Thursday, January 29, 2009

Understanding What Causes Dandruff

By Jille Kelly

Dandruff is such a common condition for many around the world. Most individuals experience it as a result of having hair scalp that is itchy. Other unique health states might lead to one falling foul of it, such as eczema, which presents various possible diagnoses.

There are therefore many types of treatment methods which one might have to try before finding a final solution. Before attempting that, it is a must to first discover what is the exact cause for the specific dandruff ailment bothering you.

Having an itchy scalp is the number one reason why many people have dandruff. Unfortunately, this in itself can be caused by different reasons. If your scalp is too dry, it often gives you an urge to scratch it due to being irritated by dust or dirt.

If one experiences oily scalp, the problem can be even worse. Oil that is secreted by the glands will accumulate near the hair roots. This in turn traps the dust and dirt from one's surrounding. A very unhygienic hair environment is then created which leads to bacteria and germs and resultant itchiness.

Trying too hard to keep the scalp clean can also lead to the unexpected case of flaky skin. Excessive washing will irritate the scalp and lead either to dryness or oiliness. This depends on the type of shampoo used. Moderation should be practiced.

The weather of the country you live in can also be a factor. If you have oily scalp and live in a country with high humidity, expect a higher possibility of experiencing dandruff. Heavy perspiration is a common occurrence and that encourages the condition to fester.

Did you know that most of us have fungus in our hair? It is actually normal, but if you allow them to grow, malassezia can lead to a serious case of dandruff. It is often the result of not washing the hair regularly and allowing dead cells to accumulate.

There are other medical conditions like psoriasis that may contribute to dandruff. It is therefore a safer route to prevent a situation that allows the problem to manifest itself. For those who already suffer from it, seek help immediately from a dermatologist to find out what the best treatment is. - 15343

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