Dandruff is a condition that causes the scalp to become flaky. Although the condition is not severe or contagious, it can interfere with your daily routine and be a cause of social embarrassment. In case the dandruff is mild, it can be treated with the help of a gentle shampoo.

Here’s what you need to know about the causes and various dandruff treatments.

Causes of dandruff
Knowing about the cause of dandruff can help you prevent and get rid of the condition effectively. There can be several causes of dandruff. Here are the common ones listed.

Dry skin
Having dry skin is one of the most common causes of flaky scalp. If dandruff is caused by dry skin, it can get worse during the winters. It is easy to diagnose the cause of dandruff if dry skin is causing it. This is because when there is dry skin, it will be seen at other places on the body, too.

Unclean scalp
When you do not shampoo frequently, oil starts to build up on the scalp, and it can lead to dandruff. It is not just the frequency of cleaning your scalp. Dandruff can also be caused by not using the right shampoo that can clean the build-up of oil on your scalp.

Allergies
Various allergens can cause dandruff. In fact, certain allergens that result in dandruff can also be found in the products you use on your scalp. If there is itchiness or irritation experienced on the scalp right after using a product, it could mean that you are skin is sensitive to it.

How to treat dandruff at home
There are several treatment options easily available inside your kitchen that can help you get rid of dandruff without using any medication. These remedies include:

Tea tree oil
A fungus called Malassezia is commonly found in our scalps, and it has yeast-like properties. It is usually present in manageable amounts. However, in some people, it can overgrow due to multiple reasons, such as poor scalp hygiene. In a study, it was found that when a shampoo with 5 percent of tea tree oil was used on the scalp, it proved to be effective in reducing dandruff, which was caused by Malassezia. Tea tree oil has also been effective in reducing itchiness or greasiness of the scalp.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil has already been in use to treat a lot of skin conditions, and dandruff is one of them. The oil has effective moisturizing benefits on the skin. This means it can be helpful in treating dandruff and flaky skin. Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties, which makes it a vital remedy to fight Malassezia.