6 Surprising Ways of Treating Dandruff at Home

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Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that manifests with flaking of scalp skin. These flakes thus appear on the head. It also presents with itching.

It is estimated that dandruff affects about 50% of the world’s population. It causes tingling of the scalp skin and the appearance of greasy patches on the head.

It is associated with various causes including allergic reactions, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Seborrheic dermatitis can be caused by a reaction to Malassezia which is a yeast that occurs on the scalp.

Poor hygiene is less associated with dandruff but flakes may appear if an individual does not wash or brush their hair frequently.

This article explores home remedies for treating dandruff.

Home Dandruff Remedies

The following methods offer cheap and easy dandruff remedies at your home. Try alternating them for effective results.

1. Consider Using Oil of Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has for several centuries been used in the treatment of various skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, tea tree oil possesses strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties both of which are potential in alleviating symptoms of dandruff.

According to one study that report was published in PubMed, tea tree oil has the capabilities of warding off specific strains of resistant bacteria that usually cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Another study also was conducted on 126 people with dandruff to examine the effects of tea tree oil on their conditions. These respondents were treated daily with a 5% tea tree oil shampoo or a placebo. Eventually, the results showed that tea tree oil helped reduce the symptoms by 41%. It also reduced scalp itchiness and greasiness.

However, it is worthy to note that tea tree oil can cause skin irritation in individuals with sensitive skin. Therefore it is recommended that you try mixing it with a carrier oil like olive oil before applying it directly to your skin.

2. Try Using Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another remedy that can be used to treat dandruff naturally. This oil has numerous health benefits. It exerts its effects moisturizing and hydrating the skin thus preventing dryness, which can easily precipitate dandruff.

A particular study was carried out by the National Center for Biotechnology Information on 36 people. Some were put under mineral oil while others were put on coconut oil. The results showed that coconut oil effectively improved skin hydration more than mineral oil.

Eczema, which is a skin condition commonly associated with dandruff can also be treated with coconut oil. It has also been shown to be effective in the management of atopic dermatitis. Additionally, coconut oil and its compounds have been found to possess antimicrobial properties that may help treat dandruff.

3. How About Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a juicy plant that many manufacturers usually include as an ingredient in cosmetics, ointments, and lotions. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Aloe Vera may be effective against various skin conditions such as psoriasis, burns, and cold sores.

It is believed to be effective in the management of dandruff as well. This is because aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties. One study’s report that was published in PubMed, found that aloe vera may be helpful in the effective management of various species of fungi. It also stated that it can control fungal infections that cause loss of hair from the scalp.

What’s more, is that aloe vera can reduce inflammation thus relieving symptoms. Further studies should be carried out to establish how aloe vera may have direct effects on dandruff.

4. Stress on Minimizing Your Stress Levels

Scientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists believe that stress can negatively affect an individual’s life. It can also worsen chronic conditions and mental stability.

Stress has no direct relationship with dandruff but it has been shown to escalate symptoms such as skin itchiness and dryness. Some reviews by the National Center for Biotechnology Information have shown that sustained stress for a long time can severely lower an individual’s immunity.

With the immune system at stake and weak, diseases such as fungal infections and skin conditions can easily set in eventually causing dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis which tops the list of causal factors of dermatitis has been found to be more common in people with stressful life.

You can lower your stress by doing a range of activities such as yoga, dancing, meditation, deep breathing, solving puzzles, or aromatherapy.

5. Befriend Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been associated with numerous health benefits. These range from improving insulin sensitivity to helping increase weight loss. In other venues, apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural treatment of dandruff.

Apple cider vinegar has an acidic property. Therefore, when it is applied to the scalp, it can help in shedding off the dead skin cells from the scalp. Another beneficial mechanism of apple cider vinegar is balancing the pH of the skin. This helps in thwarting fungal growth hence reducing the likelihood of developing dandruff.

These claims are only based on anecdotal evidence and lack pure studies to support them and thus apple cider vinegar can help fight specific types of fungus. You can combine 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with shampoo or essential oils and directly spray it on your hair.

6. Do You Have Aspirin

Aspirin is a common drug used to treat various inflammatory conditions. This is due to its primary compound, salicylic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties. Many shampoo brands contain salicylic acid as an anti-dandruff remedy.

It works by helping clear off scaly skin and loosening flakes for easy removal. Some studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information have shown that shampoos containing salicylic acid can help treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

For the purpose of dandruff remedy, you can crush 2 or 3 tablets of aspirin and add the powder into the shampoo you intend to wash your hair with.

Conclusion

Dandruff is a common condition of the scalp that affects many people. It is mainly caused by an underlying skin condition such as seborrheic dermatitis and presents with scalp itching, tingling, and flaking of skin. For an easy dandruff remedy at home, you can try using aloe vera, apple vinegar, tea tree oil, and reducing your stress levels.

Crystal Kadir

MS, Durham University
GP

The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.

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