Dandruff

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

In 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
  1. Weston WL, et al. Overview of dermatitis. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
  2. Seborrheic dermatitis: What it is and how to treat it. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/ 157.html. Accessed Oct. 16, 2008.
  3. Gupta AK, et al. Skin diseases associated with Malassezia species. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2004;51:785.
  4. Satchell AC, et al. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2002;47:852.
  5. DeAngelis YM, et al. Three etiologic facets of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: malassezia fungi, sebaceous lipids, and individual sensitivity. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2005;10:295.

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Nov. 22, 2008

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