Itching and flaking on your scalp can make you embarrassed in front of your relatives or friends. Fortunately, you can control the itching and flakiness on your scalp in different ways. If I share my own experience, it was way difficult to style my hair or to remove dandruff flakes from my shoulders.
Dandruff causes are many, including seborrheic dermatitis, hair products sensitivity, growth of a specific fungus, and dry skin.
You can treat common causing conditions and mild dandruff at home with some dermatologists’ proven tips.
Table of Contents
Best Dandruff Treatment at Home
People often rely on everything that they read online. You do need to go with only dermatologists proven tips to deal with scalp issues.
Apply Coconut Oil
When I developed scalp dandruff, my dermatologists suggested getting a coconut massage. Its hydrating properties keep your scalp hydrated and prevent dryness.
Dryness can worsen the condition. Some researchers consider coconut oil as a mineral oil due to its moisturizing effect. To reduce atopic dermatitis, you can get a coconut oil scalp massage.
In some test-tube studies, researchers have found antimicrobial properties that are effective on the strain of fungus, which causes dandruff.
Manage Stress
Experts confirm that stress affects overall your body and wellness. Studies say that stress influences mental health and other physical conditions.
Chronic stress leads to a weak immune system that does affect the ability of your immune’s fight-off reactions to some specific fungal infections. It also reduces the immune system response against many skin conditions, including dandruff. You cannot say that stress is a direct cause, but it can trigger symptoms of dermatitis.
You should manage stress levels, such as deep breathing, yoga, aromatherapy, and meditation.
Apply Tea Tree Oil
You may hear about the tea tree oil effects for acne and other skin conditions, like psoriasis. Tea tree oil consists of beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. When you apply this oil, it helps to reduce the symptoms of dandruff.
A specific strain of fungus leads to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
You can also try a shampoo that contains tea tree oil. Rinsing with such a solution can help to reduce greasiness and itchiness.
But make sure that you do not use tea tree oil directly but use dilute form by adding a few drops into a carrier oil.
Use Aloe Vera Gel
You can find it in your skin care products. The use of aloe vera gel in cosmetics to keep your skin moisturized. Applying gel to your skin can help to treat burns, cold sores, and psoriasis. It is also a good option for your scalp problems as it hydrates your scalp.
Antifungal and antibacterial properties in its gel prevent and cure mild dryness.
For inflamed scalp, you should apply its gel as it reduces many symptoms.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
My uncle had a dandruff issue, and his doctor asked him to use apple cider vinegar to reduce the symptoms of dandruff. The acidity in vinegar helps to stimulate the dead skin cells on your scalp. It is crucial to balance the pH of your skin.
Apple cider vinegar is a dermatologist’s proven remedy that maintains the pH of the skin and does not allow fungal growth. It inhibits its growth, which means that it does not lead to dandruff.
A small study reveals that the use of apple cider vinegar in most people provided effective results by reducing results. But doctors also suggest not using it directly on your scalp.
You can add it in a carrier oil as its dilute form is effective and gives promising results.
Increase Intake of Omega 3s
It does not matter if it’s your skin, hair, or scalp, you need to make sure that you consume enough omega-3 fatty acids. These help to make up the cell membranes that surround your cells.
Studies reveal how important these fatty acids are for the lungs, immune system, and heart.
People with dry hair need to find the cause as deficiency of omega 3s can lead to this condition. It also reduces inflammation, promotes the healing process, and prevents premature aging signs.
Fatty fish is important to eat when you want to consume omega-3 fatty acids. You should make sure that you ask your dermatologist. These acids reduce the scalp inflammation that cures dandruff.
Probiotics
Bacteria are not bad all the time as beneficial bacteria can positively affect your overall health. Probiotics help to gain weight, protect against allergy, lower cholesterol levels, etc.
You can treat dermatitis with probiotics. You can take its supplements only if your dermatologists prescribe you. You can also consume some fermented foods, like sauerkraut, natto, kimchi, and tempeh.
What to do for Severe Dandruff Cases?
You can treat mild dandruff at home but get medical help if you notice severe symptoms. Such a kind of dandruff can affect your hair health and result in hair loss.
Consult a dermatologist if you have such concerns. Your doctor will diagnose the cause and dandruff type. Different medicated shampoos are available that your doctor prescribes according to your scalp condition.
Let’s explore some formulations of shampoos.
- Shampoo that contains ingredients like salicylic acid eliminates scaling.
- Shampoos that contain corticosteroids help to control irritation, itching, and flaking (fluocinolone).
- Shampoos consist of agents like antibacterial and antifungal.
- Selenium sulfide shampoos contain the antifungal agent that may cause white hair.
- Shampoos with Coal Tar helps to lower the progress of skin cells damages on the scalp.
You cannot choose shampoo on your own. Consult with a dermatologist about what shampoo you should use. Some shampoos can discolor your hair and scalp.
Wrapping Up
Dermatologists in Karachi suggest getting a little bit of sun exposure to get rid of dandruff. Healthy eating can also help to reduce dandruff but make sure that your food contains a variety, zinc, and vitamin B.
If you do not notice any change in dandruff, visit your doctor and find the dandruff cause. Your doctor may prescribe you topical medications and shampoos. You should also limit the use of hair care products that can damage your hair more.
