Dandruff is referred to flaking pieces of skin on the scalp, which can be very noticeable. Baby’s get dandruff also, but it is called cradle cap. Dandruff is an inflammation of the skin, which is why it produces redness along with flakes of skin. The head is not the only place where dandruff can develop, it is also known to show its ugly head on the face, stomach, back, and the folds of the body. Dandruff is usually mistaken for psoriasis which is a similar ailment. However, dandruff is a chronic disorder that can last a lifetime.

Dandruff has been misunderstood for many years. No one really knows what causes dandruff. Some say it is inherited while others say it is a form of skin fungus like the one that causes athlete’s foot. Here are some other factors that may cause dandruff: stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, lack of skin or hair cleaning, obesity, and some alcohol containing skin creams. Elderly people and patients with AIDS tend to suffer from dandruff more than others.

Home Remidies for Dandruff

Most experts agree that you should wash your hair often — everyday if necessary. The more you shampoo the easier it will be to control dandruff.

In most cases dandruff is caused by an over oily scalp, so try not to over medicate the problem by using strong medicated shampoos. A non medicated shampoo will do just fine if you wash your hair everyday.

If regular shampoos do not do the job then a stronger shampoo can be used. Those containing selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione work the best. They work by slowing the rate at which the cells multiply. Shampoos containing salicylic acid and sulfur loosen flakes causing them to wash away easily.

If your dandruff is still not reacting to the treatments above then you might want to switch to a tar based formula. Once you lather with a tar based formula leave it in your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. Many people wash out dandruff shampoos to quick, which does not give the formula time to work. Two recommended brands by doctors are Sebutone Tar Shampoo and MG 217 Medicated Tar Shampoo.

Try not to use the more powerful dandruff shampoos to often. The milder ones can be used on a daily basis, but the tar based shampoos may be to harsh for everyday use.

When using a dandruff shampoo — always lather twice. This gives the shampoo time to work.

After lathering up with a dandruff shampoo put a shower cap over your hair. This will increase the effectiveness of the shampoo. Leave it on for an hour or so, then rinse accordingly.

Get a little bit of sun on your scalp daily. Sunshine is known to be beneficial in controlling dandruff in some cases. The reason for this is, ultraviolet light has an anti-inflammatory effect on scaly skin conditions. Some researchers are beginning to see less severe dandruff cases during the summer months. Although sunshine is good for treating dandruff, it would be wise not to overdo it. Thirty-minutes or a little less is all you should need.

Dandruff have also been known to be triggered by emotions such as stress. Try to stay away from stressful situations as much as possible.

Herbal Remedies for Dandruff

Evening Primrose – The oil from the evening primrose seeds is widely used to treat rashes, but may be beneficial with the treatment of dandruff.

Flaxseed – The oil from the flaxseed has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which does wonders with dandruff.

Tea Tree – Tea tree oil is a very potent anti fungal agent. In the case that your dandruff is due to a fungal infection — tea tree oil is very useful.

All Natural Healthy Scalp Rinse

This hair and scalp rinse has herbs that are anti fungal with soothing properties. The vinegar inside of this rinse is used to restore the hair’s correct pH.

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup dried sage, rosemary, or thyme leaves, or any combination

Heat the vinegar just to the boiling point. Remove from heat and add the herbs. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain; discard the herbs. Pour into empty shampoo bottles and label. Use about 1/4 cup in 2 cups of water as a rinse after shampooing.

When to call a doctor for dandruff

When someone has severe dandruff it is called seborheic dermatitis, which may require prescription medications. Therefore, you may want to see a doctor if you have:

- Scalp irritation that does not go away even after you have tried all treatments above.

- Thick scale even after using dandruff shampoo.

- Yellowish crusting.

- Red patches along the neckline.