Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Understanding What Causes Dandruff

By Jille Kelly

Dandruff is a problem that plagues many people all over the world. It is a common hair condition that generally arises from itchy or oily scalp. There are other medical conditions that can directly or indirectly lead to the same problem. However, due to the many possible causes, it is often difficult to diagnose the source of the condition.

As a result the treatments can be varied and wide, while requiring some to go through a few methods before finding one that completely eradicates their problem. Before one knows what to try, some consultation is necessary to determine the type of dandruff that is being experienced.

Most people will suffer from dandruff as a result of having an itchy scalp. This itself is a condition arising from a scalp that is either too dry or oily. With dryness, the lack of moisture often leads one to feel irritability and therefore the compelling urge to scratch.

The situation turns into a nightmare with oily scalp. When the oil builds up around the hair follicles, this causes dust particles to be trapped in between. Bacteria will thrive in such an environment and when irritated, it leads to infection of the scalp and flaking of the skin.

Washing your hair too often can also lead to dandruff. This is surprising since many expect the opposite. However, too much of it can cause dry or oily scalp that ends in a vicious cycle.

You might not even be safe from the weather that you live in. With hot weather comes a lot of perspiration. This is a major contributing factor to those with oily scalp experiencing common dandruff issues.

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.

Many other causes can lead to this hair condition, such as eczema and psoriasis. Prevention might be the best instead of waiting for a problem to rear its ugly head. However, if the situation worsens, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist and attempt the various cures under supervision. - 17943

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