Dandruff, otherwise referred to as Pityriasis capititis or scurf, is an itchy, uncomfortable skin disorder of the scalp. Dandruff tends to develop in the course of the normal growing process of the skin cells of the scalp. In normal circumstances, old skin cells die and are shed off approximately once every month, and immediately the replacement cells are manufactured.
For most people, these tiny flakes of dead skin cells are too tiny to be noticeable. In a dandruff scalp situation however, the skin cells are shed off every 5-10 days in big, oily clumps even before the cells are dead. Even though they are more of an inconvenience than a major health condition, dandruff is normally seen as unsightly. Dandruff can be quite embarrassing for most women, and men thereof, and it is only normal to wonder exactly what causes it in the first place.
Notable dandruff causes include:-
Weakened immune systems – most people with compromised immune systems are often more vulnerable to dandruff than those with normal immunity. When you body is unable to fight off diseases adequately, one of the main side effects could be dandruff. This is as a result of extraneous skin tissue that develops on the scalp when the immunity is down, thus leading to fall off later on.
Poor diet – an unbalanced dietary plan lacking in essential minerals and vitamins is another common cause for dandruff. If your body does not get the amount of nourishment it deserves, it normally responds in form of ailments, and dandruff is just one of the common side effects should you happen to have an unhealthy scalp. Eating a well balanced diet characterized by plenty of fresh fruits and veggies normally helps to cure the problem. Additionally, if the condition is very serious, you can always supplement your daily intake by using hair loss supplements.
Stress – yes, stress too can have a negative effect not only on your loss of hair but also on the dandruff. Consistent fatigue and stress is known to carry so many negative side effects, with accumulation of scurf on the scalp being just one of them. This can be remedied by simply reducing the stress levels in your life, which will not only prevent the formation of dandruff but promote your overall health as well.
Extremely oily scalp – while a dry scalp is never recommended because it tends to lead to hair loss, an over oily one can also not be any better, as it can be the perfect breeding ground for the much dreaded dandruff. When too much oil is applied and produced from within, it tends to build up gradually over time. This can in turn irritate the scalp, eventually creating falling dead skin flakes. Oily scalp is normally as a result of infrequent shampooing or not shampooing at all. Shampooing your hair consistently can help break down the amount of accumulated oils, thus reducing the accumulation of dandruff.
In a nutshell, there are so many causes of dandruff in women, most of which can be remedied by observing the right hygiene and ensuring that you have optimal overall health.