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Are The White Flakes on Your Scalp Dandruff?

Dandruff vs. dry scalp: Differences and best treatments | FOX31 Denver

Image from kdvr.com

Many of us, especially in cold and dry weather, may see white flakes falling from our hair and assume they are dandruff. Flakes from dry scalp are far more common than true dandruff.   

 

Dandruff is caused by overgrowth of a yeast (malassezia) present on most normal skin. Less washed hair can result in a more oily scalp. Malassezia grow by “feeding” on the oil produced by the sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles. Dandruff is treated with more frequent hair washing to reduce oil. In some cases, specific antifungal shampoos are recommended by a dermatologist.

 

It’s important to recognize the difference between dry scalp and dandruff, because treatments for dry scalp moisturize the skin, whereas treatments for dandruff try to reduce oiliness and moisture, so using the wrong method can further dry out a dry scalp or overly moisturize an oily one. If you can’t tell the difference, try applying a small amount of moisturizer to your head before sleeping; after rinsing it out in the morning, if the flakes still remain, you’re probably looking at dandruff.

 

This time of year is famous for dry scalp and flare-ups in dandruff, so make sure to take care of your body and prioritize a healthy scalp!

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/dandruff-vs-dry-scalp#outlook

https://uamshealth.com/medical-myths/is-dandruff-caused-by-dry-scalp/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850

 

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Does Coffee Stunt Your Growth?

image from cnn.com

When looking for a quick and reliable way to perk up, many turn to coffee. This rich and flavorful source of caffeine is a good pick-me-up. However, some fear drinking coffee because they’ve heard a rumor that coffee stunts physical growth. 

This myth may have originated from theories about coffee causing osteoporosis. Early studies suggested that caffeine caused elimination of calcium from our bones. This loss of calcium was thought to lead to osteoporosis, which is diminished bone density. The theory then arose that bones weakened by osteoporosis may be unable to grow properly.

Physical growth occurs mainly during puberty. Most people finish growing at some point between 15 and 18 years of age. Therefore, the effect of caffeine on bone growth would mainly apply to children who begin drinking coffee.  

Recent studies have shown that the effect of caffeine on calcium extraction is minimal and will not cause osteoporosis. There is no known linkage between coffee consumption and bone health. As long as you get some calcium from other sources, like dairy, you will continue to have strong bones and healthy growth.

 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-coffee-really-stunt-your-growth

http://europepmc.org/article/MED/27482522

https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/experts-when-can-kids-drink-coffee#Coffee-is-addictive-and-withdrawal-symptoms-are-real.-Toby-Amidor,-MS,-RD

All, Common Myths

Do microwaves cause cancer?

image from scientificamerican.com

Microwave ovens are appliances that dominate almost every kitchen in the United States. Since their increasing household use in the 1980s there were rumors of risk from microwaves. The Think Twice Blog exists because the momentum of such “myths” can carry them for decades after they are proved false. To this day, as we reheat our leftovers in a microwave, we may stop to think twice about whether the convenience of a quickly heated meal is worth the potential risk of exposure to microwave radiation. Afterall, the sun can cause cancer due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and we have probably all heard not to stand too close to microwaves at some point in our lives. But do you actually have to worry about developing cancer from microwave radiation? 

Radiation is used to heat up our food. However, the radiation emitted by microwaves is low-energy. On the other hand, UV radiation is high-energy and can damage DNA in our cells. DNA damage can lead to cancer, which is why we protect ourselves using protective sunscreen. In contrast, microwave ovens only have enough energy to vibrate the water molecules in our food. This movement of water molecules creates the water vapor that heats and cooks our food, similar to how we generate heat when our hands rub together. The Minnesota Department of Health states irradiated energy passes through the food like”light through a window” which is also why food heated in a microwave is not radioactive after it is heated.

The potential harms of microwave radiation are minimal. Microwaves are very closely regulated to prevent high levels of radiation leakage through provisions such as safety locks to prevent the oven from operating when the door is open. The FDA allows 5 milliwatts per square centimeter of microwave radiation leakage two inches away from the microwave or farther, which is far below the level known to be harmful to humans. While we can decrease our exposure to microwaves by standing further from the device while it’s on, the waves emitted from this device are not dangerous to humans at any distance. 

Keep in mind that if your microwave is damaged in any way, it is best to not use it. However, in most cases, we can enjoy the convenience of microwaves without fear. No, the convenience of microwaves is not too good to be true. Enjoy those wonderful reheated seconds!

 

https://www.cancer.net/blog/2021-03/can-using-microwave-cause-cancer

https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/resources-you-radiation-emitting-products/microwave-oven-radiation#Tips_on_Safe_Microwave_Oven_Operation