Why does dandruff occur on the head?

Dandruff is a visible manifestation of the renewal of the epidermis of the scalp. Normally, the cell development cycle is about a month and occurs unnoticed by humans. With dandruff, it decreases to a week, and then the flaking scales are clearly visible on the hair and clothes. Dandruff, the causes and treatment of which will be discussed in the article, is an early sign and the mildest clinical form of seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms and types of dandruff

This pathology is difficult not to notice. Light, dry, white or grayish scales easily fall off the scalp and contaminate hair, comb, and clothes. Hair can become dull, quickly become greasy, and thin. Quite often, with dandruff, a person is bothered by itching of the scalp, but inflammatory processes, as a rule, are absent.

Against the background of hypersecretion of large sebaceous glands, of which there are quite a lot in such an area as the scalp, dandruff can become oily. The exfoliated particles of the epidermis combine into fairly large yellowish flakes. They are greasy, difficult to separate from the surface of the skin, and can form layers. Hair very quickly becomes dirty, weakens, begins to split and fall out.

Dandruff is a fairly common problem. For some people, this pathology becomes chronic, while others suffer from it only from time to time. One way or another, every person has encountered this phenomenon at least once in their life. Attempts to get rid of the problem will not be effective if you do not find the answer to the question: “What caused dandruff?”

Fungus is the main cause of dandruff

Most people perceive the appearance of dandruff solely as a cosmetic problem. Indeed, its presence is not very aesthetically pleasing and can ruin any outfit and hairstyle. However, the occurrence of dandruff primarily signals existing disorders in the body, although it is not an independent disease. The assumption that the main culprit in the appearance of dandruff is the fungal infection Pityrosporum Ovale was put forward about a hundred years ago. Dermatologists still hold the same opinion today.

Causes of active fungal growth

Interestingly, the notorious microorganism is a representative of the normal human microflora and can inhabit the scalp for a long time and not cause dandruff. The problem arises when the protective properties of the skin are reduced, the composition of sebum changes and conditions are created for the uncontrolled proliferation of fungus. And this happens under the influence of a number of factors, including:

1. metabolic disease;
2. hormonal imbalance;
3. some diseases, and, as a result, decreased immunity;
4. overstrain, both physical and emotional;
5. poor nutrition, hypovitaminosis;
6. mistakes in caring for hair and scalp: use of aggressive chemicals, blow-drying, hypothermia as a result of neglecting a hat in winter;
7. hereditary predisposition.

Most often, it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of what causes dandruff. Any of the listed reasons, and sometimes a combination of them, can provoke its occurrence. Age is an additional factor. Children almost never experience dandruff, but in teenagers it can be a transient phenomenon. There is a certain relationship between gender and the frequency of occurrence of this pathology. Thus, dandruff appears more often in men than in women. In the autumn-winter period, the problem tends to worsen.

Dandruff Treatment: Lifestyle Changes

To understand what causes dandruff, sometimes it is enough to analyze your own menu and daily routine. Perhaps the nutritional system should be corrected by limiting the consumption of fatty, spicy and fried foods, alcohol and sweets. It is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of foods rich in fiber, vitamins A and B, and fermented milk products. Normalization of the drinking regime is important.

The absence of physical overload, stress, sufficient time for sleep and rest will definitely have a positive impact on the condition of the body in general and the scalp in particular.

Proper care of the scalp and hair

If dandruff appears, it is worth excluding aggressive hairdressing procedures at least for the duration of treatment: coloring, perming, blow-drying, using hairspray and hair gel. You can temporarily replace chemical hair dyes with natural ones: henna and basma, walnut shells. If desired, you can use natural styling products based on flax seeds, gelatin, egg whites, and sugar.

Special attention should be paid to the issue of hygiene. It is recommended to use natural wood combs and regularly replace them with new ones.

Anti-dandruff products

It is logical that the easiest way to ensure a direct effect on the hair and scalp is with the help of shampoos, masks and lotions. It is not so important what causes dandruff: effective products should always contain an antifungal component. Even if the fungus is not the root cause of dandruff, most often it joins the complex of problems later. In addition, it is good if the product has regenerating and bactericidal properties, and also regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. In this case, the impact will be complex.

Any cosmetic store has a wide selection of anti-dandruff shampoos. Consumer reviews about them are different: for some, such products helped get rid of the problem once and for all, while others were left disappointed. But, as practice shows, special medical dermatological shampoos are more effective. And the composition of such products, which can be purchased exclusively at the pharmacy, is much more natural.

Active ingredients in anti-dandruff products

Most often, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium disulfide, ciclopirox, bifonazole, climbazole act as antifungal components in anti-dandruff products. Tar, sulfur, and salicylic acid have a pronounced exfoliating effect. These substances cleanse the scalp well of skin flakes. Octopyrox, tar, ichthyol slow down the accelerated vital activity of cells. Most of the listed components have an anti-inflammatory effect and normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands. It is better when the drug contains not one, but several active ingredients, and in addition they contain natural additives: herbal extracts (nettle, burdock, chamomile) and essential oils (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus). Sometimes such ingredients alone can combat itching and dandruff.

Features of the use of medicated anti-dandruff shampoos

All the nuances of using this or that anti-dandruff product are indicated in the attached instructions. There are also some general points. As a rule, in order for the active substance in the shampoo to be as effective as possible, it is recommended to leave it on the scalp for some time, while doing a light massage. Medicinal hair washes most often have almost no foam. This indicates their beneficial composition.

Anti-dandruff shampoos should be used at least twice a week in the first month of use, and then, for prevention, twice a month. You can alternate the pharmaceutical product with a suitable shampoo from the cosmetic series.

There are many medicinal dermatological shampoos for different tastes and budgets: Nizoral, Friederm, Fitoval, Sebazol, Dermazol, Keto Plus, Sulsena, Sebiprox, Vichy. Well, there are cosmetic ones in almost every line of shampoos of most brands known to the mass buyer. If dandruff appears, its causes and treatment are an individual question. If it is not possible to consult with a trichologist, choosing a medicinal shampoo will have to be done by trial and error.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers many recipes for those who are faced with such a nuisance as dandruff. What should people do if they are disappointed with pharmaceutical drugs or fear side effects? Choose a recipe option you like and try it, fortunately there are many of them, and they are distinguished by their simplicity and accessibility.

Herbal medicine suggests using decoctions and infusions of herbs: burdock root, nettle, tansy, chamomile, calendula, coltsfoot, oak bark. You can either rinse your hair after washing or rub it into the scalp.

Oil masks are often offered as effective folk remedies for dandruff. Olive or castor oil can be used alone, or in combination with lemon juice. Of course, after half an hour of exposure to such a mask, the hair must be washed with shampoo.

Another interesting recipe: take a chicken egg, add a tablespoon of vodka and kefir and rub into the scalp. After half an hour, wash off. You can combine an egg with natural honey.

It is worth trying to exfoliate the scalp with fine table salt before washing. It is claimed that this is one of the most effective methods of getting rid of dandruff. But you should be careful with salt if there are areas of inflammation on the scalp.

So, we must remember that such a seemingly harmless problem as dandruff should not be ignored, if only because behind it there is a certain disorder in the body. Neglected dandruff not only spoils the appearance, but can also lead to more serious consequences, including baldness.

According to statistics, a third of the world's population faces the problem of dandruff. Snow-white flakes in the hair significantly spoil the appearance, the head begins to itch. In a word, this cannot continue for long, and the beauties are ready to make any sacrifices in order to quickly get rid of the problem. How to deal with dandruff in women and prevent its occurrence in the future? You will find answers to these questions in the article.

Why do women get dandruff?

Dandruff on the head of women is quite common. The appearance of a cosmetic defect indicates a disruption in the coordinated functioning of the sebaceous glands and the body as a whole, and sometimes signals serious health problems.

What is dandruff? The life of an epidermal cell lasts only 28 days; after this time, it dies and a new one appears in its place. This process is called regeneration. If all indicators of the functioning of a woman’s organs and systems are normal, then such changes pass unnoticed, without causing discomfort.

As soon as the balance is disrupted, cells begin to divide rapidly, and old particles of the epidermis accumulate on the surface. Such accumulations are called dandruff. They can be white or yellowish (for those with oily hair).

Let's figure out why dandruff appears on the head. There are quite a few reasons for its appearance, let’s outline the main ones:

1. impaired metabolism, which weakens the body’s resistance to pathogenetic factors;
2. unstable hormonal levels also affect the condition of the skin, this may be due to taking hormonal medications;
3. diseases of organs or organ systems, in particular the nervous and endocrine systems, gastrointestinal diseases;
4. weak immunity;
5. heredity;
6. changes in the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
7. development of dermatological diseases (sores, scabs, seborrhea, allergic dermatitis and others);
8. frequent staining, exposure to various chemical compounds;
9. lack of vitamins, microelements and other important components in a woman’s body;
10. frequent stress, physical and emotional strain;
11. increased dryness of the scalp due to improper care, frequent styling with curling irons, flat irons;
12. hair care cosmetics do not match your hair type and are chosen incorrectly;
13. activation of the activity of the yeast fungus Pityrosporum Ovale, which led to disruption of the microflora of the scalp;
14. external factors (weather, poor ecology).

Note, Improper use of natural homemade masks can cause dandruff in women. Experts recommend using special caution when using masks aimed at accelerating the growth of curls.

First signs

It is not necessary to wait until the unpleasant “snow” covers your entire head, The problem can be predicted at an early stage. This will greatly facilitate the treatment process and cause the beauty less grief.

The main symptoms of dandruff:

1. a small amount of white scales on the hair, clothes, shoulders after combing the hair;
2. curls have become drier, brittle, natural shine and radiance are lost;
3. the skin becomes irritable, redness appears;
4. the head begins to itch;
5. crusts may form;

If you notice such signs in yourself, immediately go to an appointment with a dermatologist, dermacosmetologist or trichologist. Do not self-medicate. Dandruff can be not only a cosmetic defect, but also a sign of complex diseases; its treatment cannot be delayed (psoriasis, dermatitis).

Fighting methods

Dandruff in women requires complex treatment, which is prescribed only by a specialist. First of all, he performs a thorough examination of the scalp to determine what causes dandruff in the patient. Only after a diagnosis has been established are appropriate medications prescribed.

There are several ways to eliminate a cosmetic defect: medication (using ointments, special shampoos), the use of modern techniques (for example, mesotherapy, leech therapy) and folk remedies.

Drug treatment

The main method of eliminating “snow” in hair is the use of medicated shampoos, lotions and ointments. They have an antifungal, exfoliating effect, the active components of the product stabilize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, fill the epidermal cells with vitamins and nutritional components.

Among anti-dandruff shampoos, the following are especially popular:

1. Nizoral. Ketoconazole is used as the active substance. It has a high antifungal effect and is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor and dandruff. After the first use of the product, it noticeably reduces itching and peeling of the skin. Used for the prevention and treatment of illness. The course of treatment is from 2 to 4 weeks, you need to wash your hair every 3 days. If you use shampoo for preventive purposes, then it is enough to wash your hair with it every week or every other week. The cost of the product is 430–800 rubles, depending on the volume and manufacturer.

1. Perhotal is an analogue of Nizoral. Ketaconazole is also used as an active ingredient. The treatment course lasts up to 8 weeks, you need to wash your hair 2 times a week. In terms of price, the product is cheaper than Nizoral.

1. Sulsen forte (sulsen shampoo 2%). The active ingredient is sulsen. Deeply cleanses the skin, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, increases blood flow, and is used to treat and prevent dandruff. Contains a complex of natural additives, thanks to which itching and irritability of the scalp quickly disappear. Does not require the use of conditioner after washing, because the composition includes a conditioning additive.

1. Bioderma Node DS. An excellent doctor for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and gets rid of dandruff. The active components of the product, in particular salicylic acid, ichthyol, kelp extract, have a beneficial effect on the microflora of the integument and contribute to the rapid destruction of fungi that provoke the appearance of dandruff. The product contains no tar or harmful flavorings. The course of treatment is 3 weeks, provided that shampoo is used up to 4 times a week. Bioderma Node DS can be used as a prophylactic; to do this, wash your hair with this product several times a week. The cost of the product is about 1,500 rubles per 125 ml. In addition, the manufacturer offers a series of medicinal cosmetics to combat dandruff and related diseases.

1. Vichy Dercos intensive anti-dandruff shampoo. The product does not contain parabens, dyes, or sulfates. The unique formula of the product includes Piroctone olamine, salicylic acid and Vichy Spa thermal water. Together, they actively influence the problem and guarantee a decent result after the first use. The company offers several shampoo options: for sensitive skin, dry and oily hair types. The cost of the product is 800–850 rubles.

Drug treatment involves the use of medicinal ointments. It is worth noting that ointments are considered more effective, although they are inferior in cost to anti-dandruff shampoos and lotions.

The following drugs have proven themselves to be excellent:

1. Zinc ointment. The product reduces inflammation and has high antiseptic properties. For those with dry hair, the product is supplemented with a few drops of vegetable oil. You can use the ointment even during pregnancy and lactation without the risk of harming the baby. To get rid of dandruff, it is recommended to apply a moderate layer of the product to the affected areas of the head twice a week. The duration of treatment is 1–2 months, depending on the severity of the problem.

1. Sulsena paste. It is considered an effective and affordable remedy for combating dandruff, scalp seborrhea, and psoriasis. A properly selected composition has a high antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, eliminating the problem of hair loss. The paste is applied to the root part after washing the hair, after 15 minutes the product is washed off. The treatment course lasts 1 month, the ointment is applied 2 times a week. The price of Sulsena forte paste is 60–100 rubles.

1. Sulfuric ointment. It is highly effective and has a longer course of treatment. The drug is applied to clean and dry scalp for 5 minutes, after which the remaining product is removed. You need to rub the ointment 2-3 times a day for 5-10 days, depending on the diagnosis. After the treatment course, to consolidate the result, it is recommended to use special shampoos with the addition of tar, zinc, and ketoconazole. The drug should not be used by pregnant women or during lactation. The cost of a tube of ointment (25 g) is on average 50 rubles.

Masks occupy a separate category of anti-dandruff medications. The masks contain vitamin and nutritional supplements that improve the condition of curls, strengthen their structure and eliminate unpleasant “snow” on the head.

The following products remain popular on the modern market:

1. Hair Vital anti-dandruff mask. The product has high antifungal and antimicrobial properties, quickly copes with itching and increased oiliness of the scalp. The mask contains piroctone olamine, burdock extract and other active ingredients that help quickly eliminate the problem and strengthen the hair follicle. A mask from an Italian manufacturer is rubbed into the scalp; the product lasts 10–15 minutes. The procedure must be repeated 1–2 times a week, the course of therapy is 3–5 weeks. It is recommended to use the mask simultaneously with shampoo and lotion from the specified series. This will significantly speed up the healing process. The cost of the mask is about 350 rubles.

1. Mud mask Hair & Scalp Mud Mask Dolmen. Hair product from a well-known Jordanian company has a rich, natural composition. It contains medicinal mud of the Dead Sea, vegetable oils and extracts of medicinal herbs. The product moisturizes, nourishes dry scalp, eliminates itching and flaking. It is recommended to apply a mask to clean hair 1-2 times a week; the procedure takes only 5 minutes. Regular use of the mask will make your hair silky, manageable and radiant with health, even without a hint of dandruff. The price of the mask is 750 rubles.

1. Masc Mascarilla peeling mask for scalp. It can be used to combat the disease or to prevent its occurrence in the future. Special microparticles, well-chosen acids in combination with a complex of active nutritional supplements can quickly eliminate defects and irritability of the skin, and normalize the water balance of the skin. Apply to a dry surface without first washing your hair for 15 minutes. After the specified time, rinse with warm water. The manufacturer recommends using a peeling hair mask with shampoo from the same line. The cost of the hair product is 850 rubles.

Attention! Before using a mask, shampoo or ointment, perform a sensitivity test. This will protect you from complicating the problem and irritation, allergic rash.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers a lot of recipes for compounds that will reduce itching and symptoms of an unpleasant scalp disease. It's your choice, but Please note that folk remedies alone will not be able to get rid of the problem. They are used in combination with drug treatment.

There are many options for folk hair remedies that will be useful for eliminating dandruff.

We offer several effective and popular recipes.

1. Burdock mask. Everyone knows about the strengthening, restoring and wound-healing properties of burdock. It can also be used in the fight against “snow flakes” in the hair. You are required to pour 1 tbsp. l. crushed burdock root with a glass of unrefined, preferably olive oil. Close the lid tightly and leave in a dark but warm place for 2 weeks. After a while, rub the liquid in 2 times a week before washing your hair. After 1 hour, wash off the remaining burdock emulsion using shampoo.
2. Nettle conditioner. Nettle has long been known for its high anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent antiseptic. In addition, the plant is rich in nutritional components and vitamins; after a course of treatment procedures, hair becomes strong, silky, and falls out less. You will need fresh leaves of the plant (5 tablespoons) and dry nettle leaves (2 tablespoons), pour boiling water (200 ml) over them. Place the container with the broth in a water bath for 10 minutes. After the specified time, strain the broth. After each shampoo, rinse your hair with the prepared decoction. You can rub the product in before washing your hair.
3. Oil compositions - another option to strengthen your hair and get rid of dandruff. Mix your favorite vegetable oils (tea tree, mint, myrrh, lemon, patchouli or chamomile) in equal proportions. Rub the mixture into your scalp for 2-3 minutes until the product is absorbed. After an hour, you can wash your hair. It is recommended to repeat the procedure up to 3 times a week.
4. Mask with black bread. Crumble a slice of bread and pour boiling water over it. Let the mixture cool and start rubbing. After 3-5 minutes, rinse your hair with clean, cool water. The product is harmless to hair and is not addictive.
5. Egg mask. Beat 1 egg until foam forms, add the same amount of kefir (yogurt) to the egg mixture. Stir the mask thoroughly and rub into the scalp. Wrap your hair in plastic and a warm towel. After 1 hour, wash off the remaining mask with cool water. Perform the egg mask no more than 3 times a week.

Alternative Methods

You can eliminate the problem of the scalp using modern methods, They are performed in a cosmetology office or beauty salon, under the guidance of an experienced specialist. These include:

1. darsonvalization (massage using a portable device darsonval);
2. hirudotherapy (the procedure of applying leeches to acupuncture points);
3. cryomassage (massage of the scalp with dry ice or liquid nitrogen);
4. laser puncture (impact on the problem with a laser);
5. mesotherapy (the process of introducing nutritional components and medications through intradermal injections).

Attention! To quickly and permanently get rid of dandruff, one method is not enough. Experts insist on comprehensive treatment and adherence to a strict diet.

Tips for a quick recovery

Regardless of the cause of dandruff in women during the treatment period, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

1. Strictly follow the instructions and prescriptions of your doctor.
2. Remember, alcohol-containing products dry out the skin greatly, they will only complicate the problem.
3. Do not scratch or scratch your head, so as not to injure the integument. Through wounds you can introduce an infection and cause suppuration.
4. Use a soft, non-metallic comb.
5. Avoid blow-drying, styling with tongs, or straightening.
6. Use high-quality, medicated shampoos.
7. You cannot dye your hair or use aggressive styling products. Pay more attention to nutrition and hydration.
8. Review your diet, add more healthy foods, fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. Avoid alcohol, fried, salty and smoked foods. This diet helps normalize metabolism and speed up recovery.

Preventive measures

To prevent dandruff from appearing in the future, experts recommend periodically using medicated shampoos, lotions and masks. Particular attention in prevention is paid to nutrition. More healthy, healthy food! Forget about junk food and fast food.

And finally, watch your diet, get plenty of rest, and don’t get nervous. Disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and constant stress in most cases become the cause of the development of a cosmetic disease.

Useful videos

Causes of dandruff and what it hides.

Dandruff on the head (lat. Squamae) is dead skin particles. Pieces that flake off over a long period of time can become a problem. It’s good that medications and traditional methods have been developed to combat them. The scales are found in different thicknesses and shapes: layered, leaf-shaped, pityriasis-shaped, and also in different colors: yellowish, whitish, grayish-silver.

Causes of dandruff

Seborrhea is a disease whose symptom is dandruff. It is characterized by dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, which causes a weakening or increased production of sebum, as well as a change in its chemical composition. The appearance of the disease is explained by external and internal reasons. External ones include:

1. Incorrect care.
2. Overdrying of the skin due to the use of an iron and hair dryer.
3. Abuse of cosmetics: gels, paints, varnishes.
4. Poor personal hygiene: several people using the same comb, hairpin, scissors.

The main internal cause is dysfunction of the sebaceous glands. It can be caused by several factors:

1. Metabolic disease.
2. Gastrointestinal pathologies.
3. Failure of the pancreas or thyroid glands.
4. Fungus.
5. Heredity, structural features of the skin.

The quality and quantity of discharge depend on the condition of the body, gender, age, and disease. The course of the disease is complicated by hypovitaminosis, chronic diseases, poor hygiene, and consumption of fatty or sweet foods.

During puberty, the amount of fat increases, and in old age it decreases. From 14 to 25 years of age, the balance between female hormones estrogen and male androgens is disrupted, and there are more male ones. This causes increased oiliness of the scalp, back and face, and can lead to dandruff in places on the head, face, and shoulders.

The composition of seborrhea secretions changes due to an increased amount of fatty acids.

Types of disease

There are dry and oily seborrhea. Fatty is divided into liquid and thick. It most often occurs in areas of the epidermis with a large number of sebaceous glands: on the scalp, on the face, on the chest and on the back.

Dry form

The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Pityrosporum ovale (or Malassezia Furfur). It lives peacefully among many people without causing concern. It is activated under certain conditions: physical labor, decreased immunity, tense mental or psycho-emotional state, postpartum period.

Sebum is produced, but its structure changes. It becomes viscous and stands out worse. The surface of the skin looks dry and becomes hypersensitive. The dandruff falls off and the head begins to itch. When the scales layer, yellowish, grayish or whitish sores appear. Peeling breaks the entire surface of the scalp or the area of ​​the back of the head and crown. Hair flakes, becomes brittle, thin and dry.

Thick fat type

The skin is excessively dense, has a brownish-gray color, and elasticity is reduced. The hair is coarse and thick. At the dilated mouths of the sebaceous ducts, a plug of secretions and keratinized particles forms. If you squeeze the comedone, a thick mass is released. Sometimes comedones develop into cysts (atheromas). When the atheroma becomes inflamed, pus is released and a scar is formed.

Staphylococci and streptococci that get inside can cause severe pustular complications.

Liquid fat type

The pores are enlarged and excess oil is released from them. You have to wash your hair often, because on the 2nd or 3rd day it looks like it is greased with oil and hangs together in strands. Yellowish, sticky scales adhere tightly to the hair. The disease is often accompanied by itching. In rare cases, baldness is possible.

There are purulent complications that are more pronounced than with the dry form. Hair follicles turn into pustules; when opened, they form thick honey-colored crusts. The color of the skin under the foci of infection changes.

Mixed seborrhea

With a mixed form of the disease, part of the skin is oily, and part is dry. For example, the skin on the cheeks is dry, while the skin on the forehead, nose and chin is oily. There are cases of mixing liquid and thick forms of oily seborrhea. For example, the skin of the face has signs of an oily form, the scalp is dry.

Seborrheic alopecia

This is a complication that occurs in every fourth person if the underlying disease is not treated correctly or dandruff is not treated.

First, physiological seborrhea develops: Hair loss is still the same, although increased sebum production has already begun. Sometimes the process normalizes within 2-5 years. In other cases, physiological seborrhea develops into chronic seborrhea, leading to baldness.

Hair becomes thin, brittle, its lifespan is reduced, and it is replaced by vellus hair. The process is accompanied by a feeling of skin tightening, itching, and unpleasant painful sensations.

In women, the frontal area is more likely to thin out. In men, baldness affects the temples, the back of the head, and the fronto-parietal part.

The hairy part of the head is covered with grayish-yellow fatty scales. They are easily separated by mechanical action, and some remain on the hair. Under a microscope it can be seen that the hair follicle is greatly changed. Often the changes are irreversible, so the loss of hair does not renew itself. In women, seborrheic alopecia is often accompanied by menstrual irregularities.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Characterized by increased exfoliation and inflammation of the skin. The neck, behind the ears, skin folds, and eyebrow area become inflamed and itchy. When scratching, there is a high risk of infection. The hair is dry, thin, breaks quickly, and the ends are prone to split ends.

Treatment by a trichologist

Determining the type of disease and treatment methods is the task of a trichologist. He can find out why the disease occurred, the degree of development, and tell you how to treat dandruff.

Dandruff is a symptom; to eliminate it, it is necessary to regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. They are located in the lower layers of the epidermis, so treatment must be done from the inside. The shampoo will help remove dandruff and oil from the surface. In addition, lotions and masks, vitamin complexes are prescribed.

To treat seborrhea, the doctor prescribes medications, focusing on the active substance. The following drugs can be found in pharmacies:

1. Shampoos "Dermazol", "Nizoral" with ketoconazole. Used to combat fungus. They are effective at the initial stage; with prolonged use, addiction and decreased effectiveness are possible.
2. Lotion "Bifon" with bifonazole. It acts similarly to drugs containing ketoconazole, but remains on the scalp longer. No resistance to the component is observed in fungi.
3. "Sulsena" with salicylic acid. The product acts against dandruff, exfoliates, and prevents its formation. It does not affect the cause - the fungus.
4. Shampoo "Friderm" with tar. Actively exfoliates scales, is used at the initial stage, and promotes cell regeneration.
5. Preparations with sulfur, selenium and octopyrod.

Products containing several components are preferable if there is a lot of dandruff on the head. What to do if a doctor's visit is postponed? Folk wisdom will come to the rescue.

ethnoscience

Previous generations knew what to do if there was a lot of dandruff on the head. The medicinal components and herbs included in the recipes not only cope with the unpleasant symptom, but also strengthen the hair. In advanced cases, traditional methods are used as aids.

1. 
   
   
   
   Crush 2 aspirin tablets and add to shampoo when washing. Leave the mixture on your hair for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
2. The onion mask is effective, but has a persistent smell. Mix onion juice with 2 egg yolks, a tablespoon of honey, add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and nettle decoction. Keep the mask on your head for at least an hour. For greater effect, you can leave it overnight.
3. Mix a tablespoon of orange juice, 2 teaspoons of aloe juice, an egg yolk and a chopped garlic clove. Rub the resulting mixture into the skin and leave for 40 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Horsetail decoction can be used as a rinse.
4. Pour 2 tablespoons of St. John's wort, nettle, yarrow, coltsfoot into 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 8 hours. Strain the broth into a separate container. Pour 200 grams of vodka over the herbs, leave for 8 hours, strain. Mix the tincture and decoction and store in a cool place. Apply the product every day for half an hour.
5. You can use sea salt to fight fungus. Dilute a tablespoon in 0.5 liters of water and apply after washing. After 10 minutes, rinse off. After this, rinse your hair with a solution of a tablespoon of lemon juice diluted in half a liter of water.
6. An ointment based on burdock roots and lard will help get rid of dry dandruff. Pour 2 tablespoons of roots with one and a half cups of boiling water, place on low heat. When the volume is reduced by half, strain. Place the broth in a water bath, add lard and place in the oven for 3-4 hours. The ointment should be rubbed into the head once a week. The course lasts 2 months.
7. Antiseptic thyme rinse. Boil 4 tablespoons of thyme in two glasses of water. After 10 minutes of boiling, cool and strain the broth. The product is applied to the hair after washing and left without rinsing.

Cosmetology procedures

Cosmetologists offer their own methods of fighting if dandruff appears. What to do and which procedure to choose depends on the stage of the disease. Cosmetic procedures that can help include:

1. 
   
   
   
   Ozone therapy. Improves metabolism, eliminates toxins.
2. Mesotherapy. The cells are saturated with useful substances, which has a positive effect on the production of sebum.
3. Physiotherapy. Kill bacteria and fungus, activate metabolic processes.
4. Laser. Improves blood circulation and has antiseptic properties.

Courses include a minimum of 10 sessions.

Additional Methods

To defeat dandruff, an integrated approach is required. During the treatment period, you should follow the following tips:

1. 
   
   
   
   Avoid hair coloring and long-term styling. You can use natural dyes, as they strengthen the hair and do not irritate the skin.
2. Massage with your fingertips while washing - it improves blood circulation and makes dandruff easier to exfoliate.
3. Wash all combs and clips after use. The habit must become permanent.
4. Add vitamin complexes to your diet, balance your diet, think before you eat sweet, fatty, and smoked foods.
5. Regulate your sleep.
6. Add moderate physical activity.
7. Wash your hair at least once every 5 days. If you need to use shampoo more often, then choose products suitable for daily care. They do not irritate the scalp, removing only the necessary layer of fat.
8. Dry your hair naturally.

If terrible dandruff, despite all efforts, does not go away, you should consult a trichologist or dermatologist. The flakes may just look like dandruff - a symptom of seborrhea. Perhaps the disease is more serious: seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen asbestos.