CARE OF DANDRUFF

Care of Dandruff

A lot of advertisements are seen to dramatize the repulsive appearance of small white flakes on dark hair and dark shirts. These white flakes are commonly known as dandruff (Seborrhea). The word dandruff is a combination of two words i.e., “DANDER” meaning scales and “HURF” meaning crust. It appears on body parts with skin having more oil producing glands like scalp, ear, face, chest and skin folds. Dandruff is neither contagious nor harmful and do not cause permanent hair loss. Cold, dry, winters usually trigger or worsen the dandruff. Itching may be due to accumulation of dandruff, extremely dry scalp or associated lice-infestation. The following simple measures help to better prevent the dandruff problem.

• ·        Proper water and balanced diet keeps skin healthy.
• ·        Moisturizing lotions just smooth out the scales.
• ·        Hair sprays, styling gel and mousses should be avoided as they aggravate dandruff.
• ·        Hair dyes and conditioners have no role and can be safely used.
• ·        The shampoos containing tar, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide are better for prevention and treatment of dandruff.
• ·         Rub shampoo on palm, apply on wet hairs, massage with finger tips for five minutes and rinse out completely.
• ·        The eye should be washed with baby shampoo.
• ·        The new born babies having yellow crust on the scalp only need shampooing.
• ·        Frequent washing of hairs keeps scalp clean and dandruff free.
• ·        Use anti-lice shampoos especially in school going children once a month.