Dandruff

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Dandruff is a condition that causes itchy, greasy flakes and scales of dried sebum (an oily skin-lubricating fluid secreted by the sebaceous glands) and dead skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair, and as the flakes fall, on the shoulders. It is commonly caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a disorder of the sebaceous glands.

The sebaceous glands are tiny glands in the skin that open into hair follicles. These glands are especially numerous in the areas of the scalp, the face, the anus, the nose, the mouth, and the external ear. If they produce too much sebum, it dries into flakes and plugs up the ducts. The sebaceous glands respond by putting forth even more sebum in an attempt to force out the obstructions and open a passageway to the surface of the skin. Scaling, flaking, and itching occur.

Dandruff may be complicated by the presence of a persistent yeast called Pityrosporum ovale that normally lives in the hair follicles. In severe cases, the face, eyebrows, and ears may be affected.

General recommendations for dandruff
Do not pick at the scales. Doing so may cause an infection.

Applying apple-cider vinegar to the affected areas in an old home remedy that has been helpful to many. Use two parts apple-cider vinegar to one part of water. Heat the mixture to a comfortably warm temperature and apply it to your scalp. Wrap a towel around your head and wait thirty minutes, then rinse out the vinegar.

Shampoo thoroughly when you wash your hair. Some people find that use a regular nonmedicated shampoo formulated without oil is more helpful than antidandruff formulas.

Preventive measures for dandruff
To avoid an accumulation of dead skin cells and flakes, gently but thoroughly brush or comb your hair at least twice a day.

If your scalp is dry, before shampooing, try massaging your scalp with oil at least once a week.

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