Pytiriasis, commonly known as dandruff, represents one of the most common disorders that affect the scalp. This phenomenon is characterized by the presence of whitish scales that form due to the accelerated exfoliation of the skin. Although it does not constitute a serious medical problem, dandruff can generate considerable social embarrassment and compromise the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Definition and features
Dandruff consists in the formation of small flakes of dead cells that come off from the surface of the scalp. This process, normally physiological, becomes pathological when it occurs in an excessive and visible way. The disorder mainly affects the male sex, probably due to specific hormonal factors, and tends to manifest itself with greater intensity during adulthood, while being able to affect any age group.
The origins of the problem
The onset of dandruff derives from multiple factors that often act in synergy:
Microbial factors: the oval pityrosportum (Malassezia Furfur) represents the main triggering agent. This microorganism, naturally present on the skin, feeds on the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. Its excessive proliferation generates irritation and accelerates the cell turnover, causing the characteristic desquamation.
Nutritional aspects: An unbalanced diet, characterized by an excess of saturated lipids or by the lack of essential nutrients such as zinc, vitamins of the B complex and Omega-3 fatty acids, can favor the appearance of the disorder. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages also contributes to the worsening of symptoms.
Psychosomatic factors: Psychophysical stress acts as a trigger or aggravating element, influencing the mechanisms of regulation of sebaceous production and skin regeneration. Seasonal changes often coincide with periods of greater stress and consequent worsening of symptoms.
Skin conditions: both xerosis (dry skin) and seborrhea (oily skin) predispose to dandruff. In the first case, the dry environment causes irritation and reactive desquamation. In the second, seborrheic dermatitis often develops that can extend to other areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as face and body folds.
Dermatological pathologies: The psoriasis of the scalp represents an important cause of desquamation which can be confused with common dandruff but requires a specific therapeutic approach.
Allergic reactions: The use of inadequate cosmetic products can trigger contact dermatitis that occur with symptoms similar to traditional dandruff.
Clinical events
The dandruff is typically presented with white-gray flakes easily visible on dark hair and clothes. The most common associated symptom is the itching, which can vary from mild to intense. The tendency to scratch the situation, increasing the desquamation and creating a vicious circle. In some cases, excessive scratching can cause superficial skin lesions with possible bacterial superinfection.
It is important to emphasize that dandruff is not contagious and does not represent a risk to the health of others, although it can cause significant psychological discomfort to those who suffer from it.
How to prevent dandruff
Dandruff prevention is based on a multidisciplinary approach:
10 natural remedies to fight dandruff
If you have not yet managed to solve the problem of dandrufftry to use one or more of the following consistently Natural remedies.
Vinegar
One of the home remedies that can be used against dandruff is represented byWhite wine vinegar or from theapple cider vinegar. Some drops of vinegar can be diluted in warm water and used for massage the scalp before shampoo. It is also possible to create a compress in the same way to leave all night, wrapping your head in a hot towel before going to sleep.
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Flax seed oil
Another natural remedy considered effective to combat dandruff is represented by flax seed oil. Its constant use, in a few drops, to be massaged on the scalp before the shampoo, can help relieve and gradually decrease the problem of dandruff. Linseed oil oil can be purchased in organic food stores and is usually inserted in the fridge desk, so that its properties remain unchanged.
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Olive oil and lemon juice
To try to fight dandruff in a natural way, you can try to use a prepared home compress using olive oil and lemon juice. Lemon juice helps to free the scalp from the dry scales of dandruff, while olive oil contributes to its hydration and nourishment. The compress must be applied on the wet scalp before the shampoo and must be left for 30 minutes. For its preparation it is sufficient to mix 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of water.
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Aloe gel
To prevent the formation of dandruff and to contrast the itching caused by it, in the event that it is already present, it is advisable to try to pamper the scalp by massaging on it small quantities of aloe vera gel before shampooing, letting it act as much as possible. The application of the Aloe gel can also contribute to calm the itch suddenly appeared in a point of the scalp, thanks to a rapid and immediate application.
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Tea Tree essential oil
THE‘Tea Tree essential oil is considered as the most versatile among essential oils. As for dandruff, it is used in the formulation of eco-biological shampoo suitable for solving this problem. THE’Tea Tree essential oil It is considered particularly effective in case of dry dandruff and is considered able to restore the skin. It is possible to try to test its effectiveness by diluting only two drops in the quantity of shampoo normally used at the time of washing the hair. Essential oils are very powerful natural extracts and for this reason they must be used with attention and in minimal quantities. Their use is not recommended in the presence of wounds and strong skin injuries.
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Ventilated green clay
THE’Ventilated green claywhich can be purchased in herbal medicine, it can be used to make an anti -forage compress to be applied to the hair and to leave for 30 minutes before moving on to the shampoo. It is a suitable compress in particular for dandruff accompanied by oily hair. Who has i dry hair It can think of replacing the green clay ventilated with white clay. It is advisable massage the scalp with a part of the pack, before completing the application. It can be prepared by mixing the clay with a equal quantity of water. For example, four tablespoons will correspond to four tablespoons of water. It is necessary to mix the two ingredients until a creamy mixture is obtained to facilitate its application.
Henna neutral
It is commonly called henna neutral, But it has nothing to do from a botanical point of view with the actual henna (Lawsonia inarmis) used to give the hair of the copper reflections. THE’Henna neutralobtained from the Italian Cassia or from the Obovata Cassia, it is a dust without coloring principles, but rich in beneficial properties for the hair. A compress prepared with water and henna neutral contributes to counteracting dandruff and works as a tonic for brittle hair. We must proceed by mixing the henna powder with hot water, until a creamy mixture is obtained, to be applied on wet or dry hair, massaging the scalp, and to leave to act for an hour before the shampoo.
Nettle
A nettle -based infusion can be prepared in order to obtain a lotion to be fried on the scalp to curb the appearance of dandruff. Its preparation is very simple. A teaspoon of dried nettle flowers must be made to infuse in 250 ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. The infusion must be filtered and left to cool before being applied on the skin. For this purpose it may be useful to transfer it to a spray container.
Beetroot
A lotion suitable for fighting dandruff can be prepared starting from the beetroot. The beets is considered a formidable natural remedy against dandruff. In this regard, it is possible to bring to boiling flowers and roots of beetroot in simple water. The decoction must be filtered and left to cool before being applied on the scalp, massaging it gently before going to the shampoo.
Flax seed gel
A compress suitable for fighting dandruff can be prepared using flax seeds. It is necessary to soak 50 grams of flax seeds in 250 ml of water all night. Later, with their liquid, they will be brought to a boil inside a saucepan until the formation of a gelatinous substance. The flax seed gel It will be filtered and used as an anti -force compress, massaging it on the scalp and leaving it to act for at least 30 minutes before the shampoo.
