Dandruff Dandruff!

Winters are approaching, and so is the problem of having dandruff in some people (and possibly in many people than just some of them). Many people shed flakes of dandruff, especially in winter, when the scalp may be dry, but it is not necessary that dandruff occurs due to dry skin only. Some people have a hereditary tendency to develop skin problems that are triggered by sensitivity to specific foods. Because the offending foods vary from person to person, the only reasonable advice is to avoid foods that seem to make dandruff worse.

Some cases of dandruff may respond to flaxseed oil, which seems to help itchy skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Take one to two teaspoons a day. You will need to wait several weeks or even months to see an effect.

To control mild dandruff, doctors usually recommend shampooing daily until the dandruff is under control, followed by twice weekly for maintenance. Dandruff shampoos contain zinc pyrithione, tar or selenium sulfide, all of which work as exfoliants to hasten the shedding of the dead cell layer from the scalp. If these do not work well, shampoos that contain the anti-fungal medication ketoconazole can be tried.

In addition to treating dandruff with possible methods, you should also avoid foods that are known to promote dandruff. Yes, there are some foods that promote dandruff, and some people’s dandruff improves when they shun foods that cause the face and scalp to flush; typical offenders are hot liquids, heavily spiced foods, and alcohol.