Dandruff is one of the forms in which seborrhea can manifest itself. The literal meaning of the word ’seborrhea’ is-A condition in which over activity of the sebaceous glands causes the skin to become oily. Seborrhea also goes by names such as seborrheic dermatitis or common dandruff. The variety of conditions in which seborrhea can present itself are dandruff, thick scales on the scalp, redness on the face or in the armpits, or raw, red patches below the breasts. Although in some of these conditions the skin may feel “dry”, moisturizing only makes it redder. There are cases when skin may seem oily or even oily and dry at the same time.

Cause

Seborrhea is a form of skin inflammation( dermatitis) that has no known cause. Seborrhea results from neither too little moisture nor too much oil. From infancy to old age, dandruff can appear at any time. Besides, it comes and goes randomly. Seborrhea is treated by fighting the skin inflammation. This can be done in two ways, either by using cortisone-based creams
and lotions( which reduce inflammation), or by reducing yeast that builds up on scaly areas. However, it should be noted here that dandruff is not a form of yeast infection. Contrary to
popular belief moisturizing lotions, switching brands of shampoo, changing hair care routines or switching antiperspirants do not cause seborrhea.

Treatment

For treating dandruff one may use shampoos, creams,…

1.shampoos:

The ingredients in medicated shampoos that you should look for are tar, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole,… These are available over-the-counter. The frequency of use of these shampoos depends on the severity of the problem. Once the problems subsides, you can switch-over to non-medicated shampoos. For dandruff that is very stubborn and refuses to go away, you can alternate two different types.

2.Creams:

These can be of two types: cortisone and anti-fungal. Cortisone creams help reduce inflammation. These can be purchased over-the-counter in either 0.5% or 1% concentrations. These are to be applied twice a day and start showing results in a couple of days. These creams are also available as scalp lotions. The lotions are applied on damp hair after shampooing. One can use cortisone creams along with medicated shampoos. Antifungal creams fight yeast like organisms found in skin of affected people.

Even after being cured, seborrhea may stage a comeback. In such cases, one should take recourse to creams again.

If over-the-counter products fail, the physician or dermatologist can recommend shampoos or cortisone creams of higher concentrations. Dandruff of the eyelashes needs to be tackled very carefully. These may be treated by scrubbing eyelashes with baby shampoo on a cotton swab. However, doctors advise extreme care in this treatment  as exposure of the eye to cortisone can lead to serious eye problems.

Very few people know that the normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter per month. 90 percent of the hair on everyone’s scalp is growing at any one time. The rest 10 percent of the hair on your scalp is in a resting phase. After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place.

Causes of excessive hair loss

There are many reasons that can cause excessive hair loss.

Illness Or Surgery

It can be 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery. This may result in sudden large amount of hair loss. This hair loss is due to the stress of the illness and it is temporary.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal problems may also be one of the reasons of hair loss. Over activeness or under activeness of thyroid gland may cause hair fall. You can stop them by treating your thyroid disease. Imbalance of male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, may also cause hair loss. You will just need to bring them back in balance to prevent hair loss.

Pregnancy

Many women experience hair loss about 3 months after they’ve had a baby. This loss is due to hormones. While a lady is pregnant, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would in normal case fall out. And when the hormones again return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.

Medicines And Infections

Some medicines can also result in hair loss. And when you stop taking the medicine hair loss also reduces.

Hair loss may also occur due to certain infection such as fungal infections of the scalp which can be treated with antifungal medicines.

Diseases like lupus or diabetes may also cause hair loss.

Improper Care

Improper care of your hair can also cause loss in hair. Wearing pigtails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss which is called traction alopecia. If you stop wearing such kind of hairstyles, your hair will grow back normally

Scarring can cause permanent hair loss. This can be a result of hot oil treatment etc.

Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss treatment depends on your type of hair loss. If imbalance in hormones has caused hair loss, it can be treated by balancing the hormones. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your can ask your doctor for an alternate medicine.

Medicines may also help prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another is finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is available with a prescription which is only for men. It comes in pills.

If you are unable to find adequate treatment for your type of hair loss, you may try different hairstyles or wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves or even you can go for artificial hair replacement.

Phases In The LifeCycle Of Hair

A hair typically undergoes three phases- anagen lasts for two to six years producing well pigmented-thick hair. At any point of time, roughly 90% of the scalp hair are in this growth phase. In the second phase, the hair starts becoming thinner and follicle starts shrinking. This phase is called catagen and is a transient phase lasting for few weeks.The last phase, telogen is for two to four months, where the thinned hair falls off making way for new hair.

DHT hormone- The culprit

DHT stands for dihydrotestostrone. This hormone is produced in both the sexes. It is required for proper growth in the early phase of one’s life. In men DHT is
produced in testicles and adrenals. In women, it is produced in ovaries and adrenal glands. However, as men become older this ‘hero’ turns ‘villain’. Once formed, DHT binds to the hair follicles, thereby retarding their growth and cutting of their blood supply. This is followed by period of thinning of hair and finally hair falls.
Illness and medications too could be cause of hair loss. Diseases that could lead to hair loss are thyroid , diabetes, kidney failure and lupus. In adult women and teenaged girls, the cause could be hormone imbalance in polycystic ovary syndrome.Medications such as acne medications can lead to hair loss, so can Amphetamines in diet pills. Chemotherapy is known widely to cause hair loss. A skin disease called Alopecia areata causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes on the body. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the own immune system is the one to damage the hair follicles.It starts as small bald patches and can progress to total baldness. In a psychological disorder called Trichotillomania a person pulls his/her own hair that can also lead to hair loss.One ought to be cautious in receiving hair treatments and styling the hair. These activities give tension to scalp thereby damaging the hair and ultimately leading to hair loss.

A product “Provillus” available in the market is designed to block DHT and supply proper nutrients to the body.

There are many reasons that cause hair loss. Improper imbalance of hormones in the body, lot of stress and anxiety can result in hair loss. Hair loss can also happen soon after a woman gives birth to a baby. Hair loss can also be a result of heredity. If both of your parents and grandparents suffered from hair loss, then chances are that you will too. Surgery or sickness can also cause hair loss. Things like diet, exercise and your health habits can also play a role in hair loss. Genetics can also be a big factor of hair loss.

Some medicines can also cause hair loss. So you must always consult your doctor and know its side effects before you take any medicine.

Things You Can Do To Prevent Hair Loss

You should try to wear a loose hairstyle. Wear a tight ponytail very rarely, do not wear cornrows regularly, and don’t use tight rollers. Try to get enough sleep. Eat healthy and exercise regularly. If you are loosing too much of your hair then tell your doctor.

Depending on what type of hair loss you suffer from, some treatments are available. There are certain treatments that you can get at your local drug store, but their results are varied and they do not guarantee and type of success. Talk to your doctor about the treatments that are available for optimal results.

10 Simple Hair Loss Remedies

1. Use peppermint or spearmint tea to wash your hair.
2. Drink one cup of lettuce and spinach juice daily.
3. You can also apply smooth paste of powder soybean flour and water on wet hair for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off.
4. You can also apply coconut milk with aspirin which helps your hair grow healthier and faster.
5. Use olive oil capsules to make your hair stronger, thicker and healthier.
6. Apply raw egg and olive oil to your hair.
7. Take out time to exercise; this will help you feel relaxed. Too much of stress also causes hair fall.
8. Lack of vitamin B6 and folic acid also leads to hair loss. So take multivitamin everyday.
9. One of the effective ways to stimulate hair growth is to rub your scalp tinges after you wash it with cold water.
10. Getting bald patches, don’t worry? Rub the area with onion until its red and follow it up with honey.

Try all these out and get surprising effects.

Reasons

1) Hormonal changes can result in hair loss
2) Dandruff can also be one of the reasons of hair loss.
3) Stress can also be a reason.
4) Lack of proteins may also make your hair weak.

Prevention Methods

Always keep your scalp clean by washing it frequently.
Do not use very hard or harsh shampoos; select a mild and herbal shampoo.
Drink plenty of water at least 1 1/2 litres a day.
Try to be away from emotional stress and anxiety.

Try This Out

Deficiency or lack of protein can also trigger hair loss you must consume foods which are rich in zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, calcium and iron. Eating healthy will help you reduce hair loss up to 80 to 90 percent.

Keep yourself cool and do not get overstressed. This can also cause hair loss. You can always do pranayam (breathing exercises, yoga or set aside ½ an hour everyday in some hobby or de-stress activity that you enjoy doing. This will help you to calm down and relax your mind.

Handy Home-Remedies

1. Dissolve 2 aspirins in any anti-dandruff shampoo, lightly massage into scalp and wash your hair. It really works.

2. One more easy way is to prevent hair loss is to use almond oil to massage your scalp. Dip a towel in hot water, squeeze lightly and wrap it around the hair. Repeat this thrice or four times until the towel becomes cold.

3. Mix 2 tablespoon of cosmetic vinegar in hot water 6 tablespoons. Apply onto your scalp with the help of cotton. Do it before you go to bed. Wash it next morning with shampoo properly. After the hair is thoroughly cleansed pour over as a last rinse a mixture of three tablespoons of cosmetic vinegar and one cup of hot water. Then dry the hair thoroughly. You can do these two times a week for 3 months.

4. Massage your scalp with some aloe vera gel thrice a week. Leave it on for half an hour. Rinse with warm water.

5. Try to use a home made shampoo. Don’t know how to make it? Read this. Mix 100g amla (Indian goose berry), reetha, and shikakai. Use this only for a month and see the difference. You will find that the dandruff has vanished and your hair will become surprisingly thick.

6. Another easy way to stop hair loss is to apply hot oil. Massage hot oil into the scalp at bedtime. You could use coconut oil or even almond oil. Next morning an hour before bath, rub lemon juice mixed with cosmetic vinegar (mix 1:2 ratio) into the scalp. Then wash your hair properly.

Hair Growth Tips

You must understand that there is a possibility of hair loss due to toxins. You can easily maintain your hair and keep them healthy and beautiful. Want to know how? Here are few simple tips. These tips will help you achieve achieve scalp conditions that allow hair to grow again.

1 Hair Sample Test

You can do a hair sample test for yourself and find out which toxins are stopping your hair from growing. And if you are thinking
not to do it then it will only harm you. Your body and scalp become increasingly acidic and more hair falls out.

2 Consume A Lot Of Water

Drinking a lot of pure water daily will also help you. You must drink at least 1 1/2 litres of water every day. Drink 2 glasses of water first thing in the morning, and 1 glass before lunch and 1 glass before dinner. Drink the rest in between meals.
3 Clean Your Scalp

Use a right shampoo to clean your scalp. Never let your scalp remain dirty and dusty. If you don’t do it regularly, the cell and oil debris will suffocate the hair follicle. This will stop hair growth and make more hair fall out 4 Beware! Before Brushing Wet Hair

Do not ever make a mistake of brushing your hair when its wet. This will only damage your hair roots and you will pull out hair. This is because the hair is vulnerable when wet. You can always go through your hair with your fingers and separate it gently. If you think it’s a bad idea then you can use a wide tooth comb.

5 Use Special Brush

Always use a special brush to comb your hair. Brush with a special brush vigorously.

Losing a lot of hair can be very depressing for women. They want healthy hair at any cost. Many use hair products such as expensive shampoos and conditioners to keep them beautiful which no longer work like they have in the past. But they only make your hair dry and look dull. Many of them use hairsprays which contains alcohol. These products only damage the hair.

You can make your hair healthy and look beautiful by just changing your diet. Eating more vegetables and fruits will help you make your hair healthy and beautiful. Also try to add more fiber in your meal. If you are eating to many red meats, or fatty foods, stop it! Drink lots of water. A beautiful inside can only promote our beautiful outside assets.

Also cleaning body through oral treatments orally can promote a healthy and balanced system. You can take help of a licensed professional to perform an enema or colonic irrigation. Both of which sound very invasive, but if the right professional does the job there is nothing better than feeling good inside and out.

You can always try Henna instead for your hair. You can also use Psyllium. Using both of them can help you achieve hair re-growth, a natural way to a more balanced system, are less intrusive, and can be found in any drug store.

What? You can’t go for any of them either! Don’t worry you still have a hope. Doctors have found hormone treatments that can even-out the ratios in our bodies to start the hair re-growing pattern again.

Some medications or medical treatments, like chemotherapy treatment for cancer, also cause hair loss. Also a hairstyle that pulls on the hair for a long time, such as braids can even cause hair loss.

People who are very much concerned about the appearance can become stressed due to excessive hair loss. But hair loss during the teen years is temporary.

Basics Of Hair

Keratin is a protein which forms our hair. A single hair consists of a hair shaft (the part that shows), a root below the skin, and a follicle, from which the hair root grows. At the lower end of the follicle is the hair bulb, where the hair’s color pigment, or melanin, is produced.

Loosing 50 to 100 hairs every day is not abnormal. If you are loosing them, you don’t have to worry, they will definitely grow back in the same follicle on your head. If you are losing more than, start worrying! There’s definitely something wrong. Talk to your doctor about it. A doctor can determine why the hair is falling out and suggest a treatment that will correct the underlying problem, if necessary.

Hair Care

Taking proper care of your hair is much important to keep them healthy and strong. A healthy and balanced diet is very important which can really benefit your hair. Using baby shampoo for your hair can be helpful according to doctors. Rubbing them vigorously with a towel can also be harmful. You can use a hair dryer keeping it away on a low heat setting and air drying your hair instead.
Do not make a hairstyle style when they are wet. It can cause a lot of breaking. Also try to use very less chemical treatments like color or straighteners which can cause damage. Also do not tease your hair it also cause damage.

Very few people know that, the normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Every month each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter which is less than half an inch. 90 percent of your hair grows at any one time where as the remaining 10 percent is in a resting phase. The hair which are in resting phase falls after 2 to 3 months and new hair grows. That is why every day some hair sheds away which is normal. But a few people experience excessive hair loss which affects people in all age groups irrespective of their gender.

Want to know causes of excessive hair loss?

Major Surgery

A major surgery can be one of the reasons for excessive hair loss. Which may be due to stress of the illness. This may happen after 3 or 4 months of the surgery. This is a temporary hair loss.

Hormonal problems

Hair loss may caused due to the hormonal imbalance. Over activeness or under activeness of your thyroid gland may result into  excessive hair loss. You can easily prevent this kind of hair loss by treatment of  thyroid disease. Imbalance of male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens may also cause excessive hair loss. You just need to correct this imbalance and solve the problem easily. This will help to stop your excessive hair loss.

After Pregnancy

It is also found that many times women tend to loose their hair about 3 months after they’ve had a baby. Which is very common and is related to hormones. Actually during pregnancy high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. And when these hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.

Use Of Medicines

Many medicines can also cause excessive hair loss. Hair loss due to medicines is temporary, you can easily stop this by stopping the intake of such medicines.
Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants.

Infections

There are also certain fungal infections that cause hair loss. This is generally found in children. You can  always cure it with antifungal medicines.

Disease

There are also few diseases which cause excessive hair loss. This can be an early sign of disease. You should not neglect this and find the cause so that it can be treated

One should keep the hair clean regularly, or rather should wash alternatively to avoid it. Since head lice life cycle contain three phases of growth:

1. Nit phase
2.Nymph phase
3.Adult phase

1. Nit phase is the primitive phase where the head lice occur in egg form. They are microscopic and very difficult to identify and mostly are misidentified as dandruff. They adhere to the hair shaft tightly.
2. Nymphs are the pre-adult stage of head lice cycle. After completing 6-7days they grow into adult form. They feed on the blood and predominantly grow into adult form.
3. An adult louse is the mature form and is approximately of the sesame seed size. It is usually tan grayish to whitish in color and appear with six legs. Usually dark hairs contain dark colored lice, and can predominately live for nearly 30 days long span in one’s hair. In this case itching of the scalp occurs when the louse bites the scalp preferably to suck blood for its feeding.

Indications:

• Due to saliva secretion of louse may cause itching, irritation of the scalp.
• may also cause insomnia in extreme cases.
• It can also cause loss of hair and adenopathy.
• sometimes in extreme cases scalp bleeding takes place that can cause infection.

Remedial

To avoid the lice infection, it is very important to adopt preventive measures like using herbal treatment and various oil that are available in the market to prevent the growth of lice. Many natural products like tee oil, herbal shampoo, hair-conditioners, lavender oil can be used to control it. Fine-teethed combs should be used.