Ending the Flake Wars Once and for All!
Causes
The exact cause of dandruff has been heavily researched, but largely remains unknown, reports MedicalNewsToday. Many scientists attribute the condition to an infection of Malassezia, a fungus which normally lives on the scalp without issue, but which can grow out of control and feed on the oil secreted by the hair follicles. Normal skin cells begin to stick to the oil and clump together in scaly masses we call dandruff. Dandruff problems can be additionally aggravated by stress, hormones, increased humidity, temperature extremes and seasonal changes.
How to Treat Dandruff in African American Hair
Treatment of dandruff in African-American hair is similar to treatment in other races and ethnicities. However, treating dandruff using conventional methods entails a few special considerations for African-American hair types. Many dandruff-treatment shampoos require daily application to effectively treat dandruff, but many African-Americans and others with textured hair types tend to not shampoo their hair with such frequency, says Santa Cruz, owner and Creative Director of Salon Santa Cruz. Additionally, care must be taken to ensure that the hair and scalp remain hydrated throughout the process.
Select a Medicated Dandruff Shampoo
Using a medicated dandruff shampoo can help treat dandruff problems in African-American hair. Most dandruff-treatment shampoos are available over the counter. Typical dandruff-treatment shampoos include active ingredients like zinc pyrithione (ZPT), ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid to treat the scalp and fight the fungal infection causing the dandruff. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that adding tea tree oil to a regular moisturizing shampoo formula may also provide a benefit similar to conventional dandruff shampoos.
Shampoo and Condition Hair Regularly
Gently comb and brush the hair to loosen dandruff on the scalp, then treat the hair every two to three days with a dandruff-shampoo treatment. According to leading dermatologists at the University of Iowa and East Virginia Medical School, dandruff tends to respond positively to frequent shampooing, especially when the dandruff shampoo is allowed to sit on the hair undisturbed for several minutes. But if shampooing your hair more than once per week is not appealing, then working the shampoo into your scalp for five minutes and leaving it undisturbed on the scalp for another several minutes during your regular wash may be an effective alternative.
Customize Your Treatment
For stubborn cases of dandruff that do not improve in several weeks, Dr. Jim Mitterando, a family doctor and medical columnist for the Massachusetts' Patriot Ledger, suggests alternating your dandruff shampoo with another dandruff shampoo that contains a different active ingredient. For milder dandruff cases, Mitterando suggests rotating your dandruff shampoo every few washes with your regular moisturizing shampoo. Once dandruff begins to improve, gradually phase out your medicated shampoo. Dandruff products now include conditioners, which can be added to your hair care routine to keep your hair moisturized and dandruff-free.
Hydrate Your Scalp
Because dandruff shampoos can be quite stripping to African-American hair and other textured hair types, Mitterando strongly recommends following up dandruff treatments with a moisturizing conditioner. Thoroughly rinse the conditioner from your hair, as leftover product residue can mimic the appearance of dandruff on the scalp. Thorough rinsing is extremely critical, especially if you are several weeks post-relaxer and have considerable new growth. New growth can trap conditioners near the scalp and cause flaking if rinsing isn't done improperly.
Avoid Heavy Oils and Pomades
Many people, especially African-Americans, tend to oil the scalp to treat dandruff flare-ups. While this oiling may provide temporary, cosmetic relief of flaky dandruff, it may also worsen the dandruff problem.The American Academy of Dermatology states that while the regular use of moisturizers often helps treat dandruff in African-Americans, hair oils and pomades may aggravate dandruff in this demographic.
Improve Your Diet
Eating a well balanced diet has important benefits beyond relieving dandruff flare-ups. Siegfried Gursche's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing identifies carbohydrate intake as a trigger of dandruff and suggests increasing B-vitamin intake to fight dandruff. Excellent dietary sources of B-6 include beans, meat, poultry and fish. Gursche suggests avoiding trigger foods such as white flour, sugar, chocolate, nuts and shellfish to control dandruff. Consult your doctor before beginning any new dietary regimen.
See a Dermatologist
If your condition worsens or does not improve after home treatment, consult your doctor. This may be an indication of an underlying medical issue. Seek out a dermatologist who is experienced in handling the unique skin and hair care needs of African-Americans and other people of color. If you have thinning hair, a dermatologist can also help you pinpoint the causes of your hair loss.
References
Selden, S. Seborrheic Dermatitis. Emedicine.
Myers, L. When Dandruff is Stubborn. UIHealthcare.
Mitterando, J. ASK THE DOCTOR: Itching for an answer to dandruff. The Patriot Ledger- Healthcare South.
Nordqvist, C. What Is Dandruff? What Causes Dandruff? Medical News Today.
American Academy of Dermatology. Skin of Color. AAD.org.
Mayo Clinic. Dandruff. Mayoclinic.com
Satchell AC,Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Baran, R. & Maibach, H. Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Cruz, S. The last word on dandruff, addressing the needs of African American Hair. Nizoral.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment