9 Common Dandruff Causes and Treatment Options

Who wants to see white flakes on a nice black sweater? Actually, better yet, who wants to see white flakes anywhere? That’s right. The answer is nobody. Dandruff may not be as bad as it was generations ago, but it is a problem that lingers, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Despite being a clean person or taking the necessary precautions to take care of your hair, you are still witnessing dandruff.

So, what’s the problem? Well, let’s explore further. The following list contains nine different dandruff causes and possible treatment options:

1. Sensitivity to Products

If you look on the back of hair products, from shampoos to gel, they are filled with chemicals. But while most of these ingredients are benign, sometimes you may be highly sensitive to these elements. Or, you may develop a negative reaction if you use too much of, for instance, hair spray and gel.

As a result, you may witness an increase in dandruff. Nobody wants dandruff and, for many people who suffer from dandruff, it can be incredibly embarrassing. So, perhaps as a trial run, try either limiting your product use or opt for natural alternatives. You can also ask your hairstylist at the salon for recommendations about hair products.

2. Unclean Hair

Your personal hygiene is one of the most common dandruff causes. Sure, you may shower often enough, but you might shampoo your hair as often. Or, if you do shampoo daily, then it might not be enough considering the natural elements you may across on a regular basis (think construction or coal mining!). Or, you may skip the shower altogether on a lazy Sunday.

That said, if you do not believe your hair is clean enough, then try to do better. This could consist of showering twice a day, leaving the shampoo in your hair longer, or ensuring that you shower as soon as you get out of bed in the morning.

3. Dry Skin

Dry skin, especially in the winter, is the absolute worse. It is itchy, unhealthy, and ugly. Ostensibly, no matter how much cream you apply to your skin between September and March, it is never enough. This can travel to your head and impact your scalp, generating a large amount of dandruff. These dandruff causes can be hard to get rid of when you experience dry skin.

4. Malassezia – a Yeast-Like Fungus

Malassezia? That doesn’t sound good. Also known as pityrosporum, it is a genus of fungi that is naturally found on skin surfaces, causing infections on several locations in humans, including the scalp. Health experts will typically recommend topical and oral antifungals to treat Malassezia, which leads to immediate clearing of the lesions.

5. Irritated Skin

Like dry skin, irritated skin is an annoyance, too. This is when your skin has been affected by the environment, such as windburns or allergens, and leads to skin discomfort and redness. Again, it is uncomfortable, unpleasing to the eye, and lingering. When it reaches your scalp, then you might witness an incremental increase in the production of dandruff.

6. Skin Conditions

In the end, it could just be a simple explanation as to why you are experiencing higher volumes of dandruff: a skin condition.

Now, there are many skin conditions that you should be aware of:

  • Eczema
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Rosacea
  • Stress rashes

Over time, if left untreated, a skin condition can start leading to dandruff, which you never want.

7. Shampoo Hair More Often

As previously noted, you may just need to shampoo your hair more often. You may not necessarily need to purchase hair products that tackle dandruff, which can be quite costly. So, add some more shampoo to your hair and let it absorb into your hair and skin. You might notice the difference within days.

8. Boost Omega-3 and Probiotic Intake

First, omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to not only your immune system and heart, but they are also critical for skin health. If there is a deficiency in omega-3, then you might experience dry hair, dry skin, or even dandruff.

Second, probiotics enhance your body’s immune functions, tackling fungal infections that can cause dandruff. Studies have found a significant increase in probiotic consumption led to a decline in dandruff severity in under two months.

What is the conclusion from this? Boost your intake of probiotics and omega-3s.

Here are some foods to consider eating more of:

  • Fish
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Yogurt
  • Sauerkraut
  • Pickles
  • Kefir

9. Reduce Your Stress

This might be easier said than done but reducing your stress can do wonders for your overall health, not just your hair. So, try to relax more, take a little nap, and stop sweating the small stuff. You will notice impressive results after just a month of shrugging your shoulders and saying, “Meh.”

A significant number of people will suffer from dandruff at least once in their lives. For the most part, it will go away on its own. However, if it is lingering or recurring, then perhaps it is time to do more than just maintain the status quo. After some treatment, you will look like you belong in a shampoo commercial.