What causes dandruff? Causes of dandruff on the head in women and the most effective methods of treatment. What absolutely should not be done for dandruff

Dandruff on the head can appear as a result of both external and internal factors. At the same time, there is a so-called risk group - people who are more susceptible to the disease.

Dandruff on the head (the medical name is “seborrhea”) is not only a cosmetic problem, it can appear for a number of reasons and requires professional consultation with a trichologist or dermatologist.

In the absence of timely treatment, white flakes form a dense crust, which blocks the access of oxygen to the scalp. The nutrition of the follicle is disrupted and hair begins to fall out.

Symptoms and clinical picture of the problem

When the disease occurs, dead skin particles flake off and become bran-like. Actually, this is how the name of the disease is translated from Latin. Dandruff becomes noticeable only when hundreds of keratinized epidermal cells stick together. About 1000 of them make up just one tiny white plate.

The following symptoms indicate the appearance of dandruff:

• the formation of fine “powder” on the hair, shoulders and outer clothing, which is exfoliated cells of the epidermis;
• dry or, conversely, oily scalp, as a result of metabolic disorders;
• dull, brittle hair;
• itching on the scalp and the appearance of a yellow-gray crust.

Dandruff can appear due to improper scalp care, hormonal imbalances, certain diseases or an unsuitable diet.

Types of Dandruff

Depending on the intensity of sebum secretion by the scalp, two types of dandruff are distinguished: dry flakes appear on dry hair, while white flakes have a shiny appearance on hair that is prone to oiliness.

This type of disease occurs when the intensity of sebum secretion is low. At the same time, the exfoliated particles of the epidermis are small and dry. They have the appearance of powder and are usually “scattered” throughout the hair or localized in the forehead and crown area.

Dry dandruff can also appear on sensitive scalp, which is prone to irritation not only from the use of unsuitable hygiene and cosmetic products, but even from dry indoor air. In this case, the phenomenon goes away on its own, after the external sources of its occurrence are eliminated.

The cause of dry seborrhea may be an impaired water balance in the body. The human body constantly loses moisture, to replenish it it is recommended to drink on average about two liters of warm, clean still water per day.

The situation with the disease can be aggravated by: stress, overheating or hypothermia of the hair, prolonged fatigue, taking hormonal medications, lack of vitamins B6, B12, F and selenium, as well as the use of inappropriate hair care products.

Oily dandruff

Oily dandruff appears when there is increased sebum production from the scalp. It looks like large fat flakes that stick together, cling to the hair and are difficult to comb out.

The hair becomes greasy and the skin itches. This happens because fat fills the excretory ducts of the sebaceous and sweat glands and provokes irritation of the nerve endings. When fat breaks down and oxidizes, fatty acids are released, which also cause the itching sensation.

If you notice a tendency to oily scalp, especially if this phenomenon has appeared recently, consult a dermatologist or trichologist. The doctor will identify the causes of changes in skin properties and prescribe appropriate treatment. Unqualified therapy can harm the health of curls.

Frequently washing oily hair does not solve the problem, but, on the contrary, can aggravate it, since it provokes increased activity of the sebaceous glands.

For home care, use shampoos for oily hair. Apply the product directly to their roots. Wash your hair with warm water, avoiding intense massaging movements. When combing your strands, try not to touch your scalp.

External factors of dandruff

Improper scalp care

One of the common reasons for the appearance of “white flakes” is improper hair care, including:

• Washing them frequently.
  There should be moderation in the frequency of hygiene procedures. When washed, the protective lipid film is washed off from the skin. After some time, the sebaceous glands form a new protective barrier, but if you wash your hair too often, they do not have time to fully perform their function. As a result, the skin dries out, which provokes the disease. Wash your hair according to the degree of contamination. The optimal frequency is once every 2-4 days. The more often you wash, the softer the shampoo should be.
• Excessive use and incorrect selection of hair care products.
  Regular application of styling products and dyes to your hair can dry out your hair and cause dandruff. Incorrectly selected cosmetics can also cause disease.

  Remember that styling products are not intended for daily use.

• Poorly washed hair.
  The scalp is exposed to the irritating effect of poorly washed off small particles of shampoo or balm. Hard water is another reason why white spots may occur. Any acidic rinse can soften its effect. Hygiene products must be thoroughly rinsed under a large stream of warm water.
• Hot styling.
  Regular styling of hair using a straightening iron and hair dryer contributes to dryness of the epidermis. Therefore, as a preventative measure, and even more so in the presence of the first signs of the disease, avoid hot styling.
• Using artificial or dirty combs.
  The best option is a wooden comb or brush with natural bristles - such devices will not harm the skin. Cleanliness of the instrument is an important means of preventing seborrhea.

Ecology

Poor ecology is another factor for the appearance and development of the disease. The influence of polluted air and consumption of foods treated with pesticides and toxic chemicals provoke a whole chain of diseases, including dandruff. If the environment is poor, scalp fungus can develop. At the same time, the skin itches and the hair becomes brittle.

Indoor plants, air conditioners with good filters, and air purifiers can help reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution. Ventilate your living space regularly and drink only filtered water.

As for nutrition, if you live in a contaminated area, you will have to follow strict rules when choosing foods and preparing them:

• After boiling, drain the broth from meat and fish twice.
• Soak vegetables for 3-4 hours in salt water.
• Cook the mushrooms for 10 minutes in boiling water, then drain the water. Repeat twice.

Such simple actions reduce the risk of contamination of the body with radionuclides, insecticides, herbicides and other poisons.

Hypothermia or overheating of the scalp

Regular walks in the cold with your head uncovered, as well as overheating of the skin, lead to disruption of the nutrition of the hair follicles. Hair becomes thin, dry and begins to fall out.

Therefore, when going outside in hot or frosty weather, do not forget to wear an appropriate hat.

Internal causes of dandruff

Problems with the immune system

A favorable foundation for the active development of the fungus that lives on the scalp is also reduced immunity. Normally, the life cycle of cells lasts a month, but with a fungal infection it is reduced to one week. As a result, a large number of them accumulate on the scalp, and they form white flakes.

To strengthen the immune system:

• Enrich your diet with vitamins and minerals: A, B5, C, D, F, PP, selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, iodine and manganese. They are found in yellow and red plant foods, as well as black currants, rose hips, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains. Don't forget to consume seafood, dairy products and green tea.
• Take herbal infusions and decoctions of lemongrass, echinacea, ginseng and licorice. This can be done for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.
• Toughen up. Swimming, dousing and contrast showers greatly strengthen the body.
• Choose an active lifestyle. For moderate physical activity, any sport, dancing or exercise equipment is suitable.
• Give your body a rest. Find time every day to relax and think about something pleasant or just be in silence. This calms the nervous system and is a good stress preventative.

Disturbances in the hormonal system

One of the reasons for the appearance of dandruff is hormonal changes in the body during puberty - in both sexes, as well as during pregnancy and menopause - in women. Interestingly, as a result of changes in the hormonal system, white scales can either appear or, conversely, disappear if they were previously a cause of concern.

Gastrointestinal diseases

Many diseases have their origin in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Dandruff is no exception. If the cause is a fungus, you must follow a strict diet. Favorite for the fungus: sweet, floury, fatty, fried and smoked foods. That is why problems with the scalp more often occur in people with the listed taste preferences.

An unbalanced diet, a lack of certain vitamins and microelements, an excess of proteins and fast carbohydrates all lead to the same dandruff.

Risk groups for dandruff

For any disease there are risk groups. People at risk for dandruff include:

• men, since their sebaceous glands produce more oil than women’s;
• owners of oily scalp;
• people with bad habits, as alcohol and nicotine disrupt metabolism;
• people aged 10-14 to 40 years – this is due to the production of hormones;
• people with reduced immunity or those who have recently suffered severe stress.

These people are more susceptible to the disease and should take preventive measures to prevent it.

You definitely need to fight dandruff. This is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a signal of a disruption in the functioning of the body. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, do not be lazy to consult a doctor, find out the cause of the phenomenon and get rid of it in time.

Why dandruff appears on the head: video

The problem of dandruff affects every person at least once in their life, for some of us it is a daily problem. We have prepared a video for which a dermatologist will explain in detail the cause of this disease and methods of combating it.

Reading time: 9 minutes. Views 5.1k.

Every healthy person renews the stratum corneum of the skin once a month. However, for a number of reasons this process may accelerate. That's when dandruff appears.

Seborrhea, or dandruff, is a process in which there are too many exfoliated skin particles on the surface of the head. When the number of such scales exceeds the norm, they “decorate” clothes and bring with them many inconveniences such as itching and redness, a serious problem arises.

IMPORTANT!
Dandruff can be contagious. That's why You should not use other people’s combs and other hygiene items. scalp.

It’s just impossible, especially if you’re only self-medicating. Important problems and based on it, select .

It is believed that the root of the disease is the activity of a special fungus due to a number of reasons. But in reality everything is not so simple. It is necessary to consider all possible options for the occurrence of seborrhea. And it’s worth starting with the most basic.

A sebum production disorder is something that causes either too much or too little sebum production. In the first case, the skin becomes too oily, clogged pores and acne appear, and oily dandruff then appears on the head. In the second case, the skin lacks hydration, it dries out and flakes off more. it's the same leads to dandruff formation.

Normally, sebum creates a protective layer on the skin and prevents microorganisms, including fungi, from developing. When some kind of failure occurs and these processes are disrupted, fungal activity may increase.

Hormonal levels, especially in women, are very unstable. Any stress, changes in diet, or in the environment can lead to its disorders.

Ages 14 to 25 a stable hormonal background of the body develops. It is during this period that seborrhea can develop. Due to the constant shift in the balance of hormones, the process of sebum production may also be disrupted. Therefore, problems with the skin, including the scalp, appear. The same thing happens in pregnant women.

Such problems also occur in adulthood., both in men and women. In this case, before treating symptoms such as seborrhea imbalanced hormone balance should be rebalanced.

Fungus

The main factor that causes dandruff is excessive activity of the fungus Malassezia Furfur on the surface of the skin. It is this that leads to the appearance of “snow” on clothes. How does this happen?

Excessive sebum production creates a favorable environment for microorganisms. This fungus thrives in such an environment. And when it begins to multiply quickly, it irritates the scalp. The renewal cycle of scalp cells, which do not have time to properly exfoliate, accelerates. And this manifests itself in the form of dandruff.

Its reproduction is also influenced by the predominance of male hormones in the body.. Immunity disorders due to poor nutrition, stress, and illness can also cause seborrhea.

IMPORTANT!
There are many reasons for the development of fungus. They are mainly associated with disruptions in the immune system and hormonal levels as the root cause.

But not only the reasons listed above affect the appearance of white scales. Many skin diseases can also cause them.. But in this case, we are still not really dealing with dandruff.

For example, psoriasis. This chronic, non-contagious disease causes silvery, clearly defined scales to appear on the skin in different places, which itch and peel off. If there are lesions on the scalp, hair loss may begin. It also occurs for various reasons, but they are often much more serious than seborrhea.

With dermatitis and eczema, the skin also becomes red, itchy and flaky.. But the external manifestations are different from dandruff. Another thing is that dermatitis and eczema can underlie the appearance of seborrhea. Then, having cured this root cause, you will get rid of dandruff.

Other factors

In addition to the main reasons listed above, a number of additional ones can be identified. These include:

• unsuitable water and care products;
• lack of vitamins and minerals obtained from food;
• violation of hair drying conditions and caring for them;
• presence of hereditary diseases and predisposition to the appearance of seborrhea;
• permanent being under stress.

REFERENCE
The appearance of signs of seborrhea is always based on internal or external causes associated with improper care. It is important to find out in each specific case what leads to its development, and based on this, select treatment.

Symptoms and types of dandruff

The symptoms of seborrhea are always approximately the same:

• the appearance of skin flakes;
• skin redness;
• in some cases - a violation of the integrity of the skin, the appearance of acne and scratching.

All this indicates the presence of a seborrhea problem.. However, we should not forget that the course of the disease is always individual. Also exists depending on the root causes.

Let's look at them in order.

You should not let the course of the disease take its course, because this is fraught with the appearance of more serious problems in the form of baldness and infection of the body with various infections.

REFERENCE
Identifying the cause of each type of seborrhea requires comprehensive studies of the body.

Dandruff treatment and what can help

It is important to distinguish the symptoms of seborrhea from other diseases. And in order to find a solution to the problem for each specific case - you should consult a dermatologist and trichologist. A complete examination of the body will reveal the root cause and will eliminate it and its consequences in the form of dandruff.

These can be hormonal drugs if the general background is disturbed, as well as drugs aimed at the problem.

A special diet and vitamin and mineral supplements are also prescribed. A external manifestations are removed with the help of hair and skin care products.

Physiotherapy

It is useful not only to relieve symptoms and treat the body from the inside, but also to undergo some procedures.

• For example, it dries out the skin, which is useful for oily seborrhea.
• helps improve blood circulation and destroys fungus.
• And it can even boost immunity.

So, if the doctor has prescribed you to attend these procedures, you should listen to his opinion and go through them completely. They will not only relieve dandruff problems, but also improve the overall condition of the scalp and hair.

Traditional methods of treatment

Phytotherapy- a good aid for getting rid of dandruff. This method is time-tested and has proven itself on the positive side.

For example, Essential and natural oils work well for oily seborrhea in the composition and as additional components to care products.

Rinsing your hair with a variety of herbal decoctions also helps get rid of the effects of seborrhea. Herbs such as chamomile, St. John's wort, nettle, calendula and others work best.

Sea salt and apple cider vinegar as mask ingredients help exfoliate the skin, destroy fungus and its manifestations. But the main thing here is not to harm yourself, so the holding time on the hair must be strictly observed.

Prevention

In order to prevent the recurrence of seborrhea, you can use both special care products such as hair masks and.

It is important to choose prevention methods that work in a particular case. However, too strong drugs should not be used without a doctor's permission.

Features of the use of medicated anti-dandruff shampoos

When choosing hair care products for dandruff, it is important that they contain the following substances:

• - a fungus-killing substance;
  
• - a product with similar properties with a big advantage - it does not become addictive, unlike the previous one;
  
• - an exfoliating component that also prevents the reappearance of dandruff;
  
• - exfoliating and skin cleansing components.
  

At the beginning of treatment, the frequency of use of such shampoos and hair products is at least twice a week, then it is reduced to once every 1.5-2 weeks.

Scalp hygiene

When washing, you should use products suitable for your hair type. The frequency of washing your hair is at least once every two days. Pillowcases and towels need to be changed regularly, and ideally, the pillow needs to be replaced. It is also useful to comb your hair with a fine comb and massage the scalp when applying care products and masks.

IMPORTANT!
If your hair is not very dirty, you can get rid of dandruff much faster. That's why it's like that it is important to monitor their hygiene.

Conclusion

So, there are many reasons for the appearance of seborrhea, as well as ways to treat it. The main thing is to find the root of the problem and, in accordance with it, select methods for getting rid of dandruff. With a competent approach and following all the instructions of the treating specialist, this delicate problem will quickly become a thing of the past and will never return.

Our expert - dermatocosmetologist Irina Chadova.

Who is guilty?

There can be many causes of seborrhea. One of them is improper hair care. For example, washing them too rarely or using inappropriate aggressive detergents, as well as low-quality paints.

Also, the scalp does not like it if styling products (varnishes, mousses, foams) are not washed off overnight but left on the hair. The skin will also react poorly to overdrying, so you should not overuse a hot hairdryer, and in the heat it is better to protect your head with a hat. Food also affects the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands. Sweets, fatty foods, soda, alcohol, spices - all this can worsen seborrhea.

Other causes of seborrhea include a lack of vitamins A and B, as well as selenium and zinc. And also acute or chronic stressful situations and some diseases. Most often, these are pathologies of the endocrine system, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and autonomic nervous system, the presence of chronic foci of infection, hormonal disorders (for example, excess male hormones - hyperandrogenism in women), as well as genetic predisposition.

One of the leading causes of dandruff is infection with the fungus Pityrosporon ovale. This microorganism exists on the skin of almost all of us, but not everyone suffers from dandruff. What's the matter? It turns out that the development of seborrhea requires not just the presence of this fungus, but its increased reproduction. Which, fortunately, can occur only under certain conditions: the same diseases, improper care, decreased local immunity, etc.

What to do?

It is better to determine the cause of dandruff at an appointment with a trichologist. He will prescribe a comprehensive examination of the body, a blood test for hormones, and an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. According to the tests, the medicine will be determined. Typically used:

keratolytics (salicylic acid) to remove dead skin,

antifungal agents (to combat raging Pityrosporon ovale),

cytostatics (slowing down cell renewal),

corticosteroids (hormones),

anti-inflammatory drugs.

Although in some cases no special treatment is required. We are talking, for example, about the so-called physiological seborrhea. It often occurs in adolescents during puberty, since at this time they have increased secretion of the sebaceous glands.

After the end of puberty, the sebaceous glands return to normal and the signs of the disease disappear. However, this does not mean that you should just wait and do nothing.

For seborrhea of ​​any origin, special means are needed. Preference should be given to medicated shampoos that contain one or more of the following active ingredients: zinc pyrithione, ciclopirox, clotrimazole, climbazole, ketoconazole, selenium disulfide, ichthyol, tar, sulfur, salicylic acid.

Dandruff, translated from Latin, means bran - indeed, the appearance of exfoliated skin particles resembles this dietary product.

Such a common, and for some, lifelong phenomenon as dandruff, from a medical point of view, is a syndrome characterized by a high rate of exfoliation of skin particles in the form of scales.

As a rule, dandruff is a long-term problem and is most often observed on the scalp. Doctors consider dandruff a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. In this article we will talk about dandruff, its causes and treatment in various ways.

Causes of dandruff on the head

There are several reasons that provoke increased exfoliation of skin particles, but most often the symptom is caused by several factors that aggravate one:

• Metabolic disorders are the root cause of dandruff, making the body more vulnerable to the action of pathogenetic factors.
• Hormonal imbalances are the most common causes of dandruff in women.
• Some diseases (gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, bronchopulmonary pathologies, neurological diseases, immunodeficiencies);
• Hereditary predisposition is a factor that cannot be corrected.
• Improper functioning of the sebaceous glands.
• Dietary disorder, hypovitaminosis.
• Mental and physical stress.
• A fungal infection caused by Pityrosporum Ovale - yeast-like fungi, representatives of the normal microflora of the scalp.
• Improper scalp care (over-drying with a hairdryer, curling irons, frequent coloring);
• Irrational use of headwear (not wearing a hat in winter or wearing a warm headwear in hot weather);
• Insufficient scalp hygiene. However, this reason can only be realized in very advanced cases, when people completely neglect washing their hair.

Risk factors for the development of dandruff

If we consider dandruff as a form, then dandruff refers to the dry form of the disease. At the same time, sebum secretion is significantly reduced, and the natural exfoliation of skin scales is accelerated 3 times and takes 1 week instead of 4.

There is a classification of dandruff into dry and oily, but many experts consider it incorrect, since with true dandruff there is always a reduced secretion of sebum. Oily dandruff is rarely pronounced; particles of exfoliated epithelium are observed on the hair and rarely on the skin itself. But dry dandruff is always abundant and occurs with severe skin irritation and itching.

Dandruff symptoms

• visible white flakes of exfoliated skin on hair, shoulders, clothing, headdress, comb;
• dry skin, but oily skin can also have dandruff, since both conditions are variations of metabolic disorders;
• irritation of affected skin;
• dullness and fragility of hair;
• with progression or long-term course: enlargement of scales, reddish spots and yellowish crusts on the skin.

Differential diagnosis

Before diagnosing yourself, you should visit a doctor and rule out pathologies such as psoriasis and eczema. Both diseases rarely affect only the scalp and have widespread distribution and additional symptoms.

What absolutely should not be done for dandruff

• Scratch your head. Dandruff and itching are an unpleasant combination, and itching aggravates the pathology. Scratching and scratching your already irritated skin will make the problem worse. Infectious agents easily penetrate through microdamages, which leads to the formation of pustules;
• Use alcohol-based products, which greatly dry out already dry skin;
• Dye your hair and use other aggressive hair products;
• Use metal combs, the teeth of which damage the skin and increase dandruff.
• You should forget about hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons.

Dandruff Treatment Methods

Methods for treating dandruff can be divided into traditional and folk. The effectiveness of the chosen method depends on the correct application. Before using any treatment method, you should visit a doctor (dermatologist or trichologist) - perhaps the problem is much more serious than it seems.

Traditional methods

Antifungal therapy is prescribed to all patients, since in the vast majority of cases the fungus is the cause of dandruff or is added later. Medicinal shampoos and lotions, main active ingredients:

Clotrimazole (Cloderm) antifungal substance that disrupts the integrity of fungal membranes	Ketoconazole Azole, which has a fungistatic and fungicidal effect: Mycozoral, Nizoral, Perhotal, Sebozol.			Bifonazole (Bifon) antifungal agent with prolonged action (up to 48 hours)
Ichthyol (Dermasens) contains sulfur, which has local analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, normalizes the cell metabolism cycle	Zinc pyrithione (Friderm Zinc) antimicrobial and antifungal action	Ciclopirox (Sebiprox) pronounced fungicidal activity	Octopirox (Seborin) substance with antifungal activity	Salicylic Acid (Salicylic Shampoo) has keratolytic and antimicrobial effects
Quassia Amara Extract (Quasix Cream) plant with antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory effects	Selenium sulfide slows down cell division and acts on fungus: Selegel, Sulsen and Sulsen-forte.		Medical tar (T/Gel Neutrogena, Friederm Tar, Sebuton) disinfects the skin, reduces, normalizes cell turnover

Shampoos and lotions containing a combination of several active substances have the greatest effect.

Keto plus zinc pyrithione + ketaconazole	Qelual DS zinc pyrithione + cyclopiroxolamine + keluamide	Algopix medical tar + salicylic acid	Elfa ketaconazole + zinc	NodeDS climbazole + salicylic acid + zinc pyrithione	Phytosilic salicylic acid + tea tree, cypress, frankincense oils

General instructions for the use of medicated shampoos

All medicated shampoos require long-term use for 2-6 weeks, and then preventive use 1-2 times a week.

Like other medicinal formulations, shampoos and lotions have some contraindications for use and a number of side effects - this should be taken into account before starting treatment.

A sufficient amount of medicated shampoo is applied to the hair, foams and is evenly distributed on the skin and hair. The exposure time is on average 5-10 minutes, after which the shampoo is thoroughly washed off with running water.

What about the advertised Head & Shoulders shampoo from Procter & Gamble? This shampoo does not belong to the medicinal group, although it contains zinc pyrithione. This means that the concentration of the active substance is such that there will be no harm from the shampoo, but it will not be able to cure dandruff.

Drugs used to normalize lipolysis processes

• Methionine – normalizes the synthesis of phospholipids from fats.
• Riboflavin – participates in fat metabolism, normalizes redox processes.

General restorative therapy

Dandruff often accompanies immunodeficiency conditions, hypovitaminosis, and dysbacteriosis. Therefore, vitamin-mineral complexes (see), immunomodulators (see) and probiotics are prescribed in the treatment complex: (see).

Lifestyle, nutrition

As in the fight against any other disease, nutrition, emotional and physical well-being play an important, if not the main role in the fight against dandruff. Nutrition should be complete in terms of vitamin, mineral and protein composition, but the fat and carbohydrate portion should be limited. You should enrich your diet with herbs, vegetables and fruits, and seafood.

Normalizing the emotional state is sometimes key in the treatment of dandruff. If it is difficult to cope with traumatic situations on your own, you should consult a psychotherapist. It is possible to use mild sedatives, for example, Persen (see).

Treatment of dandruff with folk remedies

Traditional treatments for dandruff are often much more effective than advertised drugs. According to statistics, only 5% of people suffering from dandruff turn to specialists for help, while the rest either do not receive treatment at all or use their grandmother’s methods. Of course, this approach is wrong, but thanks to these people we learn effective ways to combat dandruff.

Phytotherapy

Nettle

In addition to the general strengthening, anti-inflammatory and natural antiseptic effect, it helps to renew the cellular composition of the epidermis. This plant contains organic acids, vitamin C in an amount ten times higher than that in lemon, as well as B vitamins, carotene, minerals, tannins and phytoncides.

To combat dandruff, use nettle infusion for a long time, until the symptoms completely disappear. 5 tbsp. fresh chopped nettle or 2 tbsp. dry plant is poured with a glass of boiling water and kept in a water bath for 10 minutes. The finished solution is filtered through gauze and rubbed into the scalp daily. After washing your hair, you should also rinse your hair with nettle infusion; there is no need to rinse it off with water.

Onion

This folk healer has long been used to treat hair, not only those affected by dandruff, but also brittle and dull hair. Onions contain active phytoncides that destroy fungus and bacteria, as well as vitamins and minerals. Many people refuse this affordable method of fighting dandruff because of the specific smell of onions, which is very easy to get rid of by thoroughly rinsing your hair with cool water after the procedure.

The bulbs are crushed into a paste, which is carefully distributed on the scalp. Put a cellophane cap on top and wrap your head with a towel. Leave the mask on for 2 hours, then wash your hair with neutral shampoo and rinse thoroughly. The procedure should be repeated twice a week until dandruff completely disappears.

Burdock roots

Burdock or burdock can be found in many hair products, but, as you know, there is nothing better than a freshly prepared medicinal composition. Burdock is a powerful antiseptic, contains tannins, and has a wound-healing and regenerating effect (see all).

You can use a traditional infusion of burdock roots in boiling water, but the most effective is burdock emulsion. To prepare it, pour a tablespoon of crushed burdock root with unrefined vegetable oil in a volume of 200 ml. The mixture is sealed and infused in the dark and warm for 2 weeks, after which the plant material is filtered. The finished emulsion is stored in the refrigerator.

This healing composition is considered the most effective in the fight against dandruff; the main thing is to use it correctly and regularly. Twice a week, an hour before washing your hair, rub the emulsion into the scalp and hair roots. Wash off with shampoo and plenty of water.

Treatment with oils

Vegetable oils are widely used in the fight against dandruff because they have a complex effect on the scalp: they not only eliminate dandruff, but also heal the skin by eliminating microflora imbalance. The most effective oils:

• Tea tree: eliminates dandruff, fights dry skin, improving the natural lipid layer.
• Basil: is an antioxidant, has antibacterial properties, stimulates hair growth.
• Chamomile: has antiseptic properties, eliminates itching and irritation, accelerates skin regeneration.
• Lemon: has powerful antibacterial properties, normalizes sebum secretion, and destroys fungus.
• Myrrh: cleanses the skin of keratinized epithelium, regulates the function of the sebaceous glands.
• Patchouli: regenerates cells, promotes healing of microdamages.
• Mint: eliminates redness and irritation of the skin, reduces itching.
• Neema: eliminates fungus, heals the skin.

To prepare the medicinal composition, it is necessary to use basic neutral oil: cedar, olive, sesame, linseed, jojoba. Jojoba oil is preferred because its composition is closest to that of human fat. For 60 ml of base oil, take 20 drops of therapeutic oil. The resulting mixture is stored in the refrigerator in a closed container.

For the procedure, use about 1 teaspoon of the mixture (the mixture of oils is shaken before each use). Apply the oil to your fingertips and gently rub it into your scalp for a few minutes. If everything is done correctly, no greasy film will form on the hair. The mixture should not be washed off, but if you still need to wash your hair, you can do this an hour after the procedure. Frequency: 2-3 times a week.

other methods

Egg mask

Chicken eggs contain lecithin, vitamins and minerals that help eliminate dandruff, improve hair condition and soothe the skin.

To prepare a therapeutic mask, 1 egg is beaten into foam and mixed in equal proportions with natural yogurt. The mixture is distributed on the scalp and hair, covered with cellophane and a towel and left for an hour, after which it is washed off with cool water. Frequency: 2-3 times a week.

Bread paste

Black bread is a real savior for dry and brittle hair and damaged skin. The yeast in baked bread is no longer so aggressive, but at the same time it perfectly cleanses the skin without drying it out.

A piece of black bread is crushed and poured with boiling water. When the mixture has cooled (to about 50 C), wash your hair with this mixture, rubbing it into the hair, and then rinse with cool water. There is no need to use shampoo - your hair will be fresh and clean. You can use this method constantly, there is no harm or addiction.

Curdled milk

Curdled milk provides vitamin nutrition to the hair and scalp. Due to the content of folic acid, curdled milk has an anti-inflammatory effect, choline normalizes the function of the sebaceous glands, proteins and lactic acid restore the skin.

It is best to use homemade yogurt. The product is slightly warmed and applied to unwashed but slightly moisturized hair and scalp, left for 40 minutes under cellophane and a terry towel, and then rinsed with warm water and neutral shampoo. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week.

Many people are interested in the question: is it possible to use traditional methods of treating dandruff along with traditional treatment? If you have been prescribed shampoo to treat dandruff, do not neglect the recommendation. Traditional methods can be used if basic treatment is ineffective or if you cannot yet reach a doctor.

Whatever remedy you use to treat dandruff, don’t expect an instant effect, and you don’t need one - gradual, natural restoration of the condition of the scalp is the best guarantee of no relapses of dandruff!

Dandruff- these are nothing more than horny scales that periodically flake off from the surface of the scalp. A complete change of cells in the upper (horny) layer of the skin occurs every 4 weeks, therefore dandruff in a mild form, this is a completely normal physiological phenomenon. However, not all so simple. Besides such a banal dandruff, which naturally appears every 4 weeks and is not associated with pathological changes in the scalp, dandruff may be a sign of various skin diseases, such as psoriasis. Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin diseases; it is characterized by rashes, including on the scalp. This usually manifests itself in the form of pink-red inflammatory formations - nodules rising above the skin level, prone to merging into large plaques, covered with silver-white scales, which are easily separated and at the same time look like dandruff. Thus, determining the true cause of the occurrence dandruff in each specific case, it requires consultation with a specialist - a dermatologist or trichologist, as well as a special medical examination.

Dandruff as a sign seborrhea

As observations have shown, in most cases dandruff is one of the manifestations seborrhea. What it is? Seborrhea (from Latin sebum - fat and Greek rrhea - flow) is a disease of the skin of the face, scalp, back, chest, the main symptom of which is a disorder in the process of sebum formation in the skin. This may be due to changes in both the excretory function of the sebaceous glands and the chemical composition of sebum. At seborrhea Most often, the skin of the affected areas shines, becomes porous, the hair is greasy, the mouths of the sebaceous glands become clogged with exfoliated skin cells and, as a result, acne appears on open areas of the skin, and on the scalp - dandruff. Less often when seborrhea the skin looks dry, while it is very sensitive and irritable, and dandruff abundant and crumbles easily. This disease is also characterized by a chronic course with frequent exacerbations. The normal process of sebum formation in the skin is as follows. The main components of sebum are substances that, released onto the surface of the skin, mix with the secretion of the sweat glands, forming a water-fat layer - this is what protects the skin, suppressing the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sebum depend on the general condition of the body, especially on the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as on the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, gender, age, diet, concomitant diseases, climate and time of year play an important role here - all this may well change the composition of the secretion of the sebaceous glands, reducing the protective properties of sebum, which, in turn, creates conditions for the proliferation of microbes and development of the disease. In addition, significant importance in the occurrence seborrhea has a hereditary predisposition to the development of this disease. The largest amount of sebum is formed and secreted during puberty. Therefore most often seborrhea develops between the ages of 14 and 25 as a result of an imbalance in the body between female and male hormones. Besides, seborrhea can develop due to improper care of the scalp - when washing with low-quality, especially alkaline shampoos, frequent hair dyeing and bleaching, perm, etc., as well as due to a lack of vitamins in food, overwork, influence of atmospheric factors, etc. . If you take a skin sample and examine it under a microscope, you will find the following characteristic signs: seborrhea: excessive thickening of the superficial (horny) layer of the skin - hyperkeratosis or keratinization, and therefore increased peeling of the skin, hence - dandruff; enlargement (hypertrophy) of the sebaceous glands; signs of inflammation around the hair and blood vessels. As a result of increased keratinization, the secretion of secretions becomes difficult, nutritional disturbances occur, and then the death of the sebaceous glands and hair papillae occurs.

Kinds seborrhea

Analyzing the signs of the disease and its course, seborrhea is distinguished as oily, dry and mixed. Fat seborrhea divided into thick and liquid seborrhea. What are their characteristic features? Thick form of oily seborrhea In this case, the skin is thickened and its elasticity is reduced. The skin color is brownish-gray, the mouths of the sebaceous glands are significantly enlarged, the hair is thick, coarse, and hard. Often the excretory duct of the sebaceous gland becomes clogged with sloughing skin cells soaked in sebum. If this element is squeezed, a thick greasy mass is squeezed out. This is how a comedon (blackhead) appears - a horny plug. With this form seborrhea quite often there are cysts of the sebaceous glands (atheromas), when opened, a mass similar to cottage cheese is released. In case of inflammation of the atheroma, it is opened, pus is released, and then a scar is formed. Complications of this form seborrhea are pustular skin diseases caused by staphylococci and streptococci, for example, boils.

Liquid form oily seborrhea

With this form seborrhea the skin resembles an orange peel: the pores are enlarged, the skin is shiny, sebum is secreted in excess from the dilated ducts of the sebaceous glands. The hair on the head shines, has the appearance of being lubricated with oil, is saturated with sebum already 2-3 days after washing it, and sticks together into strands. The hair is covered by tightly clinging abundant yellowish scales of skin. Itching of the skin may occur, as well as the development of baldness. Complications in this case are the same purulent skin diseases, but already pronounced and more severe, such as furunculosis - multiple boils, impetigo - damage to the hair follicles with the formation of pustules in their place, which, when opened, turn into thick honey-colored crusts; after falling off, pigment spots may remain.

Dry seborrhea

With this form of the disease, the appearance of dry skin is created, although sebum is produced, but it is viscous. It is poorly secreted from the sebaceous glands, so the surface layers of the epidermis look dry. In this case, the skin is very sensitive and easily irritated. Dandruff completely covers the scalp and hair, falls off easily, and itching occurs. Sometimes dandruff layers on top of each other, forming crusts of grayish-white or yellowish-gray color. Peeling develops either in the occipital-parietal region or over the entire surface of the scalp. Hair is dry, thin, brittle, with split ends. When dry seborrhea In the scalp, a microscopic fungus is activated - Pityrosporum ovale, which many people have and does not cause disease, but under certain conditions - intense physical work, decreased immunity, the postpartum period, etc. - it becomes dangerous to health and increases seborrhea.

Mixed seborrhea

It is characterized by a combination of oily and dry seborrhea, for example, the skin of the face - forehead, nose, chin - is oily, and on the cheeks it is dry. In addition, cases of mixed forms of fatty seborrhea: the face shows signs of a liquid form of oily seborrhea, and on the scalp - thick. It is worth mentioning separately this frequent complication seborrhea scalp, such as seborrheic alopecia (baldness) It appears due to improper or completely absent treatment in approximately 25% of people. Most often this process develops as follows. At first, hair loss is moderate and does not go beyond the normal state, in which increased sebum secretion begins (physiological seborrhea). Some patients have physiological seborrhea disappears on its own after 2-5 years and the amount of sebum secreted becomes normal. In other cases, this process does not normalize on its own and a persistent seborrhea, ultimately leading to hair loss. The lifespan of new hair is shortened, it becomes thin, thins out and is gradually replaced by vellus hair. Itching, pain, discomfort and a feeling of tightness of the scalp appear. In women, hair thinning most often occurs in the frontal region, in contrast to men, whose hair falls out greatly in the frontoparietal region and thins at the temples and the back of the head. There is pronounced peeling on the scalp ( dandruff), the scales are grayish-yellow, greasy, easily separated when scraped, some of them are on the hair. When examining the skin of the scalp under a microscope, it is clear that the root sheath of the hair, papilla and bulb are strongly, and sometimes irreversibly, changed, and therefore the renewal of lost hair is almost impossible. In such cases, women often experience menstrual irregularities.

Treatment seborrhea

How can seborrhea be cured? First of all, treatment should begin with eliminating the causes of the disease. At the first stage, a thorough examination by a specialist (trichologist or dermatologist) and normalization of the functioning of those organs and systems in which pathology is detected (endocrine glands, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system) are necessary.

General restorative treatment

Important place in treatment seborrhea General strengthening treatment is given: sufficient sleep, walks in the fresh air, and exercise. In food, you should limit the amount of animal fats, carbohydrates, table salt, spicy and smoked foods, and alcohol. Food should be rich in vegetables, dairy products, and vitamins. Vitamin therapy must be combined with the intake of microelements; if necessary (this is decided only by a doctor), vitamins can be prescribed in the form of intramuscular injections in certain courses. For neurosis and mental depression, preparations of valerian, motherwort, etc. are indicated. In this case, sanatorium-resort treatment gives good results. For oily seborrhea It is recommended to take hormonal drugs that have the ability to suppress the excessive production of male hormones in the female body - thereby reducing the secretion of sebum (for example, the contraceptive drug "DIANE-35"),

Local treatment

You should definitely pay attention that the use of widely advertised shampoos from dandruff, so to speak, by trial and error can only provoke irritation of the scalp, as well as aggravate the course of the disease. To combat dandruff it is necessary to use medicated shampoos, which are selected by the doctor individually for each patient after a preliminary examination, depending on the type seborrhea. They are conventionally divided into:

• antifungal shampoos: they contain ketoconazole (another, more well-known name is nizoral);
• antibacterial shampoos: they contain antibacterial substances - octoprirox, zinc pyriton;
• exfoliating shampoos that act as a kind of scrub for the scalp: they contain exfoliating components - salicylic acid, sulfur;
• shampoos with plant extracts, for example, tar, which effectively remove excess oil from the scalp, have antiseborrheic, antibacterial and antifungal effects, as well as some others.

In addition, medicated shampoos are able to restore the structure of damaged hair, slow down the accelerated division and reproduction of scalp cells; they, as a rule, do not contain fragrances, dyes or preservatives, so they do not provoke allergies and do not irritate the scalp. How to use medicated shampoos? In the first two to four weeks, they should be used to wash your hair at least twice a week, then 1-2 times a week for 1.5-2 months. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated. To consolidate and maintain the therapeutic effect after the main course, it is recommended to use shampoos with a neutral acidity level (pH). There are other dosage forms of drugs that can be used as external agents in the treatment of seborrhea, for example, aerosols, lotions that prevent the proliferation of microorganisms on the skin, eliminating burning, itching and excessive peeling. One of the traditional methods of treating dry seborrhea, which can still be found today, is rubbing sulfur-salicylic ointment into the scalp, as well as lotions containing salicylic, boric acids, resorcinol, sulfur, and creams containing vitamins A, E and F. They are prepared in a pharmacy according to a doctor’s prescription. A special place in treatment seborrhea the scalp is occupied by herbal medicine - treatment with medicinal herbs, but only on the condition that the patient is not allergic to herbs. Here are some of her recipes that you can use yourself. When dry seborrhea: sea buckthorn pomace is poured with olive oil in a ratio of 1:3, heated in a water bath for up to 30 minutes. Then leave it for one night and rub it into the hair roots. At the same time, the skin and hair are nourished with vitamins contained in sea buckthorn oil. For oily seborrhea: tansy flowers (100g) are heated in a water bath for 10 minutes in 3 liters of water, infused for one night and the hair is washed with a warm solution that has disinfectant properties. You can use burdock roots: 2 tablespoons of dry crushed roots are poured with a glass of boiling water, boiled for 10 minutes in a water bath, filtered and rubbed 2-3 times a week into the hair roots for a month. This procedure helps with hair loss. Stinging nettle leaves are good at strengthening hair roots and restoring blood circulation to the scalp. A mixture of 50 g of crushed nettle leaves and 50 g of nettle rhizomes is poured into 0.5 liters of table vinegar and 0.5 liters of water, boiled in a water bath for 30 minutes. The strained broth is massaged onto the scalp 1-2 times a week. To wash and rinse your hair, use chamomile and marigold flowers, which have disinfectant properties, rub in a mixture of onion and garlic, which suppress the development of pathogenic microorganisms and improve blood circulation. To treat the skin of the scalp, a wide variety of physical treatment methods are widely used, for example, massage of the scalp with liquid nitrogen (cold treatment), which, due to the low temperature, activates the metabolic process in the skin, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, stimulates the functioning of the blood and lymphatics. vessels. Very well improves blood circulation in the scalp and manual massage for 10-15 minutes. This type of massage can be done independently at home. Massage movements are carried out with the pads of 2-5 fingers along the partings in various directions: longitudinal, transverse, circular. It is convenient to do this in a sitting position with your head slightly tilted towards your chest. Movements begin from the forehead to the back of the head, and along the transverse partings - from bottom to top (from the ears and neck to the middle of the parietal region). It is better to start the massage by combing the hair with a massage brush in all directions for 2-3 minutes. When self-massaging the scalp, the following techniques are used:

• superficial stroking with fingertips;
• rubbing (straight, spiral);
• intermittent pressure with rake-like fingers on the scalp.

For the purpose of prevention seborrhea It is recommended to destroy the combs that you used during illness, change or treat hats. If the fabric of the headdress allows, it can be boiled with detergents, and also irrigated with a solution of vinegar essence, followed by placing it in hermetically sealed plastic bags for 24-48 hours. If such manipulations cannot be done, then it is better to change the headdress. Let us say again that the treatment program seborrhea should be selected strictly individually by a doctor - a trichologist or a dermatologist, depending on the manifestations and the results of a thorough examination. After the prescribed treatment and following all medical recommendations, the skin condition returns to normal, dandruff disappears, and a balanced diet and restorative procedures do not allow them to return again.