Dandruff is a common scalp problem that many people have to contend with.

For some, this problem is both embarrassing and stubborn, and in extreme cases, people with dandruff dare not wear black during the day because the flakes that fall off from their scalp will surely show. Those who have to wear a black uniform to work are often dismayed at the thought that their backs or shoulders will be inevitably covered with the unmistakable traces of that white powdery substance known as dandruff. To solve this problem, many try one type of anti-dandruff shampoo after another; only to end up with dry hair while the problem of dandruff persists. If you are living with the same problem, you will be happy to know there are quite a few remedies for dandruff just lying around in your home. Read on and find out which ones may be the answer to your predicament.

==What is That Flaky Thing Called Dandruff?

People use dandruff as a general term for the appearance of dry flakes of skin on the scalp. These skin flakes are present because for some reason, an unusually large number of skin cells are dying. Human cells are constantly being renewed and old ones are shed. These old cells are pushed to the surface as new ones are formed. In the case of people with dandruff, cell production occurs at a faster rate, and so ironically, an excessive number of cells are expelled and pushed off onto their favourite black sweater.

This condition is often accompanied by itching. In mild cases, dandruff can be relatively easy to control with the use of an anti-dandruff shampoo. Some studies suggest that more than a third of the North American population is affected by dandruff, regardless of sex and ethnicity. The flaking worsens with exposure to extreme temperatures.

Dandruff is a common condition, but it is usually not severe enough for people to seek treatment. However, when the condition does become severe, it can be a source of embarrassment, and it can be difficult to arrest.

Dandruff Triggers and Causes

Dandruff can be a chronic condition, or it can occur due to certain triggers. Contrary to what a lot of people believe, a dry scalp is not the same as dandruff. Believing that the two are the same, some people will desist from using shampoo, or avoid shampooing their hair too often because they think this will worsen the flaking that comes with a dry scalp. Actually, in the case of dandruff, an individual will experience relief from flaking when the scalp is shampooed more often. Dandruff may come as a result of the following:

1. 1
   Psoriasis

   :

   

   This is a condition where the immune system is unable to recognize skin cells as normal cells, and mistakes them for pathogens. The immune system then sends out signals for the body to rapidly produce new skin cells and push off the old ones.

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2. 2
   Malassezia

   :

   

   This is a type of fungi found in the skin of animals. These live on fat cells. These fungi often find conditions conducive to growth in the human scalp.

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3. 3
   Seborrheic Dermatitis

   :

   

   This is a chronic inflammatory condition usually visible in areas where sebaceous glands are numerous. It is marked by the presence of mild dandruff to scale-like flakes.

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4. 4
   Head Lice

   :

   

   By themselves, head lice do not cause dandruff. However, people who have head lice frequently scratch their scalp and this triggers dandruff. The fecal matter from head lice also creates an environment where dandruff-causing fungi can thrive.

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Some Facts about Dandruff

• As many as an estimated 45-50 percent of people in North America and Western Europe may have dandruff.
• Dandruff usually abates as people grow older.
• Dandruff can be managed but there is no known cure for it; it can flare up any time.
• People who have oily skin are more prone to dandruff.
• Dandruff is less common in women than in men.
• Some studies suggest that excessive salt, sugar, or spice the diet may worsen dandruff.
• Studies also suggest that excessive alcohol makes dandruff worse.
• Contrary to popular belief, dandruff does not lead to hair loss.
• Dandruff is not a sign of poor hygiene.
• Some illnesses seem to make people more prone to dandruff. These include heart attacks, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.

There are several shampoos that can be used as interventions for dandruff.

Before you resort to anti-dandruff shampoo, you might consider trying a milder shampoo. This is a good course of action if your scalp is already dry. Try to experiment with different mild shampoos to see which one will end your problem. If a mild shampoo doesn't do it, or if your scalp is not dry to begin with, there are over-the-counter shampoos to resolve dandruff. You can use a preparation a few consecutive times to see which one works, or you can alternate these shampoos.

• Shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole are used to treat dandruff caused by fungus and bacteria.
• Shampoos with coal tar and selenium sulfide are used to reduce the growth and sloughing off of cells from the scalp.
• Shampoos containing salicylic acid are supposed to help loosen flakes so these can be easily washed away.

If you do not want to use anti-dandruff shampoos because you have sensitive skin or you just want something mild from your own cupboard, here are some alternative remedies for you to try. These are easy to find, nontoxic and definitely worth the try.

Aspirin

Aspirin is used as an anti-inflammatory drug and as an effective blood thinner. An additional use for aspirin is as a solution for dandruff. Here is how you can use aspirin as a homemade anti-dandruff remedy.

1. 1
   You will need:
    
   1. Regular strength aspirin (uncoated)
   2. Mild shampoo
   3. Measuring spoons
   4. Two small bowls
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