Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The Different Causes Of Dandruff

By Jille Kelly

Dandruff is a problem that plagues many people all over the world. It is a common hair condition that generally arises from itchy or oily scalp. There are other medical conditions that can directly or indirectly lead to the same problem. However, due to the many possible causes, it is often difficult to diagnose the source of the condition.

Treatments are plentiful, and usually specific to the cause and problem. It is therefore crucial to find out what the exact cause of your dandruff problem is, before a quality treatment method can be provided.

Having an itchy scalp is the number one reason why many people have dandruff. Unfortunately, this in itself can be caused by different reasons. If your scalp is too dry, it often gives you an urge to scratch it due to being irritated by dust or dirt.

With a scalp that is too oily, the situation can be ten times worse. The oil will cause dust particles from air to clump together which promotes germs and bacteria to accumulate. Not only will dandruff result, but widespread infection of the scalp can lead to other serious problems.

Washing your hair too often can also lead to dandruff. This is surprising since many expect the opposite. However, too much of it can cause dry or oily scalp that ends in a vicious cycle.

The weather of the country you live in can also be a factor. If you have oily scalp and live in a country with high humidity, expect a higher possibility of experiencing dandruff. Heavy perspiration is a common occurrence and that encourages the condition to fester.

Did you know that most of us have fungus in our hair? It is actually normal, but if you allow them to grow, malassezia can lead to a serious case of dandruff. It is often the result of not washing the hair regularly and allowing dead cells to accumulate.

There are other medical conditions like psoriasis that may contribute to dandruff. It is therefore a safer route to prevent a situation that allows the problem to manifest itself. For those who already suffer from it, seek help immediately from a dermatologist to find out what the best treatment is. - 15437

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