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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffIn addition to regular shampooing, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing dandruff:
- Learn to manage stress. Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or worsen existing symptoms.
- Shampoo often. If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing may help prevent dandruff.
- Cut back on styling products. Hair sprays, styling gels, mousses and hair waxes can all build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and certain types of fats may help prevent dandruff.
- Get a little sun. Sunlight may be good for dandruff. But because exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, don't sunbathe. Instead, just spend a little time outdoors. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body.
References
- Weston WL, et al. Overview of dermatitis. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 7, 2010.
- Dandruff. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/dandruff.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/seborrheic_dermati.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
- Berger TG. Dermatologic Disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. Los Altos, Calif.: Lange Medical Publications; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=747. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_seb_dermatitis.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
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