What is Summer Dandruff ?

Summer dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn’t contagious or serious. But it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. Summer means excessive sweating, which creates the perfect environment for the microbe to cause a dandruff flare-up.

// Overview

Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Mild dandruff can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo. If that doesn’t work, a medicated shampoo may help.

// Causes of dandruff in summer

/ Sweat:

Everyone sweats during the summer which is completely normal. It is one of the main causes of dandruff in summer. Whether you’re travelling, working out, or simply spending the day by the beach, your scalp is bound to sweat and that can attract dandruff causing bacteria.

/ Humidity:

Effects of Heat and Humidity on your Hair allows sweat to evaporate less effectively, and sweat can trap bacteria, excess oil, dirt, and pollutants. These can quickly build up on your scalp and weaken the scalp barrier. This is also why hot and humid seasons is also the time when you might get dandruff.

/ Pollution:

Air pollution can cause dandruff as the pollution that the air is circulating causes allergic reactions, skin conditions, irritation, and inflammation. When these elements are present, you will see signs of dandruff as your scalp develops bumps and eventually sheds the dead skin.

/ Over-washing your hair:

If you’re trying to get rid of the sweat so that you don’t develop dandruff, you will probably consider washing your hair a lot more often. Even if it is just because you want to feel fresh and so you increase the number of times you wash your hair, it can lead to dandruff as well. Over-washing the hair can lead to excessive friction, excessive dryness, and eventually lead to dandruff.

/ Lifestyle and stress:

Our lifestyle during the summer months has a large impact on how our scalp behaves. Heat-stress and discomfort might cause a spike in our stress hormones that can disrupt our oil production. Exercising during the summer months also leads to an increase in the body temperature, which can further increase sweating. All these factors are important to consider when we think about the reasons for dandruff in summer.

// Symptoms of dandruff in summer

/ Small, white, oily skin flakes or scales on the scalp, in the hair or on clothing.

/ Dandruff flakes on the eyebrows, in the beard and on the neck and shoulders.

/ An itchy scalp.

/ Excess oil production

/ Daily Habits to Prevent Dandruff in Summer

/ Good hair hygiene:

Wash your hair at least three times a week. This is particularly important during the hot summer months when the oil secretion from the scalp is high. This oil traps the dirt and sweat, making dandruff worse.

/ Do not touch your scalp:

Although dandruff makes the scalp itchy, the practice of scratching the scalp can introduce more infection and dirt to the scalp, making dandruff worse.

/ Do not overuse hair styling products:

Using too many different hair styling products can make the scalp dry, leading to dandruff.

/ Use the right shampoo:

The role of the shampoo is to remove the oil and dirt from the scalp. It must not irritate the scalp skin.

/ Keep stress levels low:

Although stress does not cause dandruff, it compromises the immune system which leads to the worsening of dandruff. So, adopt practices that reduce stress.

/ Avoid overhead sun rays:

Avoid venturing out when the sun’s rays are overhead. Also, prefer going out in fresh air as it helps reduce the oil buildup on the scalp.

/ Enjoy a periodic scalp message:

A gentle scalp massage will stimulate the scalp cells and make them breathe. This may help prevent dandruff symptoms.

// Tips to keep your scalp protected all summer

/ Cover your head when you go out, as the sun can damage your scalp and increase the temperature drastically.

/ Use a dry shampoo occasionally, which can absorb sweat and keep your hair dry. This can also help prevent over-washing of your hair.

/ Shower regularly with gentle shampoos that keep your scalp clean, if that doesn’t work, a medicated shampoo may help to keep your scalp clean.

/ Hydrate and replenish the fluids in your system. Combine this with cooling foods and a healthy diet.

/ Wear clothes with cooling fabrics like cotton or linen.

/ Identify the activities that make you sweat excessively and track them.

// Dandruff in summer remedies

/ The easiest and most effective way to keep dandruff away is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo every time you wash your hair.

/ Massage like coconut oil, olive oil, mustard oil, neem oil into your scalp. This can calm down the itching, curb the growth of the fungus, and act as a heat protectant.

/ Aloe Vera gel can act as a coolant for your scalp, allowing its enzymes to clear any oil build-up and get rid of microbes. It moisturises your scalp at the same time.

/ Creating a paste of Neem or using Neem oil has shown to be an effective dandruff remedy. It can calm down any itching and clear off the dandruff causing fungus.

/ You can also apply lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to help with your dandruff problems.

// Conclusion

Hair dandruff is typically harmless. But it can be annoying and embarrassing and therefore calls for active treatment. Depending upon the severity of the condition, one can go home for remedies to prevent dandruff or use medicated products to treat dandruff causes. Nutritional supplements also go a long way in fighting dandruff in summer. But if the dandruff problem fails to settle or resurfaces time and again, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist to check if your hair dandruff indicates a more serious health issue.