CAUSES OF DANDRUFF (1)

Experts could not agree on the causes of dandruff. However, most experts do agree that it is not caused by poor hygiene. They noticed dandruff commonly occur when there is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called malassezia. This fungus grows on the scalp of all people and usually do not cause any problem. It feeds on the oils our hair follicles secrete. Dandruff formed when excessive amounts of dead skin tissues build up on the scalp and mix with the natural oils there.

So what conditions trigger this fungus to go wild, irritate our skin and stimulate our body to respond by producing extra skin tissues?

Malassezia is one of a number of possible contributors to dandruff.

Other possible causes are:

• Chemicals   and allergens
• Inadequate hair combing / brushing
• Stress
• Hormones
• Diet
• Climate
• Infection
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Certain illnesses

Chemicals   and allergens

People react differently to chemicals and ingredients in hair care products. Try switching to another hair care product to see whether your dandruff, inflammation and itchiness persist.  If you intend to consult a doctor or dermatologist, bring along your hair care products to check whether any possible ingredient that may be the culprit. Some ingredients that may give allergic reaction are hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate), Propylene glycol, quaternium-15, balsam of Peru etc. Preservatives and fragrances are the two biggest allergens. Preservatives are further sub—divided into antimicrobials, antioxidants and ultraviolet light absorbers.

Repeated exposure to allergens or irritants can lead to the skin to become dry, thicken and scaly. An acute reaction gives rise to rashes and sometimes, small fluid filled blisters.

Visit the Environmental Working Group database for more information on ingredients in hair and skin care products: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/research

Homemade dandruff recipes:

FIGHT DANDRUFF NATURALLY (W1) - Homemade shampoo

An anti-dandruff conditioner:

SOOTHING CONDITIONING HAIR RINSE

(To be continued)