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Dandruff flare upsEver wondered why you experience itching in your head? Maybe it's because of dandruff. Itching sometimes is caused by a dandruff build-up in your head. Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It may be contagious and for some, serious. But it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. Mild dandruff can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo. If that doesn't work, a medicated shampoo may help. Symptoms may return later. Dandruff is considered to be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is called Cradle Cap.

Now, one might scratch his or her own head even without dandruff and ask “What really causes dandruff?”. The cause of dandruff is too much oil on the scalp, which causes skin cells to build up and then shed. Often, a fungus called Malassezia that lives on your scalp triggers dandruff as it causes skin cells to multiply more quickly than usual. Some people may have too much of this fungus on their scalp, leading to dandruff. The foods you eat and the lifestyle you have are also linked to dandruff build-up. Dandruff is not always caused by poor hygiene although it appears when you don’t wash your hair every day.

Stress also contributes to flare-ups of dandruff. Stress can aggravate or even worsen it in some individuals. While Malassezia is not introduced to your scalp by stress, it can thrive if your immune system is compromised, which is exactly what stress does to your body. Do your scalp a favor and try to relax. Engage yourself in a restorative walk or practice yoga. You may even find it helpful to keep a log of stressful events. Write down what they are and how they impact your dandruff. That way, you can do your best to avoid potential triggers in the future.

The itching and chipping of dandruff can nearly continuously be controlled. For mild dandruff, to begin with, try daily cleansing with a tender hair cleanser to diminish oil and skin cell buildup. In case that doesn't help, attempt a medicated dandruff shampoo. You'll need to attempt more than one shampoo to discover the hair care schedule that works for you. And you'll likely require rehashed or long-term treatment. If you develop itching, stinging, redness, or burning from any item, halt utilizing it. On the off chance that you create an unfavorably susceptible response such as a hasty, hives, or trouble breathing look for immediate medical attention.

-NO I Zamubec Alomar C. Adlawan, RND

References:

  • Dandruff: overview

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850

  • You need to relax

https://www.healthline.com/health/dandruff-itchy-scalp#relax

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353854