Dandruff in humans causes. Causes of dandruff in women. Lifestyle, nutrition

According to medical statistics, almost a third of the population of our planet faces dandruff - a scattering of particles of exfoliated epithelium in the scalp. In the body of a healthy person, the process of epidermal renewal occurs imperceptibly and takes from three to four weeks.

With pathological failures, it can be reduced to one week. Intensive exfoliation of skin scales becomes noticeable, giving the person an untidy appearance. It is in this case that they speak of the presence of dandruff.

What is dandruff

Dandruff is an extremely unpleasant manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis, which can develop in a person of any age on any type of hair. Forming a kind of crust on the scalp, dandruff makes it difficult to contact with air, which leads to weakening of the hair follicles and hair loss, as well as to the fragility and fragility of their rods.

Depending on the functioning of the sebaceous glands, dandruff can be oily and dry.

• Person with dry type of dandruff soon after washing the head begins to feel intense itching. Dry small scales on his head are located either in foci, or evenly distributed over the entire scalp. They fall abundantly on the shoulders, causing a lot of inconvenience to their owner, since others, as a rule, shun such a person. The constant feeling of itching is the result of insufficient secretion of sebum. The hair of patients with dry type of dandruff, as a rule, is thin, overdried, with severe split ends. The dry type of dandruff is the most common.
• Oily dandruff is also accompanied by severe itching, but with it, even freshly washed hair continues to look greasy and unkempt. Although not so noticeable, oily dandruff, however, poses a greater danger to the hair than dry dandruff. Quite large particles of keratinized epithelium, having exfoliated, do not fall off on the shoulders, but continue to remain on the head, forming a dense crust on its surface. Due to the abundant secretion of sebum, this crust becomes an excellent breeding ground for the development of colonies of pathogenic fungi. The presence of inflammatory processes is a characteristic condition for the scalp in a patient with oily dandruff.

Reasons for the appearance

Why does dandruff appear on the head? As a rule, the reason for this is a whole range of reasons. Dry or oily dandruff may appear due to:

• hereditary predisposition;
• malfunction of the immune system;
• dysfunction of the endocrine glands;
• unhealthy diet;
• a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• exposure to severe stress and diseases of the central nervous system;
• hormonal disorders;
• pronounced beriberi;
• insufficient work of the sebaceous glands, leading to excessive dryness of the scalp;
• severe overheating or hypothermia of the skin of the head;
• using the wrong shampoo
• an allergic reaction to the material of the headgear;
• violations of the rules for caring for the scalp (as a result of frequent dyeing, drying with a hairdryer, the use of hairdressing irons and curling irons);
• poor hygiene of the skin of the head.

About the mechanism of formation of dry dandruff

The main cause of dry dandruff is the activation of the conditionally pathogenic fungus Pityrosporum Ovale.. In small quantities, constantly present in the body of every healthy person and not manifesting itself in any way, when favorable conditions arise (strong stress, hormonal disruptions and weakened immunity), it begins to multiply rapidly, reducing the duration of the cell exfoliation process to one week. As a result of this activation, on the surface of the skin of the head, a lot of dandruff- dry grayish particles of dead epithelium, easily separated from the head, polluting hair and clothes.

About the causes of oily dandruff

Oily seborrhea develops due to the increased functioning of the sebaceous glands, which produce too much sebum. Oily seborrhea is divided into liquid and thick.

• The liquid form of oily seborrhea is characterized by the presence of glossy skin with gaping enlarged pores resembling an orange peel. Due to the abundant secretion of sebum, the hair (always oily) sticks together, forming untidy strands, generously strewn with a large number of yellowish skin scales that sit tightly on them. The changed chemical composition of the secretion of the sebaceous glands leads to the loss of its inherent sterilizing qualities. As a result, ideal conditions are created for the occurrence of pustules and inflammatory processes in the scalp.
• The thick form of oily seborrhea leads to a significant thickening of the skin, a decrease in its elasticity and expansion of the ducts of the sebaceous glands. When these ducts are clogged with horny plugs, blackheads - comedones - are formed from particles of the torn epithelium. The hair of a patient with a thick form of oily seborrhea is characterized by increased stiffness and coarseness.

The question of the classification of types of dandruff is considered incorrect by many experts. From their point of view, only dry seborrhea, characterized by abundant exfoliation of the epithelium, can be considered true dandruff.

Treatment

So the patient was disappointed to find that he had dandruff. How to get rid from this nasty disease? First of all, you need to find out the exact cause of its appearance. To do this, you should contact qualified specialists: a trichologist or a dermatologist. It is they who can determine the cause of seborrheic dermatitis, its severity and choose the only correct treatment strategy for each individual patient.

Sometimes this requires the consultation of a number of specialists.

• If there is a suspicion that a hormonal failure has become the cause of seborrhea, the patient is referred to endocrinologist. Women in this case should definitely visit gynecologist. After a laboratory study of a blood test (for hormones), the patient is prescribed medications that normalize the hormonal background.
• If the appearance of dandruff provoked emotional tension or nervous stress, the patient should visit neuropathologist. He will select a drug that will help to cope with this condition.
• To confirm or exclude the immune nature of the disease, as well as the influence of dysbacteriosis and a number of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, the patient is referred to immunologist and gastroenterologist.

Having eliminated the main cause of the disease, they begin to treat the external manifestations of seborrhea. How to cure dandruff on the head?

• To wash off the sebaceous secret, the patient is prescribed antifungal therapeutic emulsions and shampoos.
• For the treatment of external manifestations of seborrhea, it is necessary to perform special seboregulatory masks containing a number of drugs: antimicrobial (zinc pyrithionate), antifungal (bifonazole, ketoconazole), exfoliating, cytostatic (reducing the rate of cell division), keratolytic (removing desquamated epidermis) and herbal extracts (removing irritation). The exposure time of masks containing at least two components from this list is from twenty minutes to half an hour.
• And if the patient has a complicated infection, she is treated with antibacterial drugs containing zinc.
• Lotions containing salicylic acid have an excellent exfoliating effect.
• To stimulate the immune system, the doctor will prescribe multivitamins and drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora (Hilak Forte, Lactofiltrum).
• To improve local blood circulation, biogenic stimulants (therapeutic mud, propolis, mummy, placenta extract) can be prescribed.
• The intake of brewer's yeast rich in B vitamins is extremely beneficial.
• During the treatment of seborrhea, it is necessary to refrain from any hairdressing manipulations associated with dyeing or laminating hair.

Prevention

Seborrhea prevention measures are very simple. A patient prone to dandruff should:

• Wash your hair more often: the absence of sebum - a breeding ground for pathogenic fungi - will minimize the risk of its occurrence.
• Remove from the diet fatty, salty, spicy foods (containing harmful dyes and preservatives), which stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands.
• Avoid strong emotions and stress.

Dandruff implies such a syndrome, the manifestations of which are to increase the rate of exfoliation of scaly particles from the skin within a certain time period. Dandruff, the symptoms of which are the appearance of characteristic white scales on the scalp, combined with itching, is a fairly common disease that, despite its safety for health, acts as a cause of serious inconvenience and a deterioration in the quality of life.

general description

For the most part, dandruff appears on the scalp covered with an abundant amount of hair. In certain cases, it is quite difficult to cure it completely, and, nevertheless, most often this phenomenon is subject to a certain control due to appropriate measures of influence. So, for example, mild forms of dandruff manifestations necessitate thorough washing of the head for this, which must be done daily and using a non-aggressive and mild shampoo. If dandruff appears in a more stubborn form, then shampoos specially designed to combat it with a therapeutic effect are used.

What does dandruff look like? This question, for sure, is not a question for many readers, because, like advertising, and the prevalence of this phenomenon - all this gives a general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bdandruff and its type. Nevertheless, we will denote what exactly dandruff is, but it is yellow-white flakes. In addition to the already noted itching, this phenomenon is also accompanied by the appearance of dull hair, their fragility. Also, the hair becomes shiny, greasy. Such a phenomenon as dandruff can act as a result of a number of diseases, namely seborrhea, fungal skin lesions, psoriasis. Nervous strain, deficiency of certain vitamins (groups A, B) can provoke dandruff.

Additional factors that provoke the appearance of dandruff are improper hair care, a certain type of gastrointestinal disorder, and certain types of diseases. It is dandruff that acts as a common cause that provokes hair loss, which, accordingly, in any case, becomes a serious cosmetic defect in terms of its own impact.

Dandruff: causes

As the main reason for the appearance of dandruff, an altered condition of the scalp is considered, provoked by too intensive growth of the corresponding fungal culture. The fungus malassezia furfur is a facultative specimen of the microflora of the scalp. If adequate conditions are provided, then the vital activity of this fungus is not accompanied by the manifestation of any symptoms. But absolutely any factors can be considered as predisposing factors for its activation, including their options listed in the general review. That is, disturbances in the functioning of the sebaceous glands, malnutrition, hormonal disturbances for one reason or another (menopause, puberty, pregnancy, etc.) are considered as such factors.

In many cases, the causes of dandruff come down to purely external influences on the hair and scalp. That is, this is the wrong selection of hair care products, perm hair, frequent dyeing, blow-drying, products used for hairstyles (gels, varnishes, etc.). The shift of microflora can also be caused by the neglect of wearing hats during the cold season, and, conversely, by wearing them excessively.

Again, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, broncho-pulmonary pathologies, and reduced immunity can lead to the activation of the fungus. The activity of this fungus leads to a change in the development cycle inherent in the cells of the epidermis, due to which they exfoliate without completing the cycle, which, in turn, leads to the appearance of characteristic scales of a light shade. The concentration of dandruff is dictated by the peculiarities of the activity of the fungus, therefore, both the variant of its localization within a certain area of ​​​​the head and the total defeat of its skin are allowed.

Let's single out a number of reasons that provoke the appearance of dandruff.

• The impact of the fungus malassezia furfur. On this factor provoking the appearance of dandruff, we stopped above, it is one of the main causes of dandruff.
• Dry skin. Excessive dryness of the skin is one of the most common causes of dandruff. This factor causes the predominant appearance of dandruff in winter, which is characterized by additional features that cause dry skin, and this is less fluid consumption, the use of heating equipment, radiators (including dry air as a result of this), constant drying of hair using a hair dryer. It is noteworthy that when dandruff appears against the background of excessive dryness of the skin, its flakes are smaller, they are not as sticky and oily as in other forms of its manifestation.
• Oily skin, irritated skin condition. Seborrheic dermatitis is considered as a common cause that provokes the steady appearance of large dandruff. The defeat of this disease occurs not only in the area of ​​​​the scalp, but also in the skin in other areas, within which the sebaceous glands are also located. In particular, these can be eyebrows, areas behind the ears, paranasal areas, the sternum and groin area, sometimes even muscle cavities are affected, where dandruff can also appear, respectively.
• Infrequent shampooing. If the head is washed infrequently or incorrectly, then this leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp, which, in turn, are mixed with fat. As a result, dandruff appears in the form of large flakes.
• Psoriasis. Psoriasis is such a chronic disease, as a result of which the upper cell layer of the skin is subject to too rapid division. Because of this, dead skin cells begin to accumulate in large quantities at the very roots of the hair, and they, in turn, form thick-type scales of a silvery hue (this is a large silvery dandruff). Basically, due to the effects of psoriasis, the skin in the area of ​​the elbows, on the knees and along the torso is affected, while the scalp is affected, on the contrary, somewhat less frequently.
• Hypersensitivity to the effects of products intended for hair care. Here, again, we have already highlighted styling products, hair dyes, shampoos and other options. It should be noted that if styling products are used too often, this provokes dandruff. If the dandruff is the result of an allergic reaction to the use of these products, then not using them again or choosing an alternative product to ensure the appropriate result can all lead to the disappearance of the patient's dandruff.

Risk factors for dandruff
In addition to the causes that provoke the appearance of dandruff, it is also customary to single out a number of factors due to which a similar result is achieved. These include the following options:

• Age. It is noticed that dandruff mainly appears at a young age and this result is maintained until reaching middle age. Meanwhile, this trend does not at all determine the fact that there will be no dandruff at an older age. Dandruff in children is a phenomenon, in principle, not typical for this age group.
• Gender identity. Dandruff in men appears more often than dandruff in women, on the basis of which certain assumptions have been formed about it, which in particular come down to the role of male sex hormones in the process of its occurrence. Again, given the fact that in men the sebaceous glands are larger than the sebaceous glands in women, this feature is considered as a predisposing factor for the appearance of dandruff in men.
• Features of nutrition. Lack of intake of vitamins of certain groups, as well as zinc and unsaturated fats - all this leads to an increased risk of dandruff.
• Some diseases. It is difficult to justify this factor, but it has been noted that with certain neurological diseases (Parkinson's disease, etc.), when suffering from stressful conditions (with concomitant heart attack, stroke), a greater degree of predisposition to the development of seborrheic dermatitis is determined, and, as a result, to dandruff. Immunodeficiency states also cause dandruff.

Dandruff: symptoms. Difference when compared to seborrhea

It is customary to generalize dandruff and seborrhea, but there is a difference between them, for its understanding we will reveal the essence of both options.

Dandruff, as we, in principle, have already defined, refers to peeling in the scalp, in some cases accompanied by itching, and sometimes - dryness of her skin. Given that dandruff is one of the main symptoms of seborrhea, they are often associated with each other, although, again, this is not entirely true. Dandruff, for example, can exist independently, acting as a physiological (normal) condition of the scalp, manifesting itself mainly from the occipital-parietal area in the form of small characteristic scales.

But seborrhea is a somewhat more serious condition in which the scalp is subject to change. In particular, its functional state changes, which consists in a secretory violation of those functions that are performed by the sebaceous glands. This leads to increased secretion of sebum, as well as to a change in its qualitative composition. The manifestation of seborrhea is noted in those areas in which the sebaceous glands are located, and this is the face, upper chest, interscapular region and, in fact, the scalp. It is in the scalp that the most pronounced changes are noted, which are also accompanied by the appearance of large-lamellar scales in an abundant amount. Their formation is caused by excessive oiliness of the skin, due to which particles of keratinized skin stick together into plates. Hair with seborrhea also changes, becoming greasy and shiny, they become dirty faster, sticking together in strands. Increased sebum secretion, which provokes such changes, especially intensively occurs with increased physical and mental activity, with elevated body and air temperature, as well as with excitement.

Seborrhea begins mainly during the period of hormonal changes in the body, which is important, for example, during puberty, but this does not exclude the possibility of its occurrence in other periods of life. Seborrhea can be oily, dry or mixed. Oily seborrhea is characterized by such a main symptom as shiny and oily skin, acne is another, no less unpleasant complication of this disease. Dry seborrhea, on the contrary, is characterized by reduced sebum secretion, combined with almost continuous coverage of the scalp and hair with dandruff scales. The hair in this case is thin, dry, split and brittle. In addition, the dry form of seborrhea is often accompanied by spots on the skin of the limbs and trunk of a reddish or pinkish hue. Additional manifestations may be some itching (especially worse after washing), a feeling of tightening of the skin. Dry seborrhea is sometimes accompanied by minor manifestations in the form of dryness and flaking, which is why it is confused with dandruff, moreover, even an experienced dermatologist in some cases has difficulty in establishing a correct and appropriate diagnosis for the patient's condition.

As for mixed seborrhea, it manifests itself in a combined form, with symptoms of dry seborrhea (in the scalp) and with symptoms of oily seborrhea, noted on the skin of the face.

Treatment

Diagnosing dandruff itself is quite simple, but it is much more difficult to determine what specifically triggered its activation. Given this, in some cases getting rid of dandruff is quite difficult, the process can drag on for a long time. If dandruff manifests itself in a mild form, without any connection with any dermatological or neurological disease, then the elimination of dandruff in this case occurs by affecting the oil level of the scalp by washing the scalp daily with a mild shampoo (when replacing the previously used option), as well as by adjusting the mode of life. Adjustment of the mode of life implies restrictions on the consumption of certain types of food (fatty, fried, spicy), the inclusion in the diet of foods rich in fiber, as well as vitamins (group B).

In the case of an actual violation of the water balance, which is the main cause of dandruff, this problem is solved by increasing the consumption of liquids (mineral water, tea, juices, etc.). It is also possible to determine such a connection - usually it is accompanied by severe dry skin, combined with peeling.

Dandruff treatment also implies the exclusion of the effects provoked by hairdressing procedures, including drying with a hairdryer. Additionally, it is recommended to use combs based on natural wood with their periodic replacement due to their increased absorption of sebum. Additionally, medications are prescribed that are focused on solving the problem of dandruff. The composition of such drugs includes special antifungal components. It is possible that dandruff shampoo will have to be selected for a long time as well - this is a question to be decided on an individual basis, based specifically on the factor whether it is suitable in a particular case or not.

There is also a certain classification of dandruff shampoos, we highlight the main positions in it:

• Anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc. This type of shampoo contains an antifungal and antibacterial substance in its composition - this is zinc pyrithione, due to its effect, the amount of the fungus that provokes the development of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff is reduced, respectively.
• Tar shampoos. Due to shampoos, which include coal tar, the rate of exfoliation and subsequent renewal of scalp skin cells decreases, respectively, such shampoos are also quite an effective tool in the fight against dandruff. The effectiveness of their use is noted in the treatment of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Shampoos with salicylic acid. These shampoos include "scalp scrubs", with their help, the formed particles of dandruff are eliminated. The use of such shampoos requires taking into account such factors as significant overdrying of the scalp, provoked by them, due to which, accordingly, dandruff may also appear in the future. This effect can be compensated by the parallel use of a high-quality conditioner, applied immediately after shampooing.
• Selenium sulfide shampoos. Shampoos of this type reduce the intensity of the process of skin cell renewal along the scalp, in addition, they can also have a corresponding inhibitory effect aimed at reducing the number of malassezia fungus. These shampoos should be used with caution, as exposure to them can lead to discoloration of gray, colored or blond hair. It is also important to qualitatively rinse the hair after washing it and, in general, follow the instructions for use.
• Shampoos with ketoconazole. Ketoconazole acts as an active antifungal component with a fairly wide spectrum of action. The use of a shampoo in the composition with such a component makes it possible to achieve an effective result in cases in which previously used anti-dandruff shampoos did not lead to any specific result.

If in the fight against dandruff the use of shampoo in principle does not lead to a solution to the problem, and also if there are certain internal diseases against which dandruff appeared, physiotherapy procedures can be prescribed.

When carrying out procedures cryomassage , for example, there is a consistent effect on the vessels of the scalp, due to which they alternately narrow and expand, as a result of which microcirculation improves and proper nutrition of the follicles is ensured. In addition, due to cryomassage, it is also possible to increase local immunity, which is why blocking the effects of the fungus and the manifestation of symptoms that are relevant for dandruff is allowed. By the way, after cryomassage, medicinal preparations applied to the skin to combat dandruff are absorbed with greater efficiency, and therefore the results from their use are also subsequently more pronounced.

Also indicated for dandruff darsonvalization scalp when using a vacuum comb electrode. Due to skin irritation at the reflex level, vascular tone improves, which, in turn, leads to an improvement in metabolism. Due to the high-frequency current, it is possible to cleanse the skin of dandruff, and also has a cauterizing and anti-inflammatory effect, and this is especially important, because dandruff is often accompanied by the appearance of scratches and scratches. Darsonvalization also has a calming effect on the state of the nervous system.

Beautiful hair speaks not only of the fact that it is carefully looked after, but also indicates the health of the skin. Unfortunately, quite often the situation is overshadowed by dandruff on the head - a problem that every third person suffers from today.

Some painstakingly struggle with the disease every day, others are looking for more radical ways to get rid of dandruff forever. But both those and others are tormented by the same questions: what to do if a lot of dandruff appeared on the head, why did this happen and how to get rid of it?

Causes and symptoms

Before prescribing treatment, the doctor always first makes a diagnosis. It is the same in the fight against dandruff: first you need to find out the reasons for its appearance, and then get rid of the “snowflakes”.

The cause of dandruff is a microorganism Pityrosporum ovale, which lives on the skin of almost every person and in its normal state does not cause any trouble. But sometimes its activity increases rapidly, and it is this process that leads to the appearance on the head of the well-known symptoms of dandruff - white scales.

So what affects the activity of the fungus, forcing the sebaceous glands to work in an enhanced mode?

• Non-compliance with personal hygiene

If you rarely wash your hair and at the same time abuse varnishes, mousses and other styling products, the appearance of dandruff is quite natural.

• Misuse of shampoo

It is very important to choose the right shampoo and balm so that later you do not have to choose dandruff remedies. Remember: the shampoo is chosen for the scalp (dry, oily, and so on), and the balm for the type of hair. If you have oily hair, it is not necessary that the scalp will be the same. Another important point: regardless of the type of shampoo, always rinse it off completely.

• Shampooing too often

In the case of hair washing, both extremes are bad: both washing it too rarely and washing it too often. In the second case, you dry your scalp and do not allow it to recover, especially if you use an unprofessional shampoo containing dyes and parabens.

• Stress

Any strong experiences are reflected in the state of the body, including the health of the scalp. Have a fight with your spouse? Problems at work? Can't pay off your loan? Dandruff and itching right there.

• Vitamin deficiency

A monotonous diet, diets, spring-autumn beriberi - the lack of essential trace elements and vitamins in the body can easily provoke dandruff.

• Accompanying illnesses

Sometimes dandruff is not just the result of the wrong choice of shampoo, but a signal of diseases. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system, hormonal disruptions, immunodeficiency… You might not even know about them, but they exist, and the body tells you about it in this way.

• Allergy

Quite often, the cause of dandruff is a common allergy to hats. In this case, it will be enough just to change one hat to another. To avoid an allergic reaction, choose hats made from natural materials.

Varieties of dandruff

Finding the cause alone is not always enough: before you treat dandruff, you need to decide on its variety. This is a very important point, because both the principle of treatment and the choice of anti-dandruff agents depend on it.

So, dandruff can be:

• dry(the scalp is flaky, there is a feeling of tightness);
• oily(First, a greasy sheen appears on the hair, they become greasy, and then dandruff appears).

A simple experiment will help to correctly determine the type of dandruff: wash your hair and after 2-3 days press a napkin or paper towel to your hair. If traces of fat remain on it, then you are dealing with the second type of dandruff.

In any case, if peeling and itching give you significant discomfort, it is better not to experiment, but to immediately consult a doctor, especially if a child has dandruff. He will diagnose and prescribe the right solution.

How to get rid of dandruff at home?

It is not always necessary to fight dandruff only with the help of a doctor - many procedures can be carried out at home. If you do not know how to quickly get rid of dandruff and restore beauty and health to your hair, the following recipes will help you.

• Red pepper tincture

Mix one glass of vodka with one glass of ordinary water and put peppercorns in the resulting solution. Leave the infusion for 7-8 days in a cool dark place. When it is ready, rub the tincture into the roots every 3-4 days and keep it for 10-15 minutes. After the procedure, wash your hair with shampoo.

• Nettle tincture

Pour 5-6 tablespoons of nettle with 500 ml of boiling water and 500 ml of six percent vinegar, keep in a water bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the resulting broth and rinse your hair with it in the process of washing. You don't need to use extra shampoo.

• Barberry tincture

Pour boiling water over 50-60 grams of barberry berries and leave for 15 minutes. Strain the resulting tincture immediately and use it as a rinse during shampooing. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

• Anti-dandruff mask with kefir

Mix 4-5 tablespoons of kefir with 1 tablespoon of olive or burdock oil, add one yolk. Apply the resulting mixture to your hair and keep under a shower cap or plastic bag for 1.5-2 hours. Then wash off the mask with warm water and shampoo. You can repeat the procedure up to 3 times a week.

• egg mask

Take an egg and beat the yolk and white separately. First apply the protein on the head, after a while add the whipped yolk to it. Hold the mask until dry, then rinse your hair with warm water.

Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition will not only be an effective help in treatment, but also a good prevention. To prevent dandruff from bothering you, include in your diet products,containing vitamins of groups A and B.

So, vitamin A can be obtained from sea buckthorn, red vegetables, carrots, spinach, herbs, celery, wild rose and hawthorn. Vitamin B can be found in rice, buckwheat, legumes, wheat, oatmeal, eggs, bran and meat.

Remember that cooking robs vegetables of all their beneficial properties, so try to eat them raw. Also give up fried and fatty foods - indirectly, they also lead to dandruff.

Additional funds

The benefits of folk remedies for dandruff are undeniable, but when treating the scalp, it is worth using other methods.

• Daily massage will help improve blood circulation in the head, and dandruff will be much less. Do it for 3-5 minutes a day.
• Charging for the neck It will also improve blood circulation, including in the head.
• Individual comb as important as a personal toothbrush or underwear that you won't trade with anyone. In matters of hygiene, it is better to be an individualist.
• Tar soap hypoallergenic and indispensable for healing cracks on the scalp. Apply it to the roots of wet hair and then rinse thoroughly.

Dandruff is not a sentence. Regular care and competent prevention will help you get rid of this disease and restore shine, beauty and strength to your hair.

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

Such a habitual, 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 bothers for a long time, most often observed on the scalp. Doctors consider dandruff to be 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 alone:

• Metabolic disorders are the root cause of dandruff, making the body more vulnerable to the action of pathogenic factors.
• Hormonal disorders 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.
• Incorrect work of the sebaceous glands.
• Violation of the diet, hypovitaminosis.
• Mental and physical stress.
• Fungal infection caused by Pityrosporum Ovale - yeast-like fungi, representatives of the normal microflora of the scalp.
• Improper care of the scalp (overdrying with a hairdryer, curling irons, frequent staining);
• Irrational use of a headgear (not wearing a hat in winter or wearing a warm headdress in the heat);
• Insufficient hygiene of the scalp. However, this reason can be realized only in very advanced cases, when people completely neglect washing their hair.

Risk factors in 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 by 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 separation of sebum. Oily dandruff is rarely pronounced, particles of exfoliated epithelium are already observed on the hair and rarely on the skin itself. But dry dandruff is always plentiful, proceeds with severe skin irritation and itching.

Dandruff symptoms

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

Differential Diagnosis

Before making a diagnosis, you should visit a doctor and exclude pathologies such as psoriasis and eczema. Both diseases rarely affect only the scalp, have a wide distribution and additional symptoms.

What absolutely can not be done with dandruff

• Scratch your head. Dandruff and itching are an unpleasant combination, and itching exacerbates the pathology. Scratching and scratching already irritated skin will exacerbate the problem. 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, irons and curling irons.

Dandruff Treatment Methods

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

Traditional ways

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

Clotrimazole (Cloderm) an antifungal agent that destroys the integrity of fungal membranes	Ketoconazole Azole with fungistatic and fungicidal action: Mycozoral, Nizoral, Perkhotal, Sebozol.			Bifonazole (Bifon) antifungal agent with prolonged action (up to 48 hours)
Ichthyol (Dermasens) contains sulfur, which has a local anesthetic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes the cell metabolism cycle	Zinc Pyrithione (Friderm Zinc) antimicrobial and antifungal activity	Cyclopirox (Sebiprox) pronounced fungicidal activity	Octopirox (Seborin) substance with antifungal activity	Salicylic Acid (Salicylic Shampoo) has a keratolytic and antimicrobial effect
Quassia Amara extract (Quasix cream) plant with antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory action	selenium sulfide slows down cell division and acts on the fungus: Selegel, Sulsen and Sulsen-forte.		Medical tar (T/Gel Neutrogena, Friderm Tar, Sebuton) disinfecting the skin, reduces and normalizes cell metabolism

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

keto plus zinc pyrithione + ketaconazole	Kelual DS zinc pyrithione + ciclopiroxolamine + keluamide	Algopix medical tar + salicylic acid	Elf ketaconazole + zinc	NodeDS climbazole + salicylic acid + zinc pyrithione	Phytosylic 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 prophylactic use 1-2 times a week.

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

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

What about Procter & Gamble's advertised Head & Shoulders shampoo? This shampoo does not belong to the therapeutic 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 either.

Drugs used to normalize lipolysis processes

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

Restorative therapy

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

Lifestyle, nutrition

As in the fight against any other disease, nutrition, emotional and physical condition 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 part should be limited. You should enrich your diet with greens, vegetables and fruits, seafood.

Normalization of the emotional state is sometimes the key to the treatment of dandruff. If it is difficult to cope with psychotraumatic situations on your own, you should contact a psychotherapist. It is possible to use light sedatives, for example, Persena (see).

Treatment of dandruff with folk remedies

Alternative treatment of dandruff is often much more effective than advertised drugs. According to statistics, only 5% of people suffering from dandruff turn to specialists for help, and the rest are either not treated at all or use grandmother's methods. Of course, this approach is wrong, but thanks to these people, we will learn effective ways to fight dandruff.

Phytotherapy

Nettle

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

To combat dandruff, nettle infusion is used, and for a long time, until the symptoms disappear completely. 5 tbsp fresh chopped nettles or 2 tbsp. dry plants are 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 daily on the scalp. After washing your hair, you should also rinse your hair with nettle infusion, do not rinse with water.

Onion

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

The bulbs are crushed into gruel, which is carefully distributed on the scalp. A cellophane cap is put on top and a towel is wrapped around the head. Withstand the mask for 2 hours, after which they wash their hair with a neutral shampoo and rinse well. The procedure should be repeated twice a week until the dandruff disappears completely.

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, has a wound healing and regenerating effect (see all).

You can use the traditional infusion of burdock roots in boiling water, but the most effective is burdock emulsion. To prepare it, a tablespoon of chopped burdock root is poured with unrefined vegetable oil in a volume of 200 ml. The mixture is corked 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 shampooing, the emulsion is rubbed into the scalp and hair roots. Wash off with shampoo and plenty of water.

Oil treatment

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

• Tea tree: eliminates dandruff, fights dry skin by building up 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, destroys fungus.
• Myrrh: cleanses the skin of keratinized epithelium, regulates the function of the sebaceous glands.
• Patchouli: regenerates cells, promotes the healing of microdamages.
• Mint : eliminates redness and irritation of the skin, reduces itching.
• Neem: eliminates fungus, heals the skin.

For the preparation of a therapeutic composition, it is necessary to use a base 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, 20 drops of therapeutic oil are taken. 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). The oil is applied to the fingertips and gently rubbed into the scalp for a few minutes. If everything is done correctly, no oily film is formed 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. Multiplicity: 2-3 times a week.

other methods

egg mask

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

To prepare a healing 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. Multiplicity: 2-3 times a week.

bread gruel

Black bread is a real savior of 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 overdrying.

A piece of black bread is crushed and poured with boiling water. When the mixture has cooled down (to about 50 C), they wash their hair with this slurry, rubbing it into the skin of the hair, and then wash it off with cool water. You don't need to use shampoo - your hair will be fresh and clean. You can use this method all the time, there is no harm and addiction.

curdled milk

Yogurt provides vitamin nourishment 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 heated and applied to unwashed, but slightly moistened hair and scalp, kept for 40 minutes under cellophane and a terry towel, and then washed off with warm water and a neutral shampoo. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week.

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

Whatever remedy you use to treat dandruff - do not expect an instant effect, and you don’t need it - a gradual, natural restoration of the scalp is the best guarantee of the absence of dandruff relapses!

seborrhea. A disease caused by dysfunction of the sebaceous glands.

Seborrhea affects not only the scalp, but also other parts of the body. Consider the main factors from which dandruff appears on the head in women.

Heredity. Seborrhea can be genetically programmed and passed down from generation to generation.

Taking hormonal drugs. Uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs for mental disorders, stress. The use of contraceptives, the use of steroids during sports, drugs for weight loss.

Diseases. The presence of seborrhea signals problems with the ovaries, the formation of a large amount of male hormones in the blood.

It may be a harbinger of neoplasms in the organs of the genitourinary system or accompany epilepsy, nervous disorders, Parkinson's disease.

Weakened immunity. Diseases of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, long-term use of drugs leads to a malfunction in the body, weakening its protective functions.

Hormonal disbalance. In childhood, the glands that produce sebaceous secret practically do not function. In adolescence, adulthood occurs, puberty. The level of hormones increases, they give impetus to the activation of the sebaceous glands.

Frequent use of electric heaters. Hair dryer, hair straightener, curling irons and other devices, when used systematically, dry out hair and scalp.

Wrong hair care products. Shampoos, gels, rinses must be suitable for a certain type of hair.

Hair coloring. No matter how much manufacturers write about the use of natural ingredients to create coloring agents, practice confirms the opposite. The chemicals that make up the dyes have a negative effect on the skin.

masks. Homemade masks using various means to improve hair growth (pepper tincture, vitamins) can do more harm than good.

Lack of knowledge, the desire to get a quick effect lead to mistakes, which can result in dandruff.

Improper nutrition. The use of fatty, smoked, fried foods, lack of vegetables and fruits, a large amount of sweets.

Stress, overwork, heavy physical exertion.

Impact of external factors. Unfavorable weather conditions, polluted atmosphere.

signs

Clinical signs of seborrhea. , each of which has its own clinical picture of development.

1. . The sebaceous glands work hard, a large amount of sebaceous secretion is produced, the skin and hair become shiny, greasy. The resulting dandruff is large, oily, multi-layered. The sebaceous glands become clogged, bacterial infection begins, which leads to purulent inflammation of the deep layers of the skin. Complications: seborrheic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis.
2. . The sebaceous glands reduce the production of sebum. The skin dries out and cracks. Hair becomes brittle, dry, split ends. Dandruff is small, dry. , aggravated after shampooing. Complications: red skin spots on the affected area (seborrheas), fungal skin lesions.
3. Seborrhea mixed type. Combines the clinical features of both types.

Clinical signs of dandruff. Dermal the integument is dehydrated, the skin dries out. Changes (shortens) the natural cycle of separation of skin scales.

In a normal state, the process of skin renewal occurs in 30 days, with the appearance of dandruff - 7 days. Complications: hair becomes brittle and dry. Skin itches, reddens.

Important! Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and distinguish a cosmetic defect from a serious disease. Do not self-medicate, consult a doctor.

What to do, who to contact?

If no one in your family had seborrhea, dandruff appeared for the first time, you can try to get rid of it.

If the symptoms worsen, there is no result from the treatment, doctor's consultation required.

Often the question arises as to which doctor to contact. Everyone recommends a trichologist.

If you live in Moscow, you should look for it. In all other cases you should consult a dermatologist. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment.

How to deal with dandruff in women?

Shampoos

Of these, decoctions are prepared for rinsing hair.

Lotions based on vegetable oils, berries, fruits using mustard, yeast, and bee products are also very popular.

Use is possible only if the diagnosis is accurately established. It is not possible to cure seborrhea with decoctions and herbs.. But you can lose time and bring the disease to a chronic state.

Complex treatment

Treatment of seborrhea (dandruff) includes a whole range of activities. It is not enough to solve the problem with the external manifestations of the disease, it is important to treat the cause of the disease.

A dermatologist, after conducting an examination and establishing an accurate diagnosis, will prescribe a treatment.

1. Tableted antifungal medicines.
2. Antihistamines drugs.
3. Topical remedies ( shampoos, lotions).
4. Preparations for the stabilization of hormones.
5. Immunomodulators(dietary supplements, vitamin complexes).
6. Physiotherapy:
   • laser puncture;
   • electroporation;
   • magnetotherapy;
   • darsonvalization;
   • cryo massage.

If dandruff is a consequence of cosmetic errors, they must be eliminated. Otherwise, the treatment will not work.

Useful video

TV show about the causes of dandruff:

Prevention

In order for dandruff not to cause you problems, you need to follow simple rules.

1. Live a healthy life.
2. To refuse from bad habits.
3. Monitor nutrition and weight.
4. Observe the rules of hygiene.
5. At the first symptoms of the disease, consult a doctor.

The rules are not complicated, it is not difficult to follow them. But your beauty and health depend on them.