The Scalp Treatment For Dandruff Alternatives

By Lelia Hall


The scaling of the skin and white flakes on the scalp are all signs of dandruff. It results from a process that should be natural. This is the constant shedding and renewing of skin layers. In normal cases, it goes unnoticed as cells are shed one at a time. However, when inflammation occurs, it may cause some cells that are being shed to stick together. The visible flakes result from large clumps of cells that are shed as a result of inflammation. In the U. S alone, up to 50% of the population is affected, whether infants, teenagers or even adults. There are several natural and artificial remedies for scalp treatment for dandruff.

In order to understand how the remedies work, it is good to first analyze some possible causes of dandruff. The most common trigger is the fungal infections and dermatological conditions like psoriasis and eczema. In the infants, it can be as a result of improper digestion and allergies. The other possible cause is deficiency of essential nutrients in diet and food sensitivity such as gluten intolerance. Improper hydration is also a common cause, just like imbalance of body hormones and nutrients.

Before even thinking of any remedy, ensure that you are properly hydrated throughout the day. As such, you need at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. In addition to this, you need rigorous exercise and caffeinated drinks.

The conventional solution normally consists of over-the-counter shampoos, topical corticosteroids, and gels. Most of these have 1% metronidazole or 2% ketoconazole. However, there are several natural solutions for the dry scalp treatment. Most of these focus on zinc, and vitamins A, B, and D.

The anti-dandruff shampoos particularly target the severe forms of dandruff are available from pharmacists and supermarkets. The zinc pyrithione type, for instance, kills malassezia fungi. Coal tar shampoos and selenium sulfide types target to slow the production of dead skins and also kill fungi. Ketoconazole shampoo also has antifungal effects while salicylic acid works by softening and shedding dead skin cells. However, not all shampoos are suitable for all people and breastfeeding and pregnant women must take a lot of precaution and only use the ones good for them.

If you suspect any food sensitivity or you have seborrheic dermatitis, you need to consult your health care consultant to know the foods that you might be sensitive to. Normally, the absorption of some essential nutrients, some of which are important for skin replenishment, may be affected as a result of food sensitivities.

The Omega-3 fatty acids are also very important and you need to be sure to get enough of it. It is readily available in fish oil supplements, butter, flax seeds, walnuts, hemp milk, and chia seeds, and even meat from organic grass-fed animals.

Lastly, apple cider vinegar and diluted honey directly applied on the skin and hair, left to dry for 3 hours before rinsing with warm water is also a good solution. Honey is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, manganese, and vitamins (A, B-complex, C, D, and E) and beta-carotene.




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