Dealing with Dandruff - Causes and Treatment

The term dandruff has become a catchall name for an annoying and often embarrassing condition characterized by itchy or flaky scalp. Millions of people across the globe are affected dandruff, itchy or flaky scalp. Although no one really knows for sure what causes the flakes and itches of dandruff researchers suggest they may be an inflammatory reaction triggered by too much of the microscopic yeast-like organism normally found in small amounts on healthy scalps.

What is dandruff anyway?
By definition, common dandruff is an overproduction and build-up of dead skin cells. Our scalp -- like the rest of our body -- is covered with skin cells. As our skin renews itself, the top layer of old cells die and come off. Normally, the entire renewal process takes about two to three weeks. But for some, this process gets speeded up. The scalp increases its production of cells, causing the dead ones to pack together and build up on the scalp resulting in an itchy and red scalp. The dead skin slough off as white or gray flakes on our collars and shoulders.

Possible Causes:
Causes of dandruff are due to food allergies; allergies to hair care products; a combination of cold weather, low humidity and dry indoor heat; infrequent shampooing; and that standby root of most health problems -- stress. However dandruff cannot be associated with dry skin. Dandruff can actually cause due to overproduction in the scalp's oil glands and people with oilier scalp are more likely to have this disorder.

Dandruff Treatment and Preventions:
1. The first -- and probably most simple -- step in treating dandruff is frequent and effective shampooing of the hair and scalp. This washes away flakes before they can build up and helps soothe itchy scalp.

2. Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.

3. Eat a well balanced diet and make at least 50 percent of your diet raw food.

4. Avoid or decrease your intake of fried foods, dairy products, sugar, chocolate and nuts