Dandruff is a common scalp ailment that causes flaking of the skin. It is neither communicable nor dangerous. It can, however, be humiliating and difficult to treat.
Causes of dandruff
1. Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin irritation that occurs by an allergen or irritant that causes an itchy, often painful rash. And in the case of dandruff, the scalp is the site of the reaction. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, this is usually occurring through hair-care products or dyes.
2. Dry skin
Skin That Is Dry, especially your scalp, may be the cause of your dandruff if the chilly winter air dries out your skin all over. Dandruff generated by dry skin is typically smaller and less oily than dandruff caused by SD.
3. Shampoo
Habits of Shampooing “Washing seldom can aggravate dandruff in people who are already prone to it,” explains Dr. McMichael. Taking long vacations might cause a buildup of oil, which can cause dandruff.
4. Age
According to a review published in December 2015 in the Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology, age dandruff commonly begins at adolescence and peaks around the age of 20, decreasing significantly less common in people over 50.
5. Sex
The sebaceous gland stimulates androgen hormones like testosterone. More oil equals a higher risk of inflammatory reactions and dandruff. Dandruff affects men more frequently than women.
Coconut oil for dry scalp
Excess skin cells peel off the scalp, causing dandruff to appear. Some people see white flakes in their hair or on their clothing as a sign of the disease. Dandruff might itch, but scratching it can irritate your scalp, making the problem worse.
Shampoos, both OTC and prescription, are available to treat dandruff. To prevent chemicals, scalp irritation, and drying, some people prefer to cure their dandruff with natural methods.
It is recommended to use Coconut oil for dandruff because it has plentiful Vitamins and fatty acids. Coconut oil is an alternative skin care product that delivers moisture to dry skin, including your scalp. You may already know that you may consume or cook with it.
Is coconut oil good for dandruff?
Coconut oil’s moisturizing properties are promising. These effects can be used to treat dandruff and dry skin at the same time.
Coconut oil was found to be more beneficial than mineral oil in treating eczema in children in one study. Coconut oil likely went under the epidermis (top layer of skin) and served as a barrier, preventing further dryness and inflammation. Dandruff was not explicitly investigated in this study. If you have scalp eczema, though, you might have similar results.
For many centuries people are using coconut oil as an anti-bacterial. This is due to the presence of essential components like lauric acid. As a result, the oil may be useful in the fight against Malassezia.
Does coconut oil help with dandruff?
Applying coconut oil on the scalp to nourish it, prevent dandruff, and encourage hair growth. According to research, it has the potential to provide more than one benefit to dandruff sufferers. Increasing the Number of “Good” Bacteria
Coconut oil, according to a study published in 2021, can aid in the maintenance of a healthy fungal scalp microbiome (the colony of bacteria and fungi that keep your scalp healthy).
Following coconut oil application, the fungus M. globose, which is associated with a healthy scalp, increased, according to the study. Coconut oil use dramatically reduced the presence of dandruff in the same research.
How to use coconut oil for dandruff?
If you’re already taking drugs for your dermatitis, talk to your doctor about using coconut oil. The easiest technique to treat dandruff with coconut oil is to use it instead of shampoo and conditioner.
For further benefits, apply it directly to the scalp and comb it through the remainder of your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the oil to infiltrate your hair and skin, then thoroughly rinse it off. Mix warm water with the oil before using it if you want a more lathering product.
Coconut oil and lemon for dandruff
Lemon juice helps to get rid of dandruff and coconut oil conditions in your hair. Simply warm 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil and combine it with equal parts lemon juice, then gently massage it into your scalp.
Side Effects of coconut oil for dandruff
Coconut oil is usually thought to be safe for use on the skin and hair. However, if you have sensitive skin or eczema, there is a small chance of negative effects.
Coconut oil may irritate the scalp more in some people because it is an oil. If subaortic dermatitis causes dandruff, for example, coconut oil may make your scalp even oilier, aggravating dandruff.
Test a small area of your skin (such as your arm) for sensitivity before applying coconut oil straight to your scalp. Before applying to your scalp, wait a day to see whether you have any adverse effects, as reactions can take a while to appear.
Do not use coconut oil on your scalp if you have a rash, itching, or hives.
Avoid coconut oil if you have tree nut allergies because it can trigger an allergic reaction.
Coconut oil may aid in the natural reduction of dandruff. Tea tree oil and omega-3 dietary supplements are two other at-home herbal and dietary therapies for dandruff.
If coconut oil or other natural treatments don’t work, there are alternative options for dandruff treatment, such as over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos containing zinc pyrithione. To get rid of stubborn dandruff, your doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo.