What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin condition that primarily affects the scalp. Symptoms include flaking of the skin and sometimes mild itching. It is not dangerous, but it can result in social or self-esteem problems if you are embarrassed by your dandruff.
A more serious form of the condition, which includes inflammation of the skin, is known as seborrheic dermatitis, which I will not discuss in this article.

Why does dandruff come in flakes?
The skin of the scalp and other densely haired areas is covered in clusters of corneocytes. A corneocyte is a protein complex made of small strands of keratin between the individual cells. The individual skin cells have retained a high degree of cohesion with each other since their formation and as such detach from the surface of the stratum corneum (epidermis). There can be a great deal of difference in how large these scales can be. The smallest ones we cannot see, and the largest ones can be up to 5*5cm.

Why do you get dandruff?
The cause is unclear, but is thought to involve a number of genetic and environmental factors. The condition can be exacerbated by winter, stress, illness, a shampoo you don't like, excessive washing of your hair, and more. It's not caused by poor hygiene; the underlying mechanism involves the overgrowth of skin cells, which are then shed by the skin. As the layers of skin are constantly replacing themselves, the cells are pushed outward, where they die and flake off. For most individuals, these skin flakes are too small to be visible. If you have dandruff, you'll find that cell turnover is unusually rapid, especially on the scalp. The scientific hypothesis is that for people with dandruff, skin cells can mature and shed in 2-7 days, compared to about a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large, oily clumps that appear as white or grayish flakes on the scalp, skin, and clothing. Since hair holds onto these flakes, they often get stuck in the scalp and fall off over the course of days. The diagnosis is based on symptoms that the scalp is itchy and there are flakes of skin.

Could it be fungus?
Yes, it can be a fungus. So in Danish, you will experience itching and irritation on the scalp from this fungus, and eventually the cells will split and be shed as dead skin cells that you see as dandruff. We have thought that it was the fungus Malassezia furfur that was the cause of dandruff due to fungus. While this species occurs naturally on the skin surface of people both with and without dandruff, in 2007 it was discovered that the responsible bandit, if you will, is a scalp-specific fungus, Malassezia globosa, this bandit metabolizes triglycerides present in sebum by expressing lipase, resulting in a lipid byproduct called oleic acid. When you have dandruff with this fungus, the level of Malassezia increases by 1.5 to 2 times its normal level. The oleic acid, i.e. the by-product, penetrates the top layer of the skin (epidermis), and provokes an inflammatory reaction in susceptible people (itching and irritated scalp), disrupting homeostasis and resulting in irregular division of stratum corneum cells.

How to remove dandruff from the scalp?
The easiest solution is to give the area peace and plenty of minerals.

Why does tar shampoo work against dandruff?
Tar, which is a residual product of coal, inhibits cells from dividing, and is therefore a good remedy.

Can you use vinegar for dandruff?
Apple cider vinegar is an old remedy for dandruff and itching. It removes soap residue if that's what's causing your irritation. It can also inhibit any fungus if that's the cause of your dandruff.

What is eczema?

Eczema is an irritation of the skin. Read much more in my guide about Eczema .

Why do people get eczema on their scalp?
You may use hair styling products, a dye or a shampoo or similar that you cannot tolerate. This could cause irritation or eczema. Read more about eczema in my guide. Eczema.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a bit in the same ballpark, and yet not. If you suffer from psoriasis on the scalp, I would recommend you use the same treatment as for dandruff, but please read my guide on psoriasis.

Why do people get psoriasis on the scalp?
Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, and the scalp, eyebrows, etc. are also places you can be affected. Read my guide about psoriasis, which hopefully gives you all the answers you want.

How do you treat dandruff/eczema/psoriasis on the scalp?
Stop what is causing you irritation. If it is stress or illness, it is easy enough to write. That is why I have also created a treatment.

Treating dandruff/eczema/psoriasis on the scalp – these are the products you should use

Order and use

1. Hair Shampoo
Wash your hair with my Shampoo – it is a mild shampoo that gently washes your hair without disturbing the scalp. You can add a few capfuls of Ai to your shampoo to help keep scalp irritation down.

2. Hair Conditioner
Use my Conditioner – it is filled with water mint, which will stimulate blood circulation, and in this way we also work from the inside. Feel free to add a few capfuls of Ai to your Conditioner.

3. Ai
Ai is the absolute most important product in this treatment. It consists of minerals mixed with a strong extract of purple willow. The smell is not particularly pleasant, and it can sting terribly when applied – but it works!

Apply Ai to your wet hair after washing your hair at night (just 3-5 capfuls). Sleep with it in your hair and rinse it out in the morning.

When will I see improvements in my dandruff/eczema/psoriasis on the scalp?

Dandruff: 1-3 days if you sleep every night with Ai.
Eczema: 1-3 days if you stop contact irritation and sleep with Ai every night.
Psoriasis: 4-10 days if you sleep with Ai on your scalp every night, and use mild conditioner after washing in the morning.

I have collected the products you simply must have in one package and given you a good price.

In severe cases – always seek medical attention.

Hug Raz