4 Home Remedies to Prevent Dandruff

A person scratching their scalp due to itching

Dandruff is a fairly common problem that a lot of people experience. Up to 3% of the adult population has dandruff worldwide.

Dandruff is the formation of white flakes on the scalp that often itch. Not only are these flakes uncomfortable, but they also affect a person’s appearance, shaking up their confidence in public.

However, dandruff is easy to treat and can be done at home with some homemade remedies. Let’s take a look at some of them.

A person scratching their scalp due to itching

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tee tree oil has been used to treat problems like psoriasis and acne for years. It’s proven to have strong anti-inflammatory and microbial properties, which can help eliminate dandruff from your scalp.

As per research, tee tree oil effectively treats a specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

However, tea tree oil can irritate the skin if you’re sensitive to it. It’s best to dilute it a little with coconut oil before applying it.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil isn’t just useful for diluting tea tree oil; it can treat dandruff on your scalp. It improves the skin’s hydration. Dandruff develops on dry skin, and hydrated skin is not an ideal ground for the fungus to thrive in.

Coconut also helps with the treatment of eczema, a condition that can cause dandruff. Test tube studies have also shown coconut oils have antimicrobial properties. However, their effects have not yet been tested on specific strains of fungus that cause dandruff.

3. Aloe Vera

Often found in cosmetics, creams, and ointments, aloe vera is often used to treat skin conditions like burns, cold sores, and psoriasis. According to one study, aloe vera’s antifungal and antibacterial properties make it a good treatment option for dandruff.

Test tube research has also shown aloe vera is effective against particular strains of fungi that cause dandruff and can reduce skin inflammation.

An aloe vera plant

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Applying apple cider vinegar to your scalp by mixing it with your shampoo can also help with dandruff treatment. Apple cider vinegar has a variety of health benefits and has been used as an anecdotal technique. However, there is no research conducted to back up the claims.

A separate study has shown apple cider vinegar to be effective in restricting the growth of certain strains that cause dandruff, but these studies were conducted in laboratories.

If your dandruff doesn’t go away with home remedies, you can consult a virtual doctor to get proper treatment.

FastDocNow provides telemedicine services in Atlanta. Our dermatologists can provide you with an effective treatment plan for your dandruff problem. We also provide virtual medical consultation for STDs, asthma treatment, erectile dysfunction treatment, and diabetes treatment, and we have in-home lab testing available as well. Get in touch now for more information.

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