Combatting Scalp Fungi

Dandruff is a common scalp ailment that people in their twenties and thirties suffer from. It is caused from a fungal infection that causes the scalp to excessively shed dry skin. Common symptoms include skin flakes on the head and shoulders as well as incessant itchiness, dryness and scaly growth on the skin. The scaly growth can become chronic and hard to get rid of. While mostly young adult disease, dandruff can be found in all age groups.

Suffering from dandruff can be extremely embarrassing for people, especially those who like to where dark blue or black shirts. While it may be embarrassing, Dandruff is not really a harmful ailment and, despite the common urban myths floating around, dandruff has never been scientifically linked to hair loss.

Malassezia FurFur is the fungi that is mostly responsible for dandruff, being fun in bigger numbers on the scalps of dandruff numbers the those who are lucky enough to remain flake free. Dandruff is not really considered a disease but merely a term to describe the excessive shedding of dead skin that fan pile on a persons shoulders like snow on a mountain peak.

 photo courtesy of uiowa.edu

Causes for the onset of dandruff include hormonal imbalances that occur after the onset of puberty, allergies to hair care products, as well as not properly maintaining your hair and scalp with good hygiene practices. If dandruff gets extreme, it can morph into the condition known as psoriasis.

The best way to defeat dandruff is to take proper care of your hair and scalp. Salicylic acid is the ingredient found in most anti-dandruff shampoos and works quite well, but some more natural remedies include henna, Indian gooseberry, and alma paste While shampoos and soaps with large amounts of chemically concocted anti bacterial agents will probably kill off the dandruff causing fungus, it is better utilize herbal and organic products to help control it.

If you have dandruff, it is advisable to stay away from scalp damaging practices such as bleaching, dyeing, chemical treatments or using hair styling tools that heat up. Scratching your head will only provide temporary relief and help spread the infection as will sharing your hair tools with others. Dyes and gels containing irritants should also be avoided.

Changing your diet may be one of the best ways to fight off dandruff. Drinking plenty of water and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will help balance your ph and keep your hormones in check. Staying properly moisturized will also help reduce the amount of dry skin flakes.

author: Yulia Berry