Dandruff...The only thing between you and that classic black
outfit
Everybody sheds dead skin cells from the scalp, normally
in tiny clusters. With dandruff, the outer cells clump together
to form large, visible flakes and leave the scalp tender and
itchy. Pretty embarrassing when it sheds all over that classic
black outfit, but dandruff is surprisingly common and is not
a sign of poor hygiene or poor health. Dandruff presents as
flakes of skin that range from small and white to large, greasy,
and yellow. This itchy flaking can appear on the scalp or
eyebrows, or around the hairline, ears, or nose. The good
news is that dandruff can usually be controlled. Mild cases
of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with
a gentle, mild cleanser. More stubborn cases often respond
to medicated shampoos. What’s more, researchers have
identified a yeast-like fungus that may cause or aggravate
dandruff, a discovery that may lead to better treatments.
Dandruff is usually caused by skin cells that grow and die
off too fast, but the reason that this occurs is not clear.
Factors which may be involved include:
• Over-active sebaceous glands
• Inherited tendencies
• Food allergy
• Excessive sweating
• Use of strong shampoos
• Yeast infections
• Stress
Shampoos
When regular shampooing with mild formulas fail, an anti-dandruff
shampoo may succeed. But dandruff shampoos aren’t all
alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that
works best for you. Dandruff shampoos are classified according
to their active ingredient:
• Zinc pyrithione shampoos (Selsun Salon, Head &
Shoulders). These contain the antibacterial and antifungal
agent zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce the
fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Tar-based shampoos (Neutrogena T/Gel). Coal tar, a
byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions
such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing
cell turnover.
• Shampoos containing salicylic acid (Ionil T). These
“scalp scrubs” help eliminate scale, but they
may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking. Using a
conditioner after shampooing can help counter dryness.
• Selenium sulfide shampoos (Selsun Blue). These shampoos
help prevent cell turnover and may also reduce the number
of fungal spores. Because they can discolor blonde, gray or
chemically colored hair, be sure to use them only as directed
and to rinse well after shampooing.
• Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral). The newest addition
to the dandruff armamentarium, ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum
antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail. It’s
available over-the-counter as well as by prescription.
Natural remedies
I find that adding Tea Oil to shampoos or scalp treatments
is very effective for most kinds of dandruff. Discontinue
this if irritation occurs. Other supplements to consider would
be:
• Evening Primrose Oil and Fish Oil contain essential
fatty acids which are required for the oil balance of the
scalp
• B Complex vitamins may be beneficial to help relieve
stress - look for a formula containing biotin
• Essential fatty acids are important for the function
of cell membranes. They are essential for energy production,
particularly of skin and hair
Now when that’s all fixed….. go for the classic
black suite!
“Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife
that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty
years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral
service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any
health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail
at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000”.
