GET RID OF DRY SCALP, DANDRUFF, PSORIASIS

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Dry Scalp: Photo by WebMD



Flakes are dead skin cells produced when you shed the skin more rapidly than usual. These flakes or condition is called by different names such as Dry Scalp, Dandruff, and Psoriasis depending on its nature; color, severity, appearance, thickness, etc.

Dry Scalp

This condition is characterized by a feeling of tightness on your scalp and small, round, white dry flakes in hair. It occurs when the scalp does not produce or hold enough moisture or oil for the skin to feel lubricated. This can cause itching, flaking, and irritation. It can also cause the hair to look dry, since oil from the scalp helps condition the hair. People with dry skin and eczema are more prone to dry scalp. This means that many of the things that cause dry skin can also cause a dry scalp.

Dandruff

Dandruff can be caused by fungal infection or too much oil on the scalp leading to an infection. The excess oil causes skin cells to build up and shed. The underlying cause of the oil build up is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that makes the skin oily, red and scaly. While Dry Scalp is characterized by small flakes, dandruff is characterized by flakes larger in size and may be yellow or white. Also, unlike dry scalp, dandruff is not typically accompanied by dry skin on other parts of the body. A fungus called Malassezia globosa can also trigger dandruff, and this is highly contagious and can spread when you share combs, towels, or hats with someone with the infection.

Psoriasis

Photo by naturalsisters.co.za

Psoriasis or Scalp psoriasis causes redness, flakes, and itching caused by an autoimmune disorder. It is a form of severe dandruff that can affect several parts of the body and cause intense, painful inflammation. When it affects the scalp, it can be difficult to differentiate it from dandruff or a dry scalp. However, unlike other scalp issues, it may appear as a thick, inflamed, reddish patches that can be very itchy. Often, the skin becomes so dry it cracks and bleeds. Psoriasis is a chronic condition. It is long lasting as opposed to dandruff or a dry scalp condition that may come and go. Psoriasis may spread forming patches that can creep past your hairline to your forehead, the back of your neck and the skin around your ears. It may also appear on other parts of your body. A person with moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis is advised to see a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions and can recommend appropriate treatments.

Prevention

“Prevention is better than cure”. You can easily stay safe from flakes or dandruff than getting rid of it when it attacks. If you do not have it, take the following steps to keep it away.
1. Cut out sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages.
2. Avoid smoking because it causes oxidative stress on the body
3. Avoid washing your scalp very frequently with chemicals such as harsh shampoos that can strip your scalp of natural moisture. Avoid using hair styling products, such as gels and sprays. These products cause build-ups and can aggravate dandruff.
4. Drink lots of water as this can keep you hydrated and help maintain the natural moisture balance of your skin and scalp.
5. Include some vital nutrients such as zinc, B vitamins, and fats in your diet.

Shampoo or Treatment with Chemicals

There are several over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos that you can use to treat and prevent dandruff. Ensure you pick one that contains any of the following ingredients:
• Ketoconazole
• Salicylic acid
• Selenium sulfide
• Coal tar
• Zinc pyrithione

Home Remedies

Olive Oil: Massage your scalp with olive oil for 10 minutes and leave it on overnight. Wash it off with water and a mild shampoo the next morning.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water and pour it all over your scalp after shampooing it. Massage it in for a few minutes before washing it with water.
Baking Soda: Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice into a bowl of apple cider vinegar. Apply this paste all over your scalp and leave it on for 2-10 minutes. Wash it off with water. Repeat 2 times a week.
Tea Tree Oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to coconut oil and massage it onto your scalp and hair. You can leave it on overnight before washing it off with a herbal shampoo.
Onion Juice: Onions are rich in phytochemical compounds that can help combat dandruff. Their topical application can help eliminate the flaking of skin and reduce the occurrence of dandruff. Blend an onion to extract its juice. Strain it and apply generously to your scalp and leave for an hour and wash it off. You can apply this juice to your scalp 2 times a week.
Fenugreek Seeds: Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a paste. Apply this paste all over your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with soapnut (reetha) and water.
Aloe Vera: It is a rich source of bioactive compounds that can be used to treat skin disorders. Extracts of aloe vera (Aloe vera gel) exhibit antifungal and antimicrobial properties that can help fight any fungal infection, including that causing dandruff. Massage some aloe vera gel into your scalp, ensuring the gel is absorbed into the scalp. Wash off after 1 hour. You can apply the gel at least 2 times a week.
Garlic: The primary bioactive constituents of garlic are ajoene and allicin. Their antifungal properties may help alleviate the fungal infection that can cause dandruff. Peel and crush the garlic cloves. Add the crushed garlic to a heated saucepan with olive oil and heat the mixture for 5 minutes and strain. Allow it to cool down and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes before rinsing with water. You can apply this oil 2 times a week.
Green Tea is rich in polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that exhibit an inhibitory effect on fungal infections. Soak 2-3 green tea bags in warm water and strain it after it cools down. Rinse your hair with this decoction and leave it in for about 10 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo. You can do this 2 times a week for a couple of months.

References:

https://www.stylecraze.com/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
https://www.medlife.com/
https://www.healthline.com/
https://www.hairbuddha.net/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/