Everybody knows what dandruff is. Commercials on television have made a lot of people very conscious about those snowy flakes that stand out on their black clothes and attract the attention of onlookers. Scratching one’s head publically is considered to be bad manners and is likened to such behavior in monkeys.  On the whole, this problem is as irritating and annoying as it is embarrassing. 

There are many triggers for dandruff such as cold weather, poor immunity, emotional stress, faulty eating habits, oiliness of the scalp, accumulation of toxins in the body due to constipation, and the use of shampoos, conditioners, or hair colors that contain harsh chemicals. Both bacteria as well as fungi seem to play a role in the development of dandruff. The itchiness of the scalp is only temporarily relieved by scratching, which makes the scalp feel sore and appear red.

Although there are a number of medicated shampoos available that have antidandruff ingredients like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulphide, these fail to produce long-lasting results. Hence, trying to treat the root cause of the problem makes more sense. Scalp hygiene plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. It is advisable to brush one’s hair daily to get rid of the scales. Massaging the scalp with warm castor oil an hour before washing the hair is also recommended.

Application of soaked and ground fenugreek seeds on the scalp is a natural remedy for dandruff. Similarly, applying a mixture of lemon juice and mashed Indian gooseberry every night before going to bed can help to prevent itching and flaking of the scalp. Adding diluted cider vinegar to the bathwater used for washing the scalp can help to get rid of the dandruff flakes. Dietary modifications are vital in the management of this condition. Fresh fruits, vegetable salads, and sprouts are known to reduce one’s tendency to develop dandruff. Non-vegetarian food, caffeinated beverages, and spices should be restricted.

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Tags: Bacteria, Bad manners, Caffeinated beverages, Castor oil, Cider vinegar, Cold weather, Constipation, Dandruff, Emotional stress, Faulty eating habits, Fenugreek seeds, Fresh fruits, Fungi, Indian gooseberry, Itchy scalp, Lemon juice, Monkeys, Non-vegetarian food, Poor immunity, Scratching, Selenium sulphide, Snowy flakes, Spices, Sprouts, Toxins, Vegetable salad, Zinc pyrithione

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