Dry dandruff: here's how to solve this annoying discomfort
Dry dandruff is a problem that affects all types of hair and scalp. Fortunately, there are many remedies to eliminate it and get it out of our heads once and for all! Hair always requires a lot of care and attention, in order to show it off shiny, healthy and thick you have to take care of it with the right products and with some infallible grandmother's remedy. Do you have them curly? Watch the video and find out how to best take care of it!
Dry dandruff: what does it look like?
Dandruff is a problem that mainly affects men in adulthood. The fine flakes of dry dandruff are remnants of dead skin cells from the stratum corneum. Their desquamation is physiological, but when cell turnover occurs too quickly and frequently, this disorder occurs. These fine gray-white flakes can stick to the scalp or fall on snow-effect clothes, mainly when combing, and become very noticeable, creating embarrassment and discomfort in those suffering from this annoying disorder, because it can give unfairly to those who do not a false impression of sloppiness knows the problem. Oily dandruff, on the other hand, has double scales covered in sebum. Scalp psoriasis has a similar flaking to dry dandruff, but it is an inflammatory condition with plaque lesions.
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The triggers of dry dandruff
Unlike oily dandruff, dry dandruff does not have inflammation of the scalp and does not increase the risk of hair loss. However, it can also lead to a rather intense itch. The disorder worsens in the winter and there are marked improvements in the summer. Cell turnover becomes faster primarily due to the presence of a microorganism, a fungus, which grows out of all proportion on the scalp, Malassezia furfur (or Pityrosporum ovale). This pathogen feeds on the substances contained in the sebum of the scalp and proliferates without control, causing desquamation. Excessive sebum production can also depend on momentary hormonal phenomena. Among the other triggers of dry dandruff or its worsening, there is dry skin, which due to dehydration is subject to greater flaking; then stress, hair products that are too aggressive or unsuitable for the type of scalp skin; a low level of immune defenses, prolonged therapies or a genetic predisposition. For both types of dandruff, many argue that a wrong and unbalanced diet, washing too intense or too spaced, lacquers, gels and foams that are too heavy and dyes of poor quality contribute to their formation. Not all dermatologists support this hypothesis and the question is still highly debated. Some scholars believe it is linked to liver-related diseases, such as liver failure.
Dermocosmetic and pharmacological treatments
Peeling of the skin is very frequent in the case of dry skin, so much so as to speak of dry dandruff precisely because it is caused by a dehydrated skin.
When the ailment is minor, it can be relieved with dermo-cosmetic products. If you do not have effective results, you need to resort to drugs recommended by a dermatologist. In the first case, an anti-dandruff shampoo may be enough to minimize the effects of this problem. Anti-dandruff products usually contain Zinc pyrithione (antibacterial and antifungal, which fights the activity of Malassezia furfur or other harmful microorganisms), Selenium Sulfide (which slows down cell turnover and has modest antifungal properties) or Vegetable Tar which moderates the peeling effect. Tar is not suitable for sensitive skin and can make hair too dry. Before using it, it is advisable to consult with your dermatologist.
If these treatments do not prove effective, the specialist may recommend antifungal medicating shampoos, usually based on ketoconazole, useful for lightening the proliferation of Malassezia furfur. They are real drugs and, therefore, even if they are sold without a prescription in pharmacies, it is prudent to consult a doctor. If dry dandruff does not improve with these treatments, the specialist usually uses corticosteroids (lotions, creams or gels) for local application. The best dry dandruff on the market are treatments based on natural extracts and delicate shampoos, normalizing excess sebum, antiseptics, against itching and anti-hair loss. When the skin on the scalp is not well nourished, flaking occurs more easily and the flakes of dandruff characteristic of dry hair come off. The in-depth hydration operated by the anti-dandruff shampoos acts on the skin of the head, repairing it, reducing flaking, alleviating collateral ailments and gradually favoring the elimination of the problem. An anti-dandruff treatment also includes a scrub massage and a lotion, which, by contrasting pityrosporum ovale, sanitizes the skin, nourishes it and protects it.Anti-dandruff shampoo alone is not enough, as it cannot replace the effects of a complete scalp treatment. The shampoo mixed with water is spread on the hair, massaged and then rinsed; instead, a pre-shampoo is massaged directly on the skin, left on for at least 5 minutes in order to allow it to be well absorbed. So is the lotion: it is applied to the skin and left to act without rinsing. In short, the combination of several remedies to combat dry dandruff is effective.
Natural anti-dandruff remedies
Among the natural remedies, the essential oil of maleleuca, Tea Tree Oil, which has antiseptic and antifungal properties, is very useful for this problem. This oil, suitable for multiple uses for body care, must be used not pure, because it could irritate the skin, but by adding 10 to 20 drops to a non-aggressive and neutral shampoo. Homeopathy offers Allium sativum 5CH, of vegetable origin obtained from garlic) for dry dandruff, and Graphites 5CH, of mineral origin, also suitable for dry skin. The intake of Arsenicum album 4CH is also considered a good remedy for desquamation and itching. Schüssler's biochemical therapy involves the administration of salts: for dry dandruff he recommends number 6 (Kalium sulfuricum) and 8 (Natrium chloratum), to be taken orally or dissolved in water to make compresses on the scalp.
These therapies are not accepted by mainstream medicine, have not been scientifically tested and could be ineffective or even harmful. We report them only as a hypothesis of remedy for this pathology, yet to be clinically validated.
Dry and oily dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis
While the flakes of dry dandruff are thin, whitish and fall off easily, those of oily dandruff are yellowish and itchy, often sticking to the scalp, red and irritated. Oily dandruff is usually linked to a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. The desquamations due to psoriasis are instead more serious with more or less large plaques; they are silvery and dry, with redness and severe itching. Ear, throat and tooth infections and medication (lithium, beta blockers) can also cause flaking in less oily areas. In seborrheic dermatitis, which can also affect the eyebrow and ear area, the scales originate from the proliferation of the Malassezia furfur fungus, but with more relevant consequences. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a separate disease, in which the immune system and genetics play an important role. Dandruff in general is also affected by changes in temperature, humidity and season, pollution, as well as physical and psychological changes. If you suffer from moderate dandruff, you can wash your hair with a mild shampoo with active fungicides and with components that relieve itching, massaging gently and drying with a hairdryer at a temperature that is not too hot to avoid irritation. Try not to scratch yourself so as not to inflame the follicles. The numerous sebaceous and sweat glands around the follicles and high humidity favor the proliferation of microbes. The stratum corneum protects the scalp from external harmful agents and dehydration. When there is dandruff, the stratum corneum is reduced, the scalp and hair dry out and weaken. Therefore, in addition to anti-dandruff treatments with antifungals, products containing keratolytic agents can be used, capable of reducing scales, anti-inflammatory agents to relieve itching and lipids, fatty acids and triglyceride oils suitable for restoring the protection of the stratum corneum.
Prevention is the best cure
Preventing dry dandruff is important to avoid this annoying discomfort. It is absolutely necessary not to run into situations of physical and mental stress, which greatly promote excess sebum and weaken the stratum corneum; follow a diet rich in zinc and vitamin B; if necessary, food supplements with vitamins and trace minerals important for the well-being of the skin and hair can be used.
Daily washing of the hair helps a lot in preventing dandruff, especially if there is a tendency to excess sebum on the scalp; you must often expose yourself to sunlight, not directly on the hair and with the right sun protection, and avoid aggressive hairsprays, foams and shampoos, as they can contribute to too dry the scalp and damage the stratum corneum; moreover, dry the hair as much as possible in the sun or in any case with not very hot air, if you use the hairdryer, to avoid stressing the hair and drying the scalp. If you feel itchy, it is advisable not to scratch your nails, as it can cause injuries and severely irritate the follicles. The obstruction of the hair bulbs, microorganisms, excessive dryness or greasy skin can over time compromise the health of the hair, making it dull and brittle. This is why prevention is also accompanied by strengthening lotions.
Dry dandruff: the do-it-yourself remedies
The "grandmother's" home remedies against dandruff are also natural and always good, such as massages on the scalp with rose water mixed with bicarbonate, without using shampoo, to remove flakes and let the skin breathe. Always unbeatable highly moisturizing olive oil to restore hair, especially if it is fragile, dry and with split ends. To calm the itching, counteract dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, the aloe vera gel is very suitable, massaged on the skin of the head. Even apple cider vinegar mixed with water and sprayed with a nebulizer is a very effective natural remedy and so is the thyme infusion and ventilated green clay for compresses (to be used, however, always after consulting your doctor). You can also make excellent DIY hair masks at home, simply by opening your pantry. Coarse salt, being endowed with exfoliating properties, is more suitable for combating oily dandruff.
Homemade masks are also suitable for too dry and damaged hair by mixing avocado and coconut oil or by whisking two tablespoons of honey and an egg. After performing the massage, always wash your skin thoroughly and make a very mild shampoo. Also on the market you can find excellent natural products, such as sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, both in herbalists and online.
