of skin and dandruff . Pharmacy ointments and tablets have a high concentration of active ingredients, so their use is associated with a number of contraindications.

Before use, you must ensure that there is no:

Allergic reactions or individual intolerance to components;
Indications of undesirability for use in case of skin dermatitis, eczema or irritation (with wounds);
Increased skin sensitivity .

In some cases, drugs are prohibited for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Particular attention is paid to taking pills . Antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids containing hormones have a wider list of contraindications. Among them are kidney and liver failure, heart and respiratory diseases.

Prevention of dandruff on the head - advice from a trichologist

Having eliminated the problem, I decided to change my lifestyle a little and follow the doctor’s advice.

The trichologist's recommendations helped me prevent the development of the disease:

I used all the products that were selected for my hair type.
I gave up too fatty and spicy foods.
I started taking a complex of vitamins.
I drank clean, filtered, still water.
I tried not to be nervous.
I didn’t wear other people’s hats.

So, I have listed for you the best remedies that will eliminate dandruff in the shortest possible time. Remember that dandruff doesn't just appear.

In addition to eliminating it, check the condition of your body with a qualified specialist, identify possible disorders and cure them. Then you will never have white “snowflakes” on your head.

Home methods to get rid of the problem

Below we will describe how to overcome dandruff using traditional medicine.

Burdock root . 15 g of dry plant powder is poured into 250 ml of boiling water and boiled in a water bath for another 15-20 minutes strictly over low heat. After this, the resulting decoction must be filtered through a clean cloth and rubbed into the skin 30-40 minutes before the main shampoo.

The product should be used 2-4 times a week for 3 months . After this, give your hair and skin a rest, repeat everything no earlier than after 8 weeks. For prevention, using the decoction once a week is enough.

Medicinal yarrow . 60 g of dry crushed plant is poured with water polishes and boiled after boiling for 5-7 minutes over low heat. Afterwards, the broth must be removed from the heat and left covered for 30-40 minutes.

The expressed liquid is rubbed into the head after washing the hair 2-3 times a week until the dandruff completely disappears.

Lemon juice . 45 ml of pure and fresh lemon juice is mixed with 100 g of quality vodka. The resulting liquid is infused in the refrigerator for a week, after which it is used 1-3 times a week in the treatment of oily type of dandruff .

Apply the lemon-vodka mixture only to the root zone. The course of therapy is 3-4 weeks. It is important to know that lemon and vodka greatly whiten hair.

Before using any folk remedy, you should check yourself for individual intolerance to the medicinal plant.

Find out more about the use of various folk remedies for dandruff:

salt, soda, eggs, apple cider vinegar, aspirin, laundry and tar soap;
masks : with egg, for itching and hair loss, for oily hair;
essential oils : castor, burdock, tea tree;
herbs : nettle and celandine.

Mystery cereal

Natural renewal of dermal cells occurs every 3-4 weeks, gradually and imperceptibly, which should not cause inconvenience or concern. Under normal conditions, unwanted particles are disposed of with sufficient hygiene and also from friction with clothing. When any dermal function is disrupted, the life cycle of cells - keratinocytes - is shortened, and their death becomes widespread.

It is the huge number of old, dead cytological dermal units that reveal their presence as a “snow cover” on the head. This phenomenon has the scientific name “desquamation” - peeling, and the disease itself is usually called desquamative dermatitis. Since the hair follicle is surrounded by a large number of sebaceous gland ducts, dandruff is localized on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes and pubic area.

By cutting off the supply of oxygen to new cells, the products of increased rejection provoke the rapid death of new keratinocytes and damage the natural functions of the dermis. For example, due to increased sebum secretion, immune function is disrupted, and bacteria and fungi settle in excess skin excretion. Desquamative dermatitis has a sharply negative effect on the normal functionality of the skin and, without proper treatment, can disrupt its well-coordinated work.

In medical science, it is also generally accepted that dandruff is a consequence of such a complex disease as seborrhea. This term is synonymous with the manifestation of symptoms on the head, but in fact seborrhea can appear on any part of the body. In other words, seborrhea on the head and desquamative dermatitis can conditionally be considered a type of the same disease.

In this regard, the classification of types of dandruff is based on the general typology of seborrhea:

1. Dry peeling. It is characterized by the presence of small, numerous scales, accompanied by itching and shedding from the head. They are white in color and resemble snow.

2. Bold form. Dead cells form layers bound by sebum. They are capable of sticking strands of hair together, look untidy, have a yellowish or gray color, and often lead to the growth of pathogenic flora underneath them and infection of the newly formed dermal layer.

3. Mixed type. A special category of illness that manifests itself in different areas of the body through manifestations of symptoms of the previous types.

Any form of this disease necessarily requires careful treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

How to get rid of dandruff caused by fungus or oily skin

In both of these cases, the main causes of dandruff are excess oils and excessive shedding of dead skin cells. In this case, the flakes look quite large and can be yellow or white. Treatment of such dandruff at home includes folk remedies for external use and changes in diet.

Folk remedies for dandruff and oily skin:

Baking soda

This remedy is very effective in treating dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis. Baking soda balances the pH level of the scalp and creates an unfavorable environment for fungus to grow. How to use:

Mix 2 tbsp. l. baking soda and water;
Wet your hair and scalp;
Gently rub the mixture onto your skin to remove dead cells and oil;
After a few minutes of massage, leave the mask on for 5 minutes;
Rinse your head and hair with water (without shampoo, so as not to cause a reaction);
Repeat the process regularly.

Salt to fight dandruff at home

Salt, as an exfoliant, helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the scalp.

Take 3-4 tablespoons of salt;
Lightly moisten your scalp and massage it gently with salt;
After a few minutes of massage, rinse your hair with water;
Repeat regularly.

Curd hair mask for dandruff

Cottage cheese is rich in protein, lactic acid and vitamin B5, which help moisturize the skin and hair. It also has antifungal properties and relieves itching.

Place enough sour curd in a bowl (you can add pepper powder, lemon juice or aloe vera to it for more effect);
Gently apply it to the scalp with massage movements and distribute along the hair;
Leave the mask on for 30 minutes;
Rinse your hair with shampoo and water. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Aloe Vera against dandruff

The soothing and moisturizing properties of aloe vera relieve itching, dryness and other symptoms of dandruff. In addition, it has antifungal properties and is extremely effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis as well as dandruff in children.

Apply aloe vera leaf gel to your scalp and along your hair;
Leave it for a few minutes;
Wash off with mild shampoo and warm water.

How to quickly and effectively get rid of dandruff and oily skin

For faster and longer-term relief from dandruff, add the following elements and vitamins to your diet:

Zinc. The daily dose of zinc includes 30 mg per day. You can buy it at the pharmacy and take it after meals, or start eating more spinach, seafood, legumes, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, beef liver and other foods rich in zinc.
Vitamin B6. You'll find it in fish, meat, legumes and starchy vegetables. The daily dose of vitamin B6 is 25 mg. Since this vitamin is quickly washed out of the body, its frequent use is not dangerous to our health.
Probiotics. These “good” bacteria reduce yeast levels in the body and reduce inflammation. Increasing your intake of probiotics will help you improve your gut microflora and get rid of dandruff at home. Probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.