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DESCRIPTION
Dandruff can be a very embarrassing, cosmetically annoying skin problem that many people have to deal with during their lifetimes. A person having dandruff may have problems with self-esteem and may lack confidence in their appearance and themselves if the condition is not under control. Many people with dandruff feel that they cannot wear dark clothing in fear that others may notice their condition. Prevention, treatment and controlling the condition is the goal of dandruff therapy.
Dandruff is a common mild inflammatory scalp condition that can be chronic. Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds dead skin (epidermal) cells in large clumps. Dandruff scales appear as dry white or grayish flaking and as small, irritating, unsightly patches, especially on top of the head. These flakes are often extremely visible on the hair and often fall on the shoulders showing a high visibility of the problem. There is sometimes itching or soreness and the scalp can feel rather tight.
Scalp cells replenish themselves in a pattern similar to that of hair, but more rapidly. The skin of the head renews itself once a month. Dead scalp cells are constantly being pushed from the deepest layer of the epidermis to the skin's surface, where they gradually die. Usually the scalp sheds them in a nearly invisible way. If the scalp doesn't shed its dead skin cells, the human scalp would become tremendously thick. But for reasons that are unclear, cell turnover sometimes becomes unusually rapid, and dead cells are shed as the visible flakes called dandruff. If redness and itching occurs, this inflammation of the scalp is called seborrheic dermatitis that signifies a problem with the sebaceous, or oil-secreting glands, and it is frequently seen around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp.
While dandruff does not actually cause hair loss, you can have a full head of hair and still have dandruff, it should be treated and cleared up, if possible, to prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Chronic dandruff may be associated with baldness and general hair loss. A clean, healthy scalp can help prevent hair loss.
Simple dandruff should not be confused with other similar conditions that also cause flaking of the scalp, such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
RELATED DISORDERS
SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
Seborrhea comes from the word sebum, which is the natural oil produced in the sebaceous glands that flow into the hair follicle. Seborrheic dermatitis has been called a more extensive and severe form of dandruff because there is no clear division between the two. Recent research shows that severe cases of flaking scalp, usually associated with seborrhea, may be caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Pityrosporum Ovale, which lives naturally on the skin. Flaking, redness, and itching are more severe and can appear on the scalp, in the eyebrows, around the nose and on the cheeks, behind the ears and even on the chest and around the groin. It may interfere with the nutrition of the hair, resulting in partial baldness. Some cases of dandruff are caused by the disease. Sebum may also accumulate in the ducts of the glands, causing the glands to become distended with undischarged sebum, and form a small hard body called a whitehead. When the sebum in the mouth of the duct becomes oxidized (darkens when exposed to air), this is known as a blackhead (comedo).
The treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is similar to dandruff, although a shampoo of coal tar seems to have a better effect on the scalp. If the problem is very severe you should seek medical advice as a course on steroids may be required to clear it up.
Seborrheic appears to be heredity, if some relative has it the chances are that is what you may have.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Seborrhea
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is usually a more severe problem than the above and affects about 3% of the population. It is not contagious but can be passed on through the family. It is usually seen as silvery flaky scales on the scalp or anywhere on the body. The more serious cases of psoriasis should be referred to medical care for treatment. Health care providers often prescribe steroid creams to help cure the problem. People have recently been praising the use of evening primrose oil to try to treat the problem. Women taking this as a daily supplement have reported excellent improvement in their skin as well as in their general well being.
CAUSES
Dandruff or a flaky scalp can be more socially unacceptable than body odor and bad breath. some people feel that a lack of cleanliness, or inefficient hair care causes dandruff, but this is far from the truth. The most common cause of dandruff is seborrhea, which is an inflammatory scaling skin disease caused by a disorder of the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands. Nearly everyone has dandruff to some degree, so you are not alone.
Dandruff symptoms can become aggravated when the scalp is exposed to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoos, hair dyes, and so forth.
Dandruff can also be inherited or triggered by trauma, illness, overactive oil glands, food allergies, stress, excessive perspiration, hormonal imbalances, improper carbohydrate consumption, and the consumption of sugar. Deficiencies of nutrients such as the B-complex vitamins, essential fatty acids, and selenium have been linked to dandruff as well.
Seasonal changes affect the occurrence of dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). Dandruff can be worse during the fall and winter months when the air is cold and dry and better in the summer for some individuals. This has been thought to be caused by changes in humidity. Some people have found that sun exposure helps to clear up dandruff, but others find that it seems to make the problem worse.
Although most people assume dandruff comes from a dry scalp, the opposite seems to be true. People with oily scalps tend to suffer most from dandruff. It is usually a condition of oily, rather than dry skin. and occurs as skin cells renew themselves and the old cells are shed. Some medical practitioners state that this may be due to an oily scalp supporting the growth of yeast in the scalp, which is thought to be instrumental in the development of scaling and scalp irritation. This small skin fungus, previously known as Pityrosporum ovale, now renamed Malassezia furfur, may also be a cause of itching scalp and dandruff. The fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. The fungus likes fat, and is consequently found most on skin surfaces with plenty of sebaceous glands such as on the scalp, face and upper part of the body. When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the naturally renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching.
A large preponderance of males have dandruff, which may suggest some role of androgen hormones in dandruff.
Dandruff is an annoying and embarrassing problem but it is rarely serious. There is no cure for dandruff, but the condition can be minimized.
TREATMENT
If a medical checkup confirms that your dandruff is caused by seborrhea, there are commercial products, such as shampoos and ointments, designed to help reduce scalp inflammation and relieve itching and flaking. If an underlying skin disease is not responsible for the dandruff, then try the natural healing remedies offered on this webpage.
HERBS
An infusion of Chaparral or Thyme may be used as a hair rinse.
Aloe Vera cream or Aloe Vera Gel is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Twice a day applications of the pure gel, or a shampoo and conditioner containing aloe vera, should be beneficial.
Those with dandruff can benefit from taking Dandelion, Goldenseal, and Red Clover. Caution: Do not take Goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a health care provider's supervision.
White Oak bark tea can be used as a rinse for treating dandruff and to stop hair loss.
Hop root decoction can be used for treating dandruff. This can be made by boiling 2 tablespoon of Hop roots to a pint of water and applied externally as a hair tonic. An ointment can be made by boiling 2 parts of Jimson Weed (stramonium) and 1 part Hops, in lard (or another ointment base such as Olive Oil). This is applied to the scalp for relief of skin irritation and itching skin.
Black Indian Hemp juice made from the fresh leaves can be applied to the scalp to treat dandruff.
Nettle water is an excellent wash used to clear up irritated skin. Boiling the entire plant in a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar makes a good hair lotion. Combing the hair with expressed Nettle juice is supposed to stimulate hair growth.
Make a decoction of an ounce dried Burdock root to a pint and half of water. Boil this down to 1 pint. Take a wine glassful dose 3 to 4 times daily. This decoction has been used as a wash for scaly skin disorders. The use of this remedy must be continue over a relatively long time for it to be effectual.
An infusion of fresh Rosemary made with boiling water and allowed to cooled until warm, makes a good final rinse to help clear the scalp.
One ounce each of Rosemary and Sage infused for 24 hours in a pint of water makes a pleasant hair tonic that can be used on dandruff. After infusion, strain the liquid and add a teaspoon of powdered Borax.
Soak 2 tablespoons Fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind into a fine paste. Apply all over scalp and leave for 1/2 hour. Wash with Shikakai or mild shampoo.
Using Lime Juice for washing hair is often beneficial.
The use of curd kept over 2 to 3 days, Lime Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar and Indian Gooseberry (Amla) juice also helps to disperse dandruff.
Boil a handful of Neem leaves in a quart of water. Rinse hair with cooled and filtered solution.
Massage your hair with warm Coconut Oil and apply the juice of 2 Lemons, steam your hair and leave on oil for about 2 hours. Shampoo with a mild shampoo. This should be done 2-3 times a week.
Other herbs that can be used for dandruff treatment are Agave, Butternut, Chamomile, Cleavers, English Elm, Maidenhair Fern, Figwort, Grapevine Root, English Ivy, Olive, Peach Tree Leaves, Periwinkle, Sage, Sanicle, Soap Bark, Yucca (Soapweed), English Walnut, and Willow.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
A nutrient-rich diet is essential for a healthy scalp and skin. Eat a diet consisting of 50 to 75 percent raw vegetables and fresh fruits, in particular, leafy green vegetables, carrots and salads. Eat soured products such as yogurt.
Follow a hypoallergenic diet. An allergy to foods, commonly wheat, dairy, chocolate, caffeine, sugar and eggs, may be at the root of dandruff, scalp itching and inflammation. If, in addition to dandruff, you suffer from eczema, acne, hay fever or asthma, you may be particularly susceptible to food allergies. A good way to find out is to eliminate all suspected food allergens from your diet for 60 days, and then introduce them again in small amounts. If, after eating any reintroduced food, you begin to experience a reaction - such as a headache, a rapid pulse, heart palpitations, upset stomach, gas or diarrhea - eliminate that particular food from your diet altogether.
Avoid fried foods, dairy products, sugar, white flour, chocolate, nuts, and seafood.
Follow a fasting program once a month.
Before washing your hair, add about 8 tablespooons of pure organic Peanut Oil to the juice of half a lemon and rub the mixture into your scalp. Leave the mixture on for 5 to 10 minutes, or longer if your condition is acute, then shampoo.
Try rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar and water instead of plain water after shampooing. Use 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 quart of water.
Dandruff can be due to nutritional deficiencies. It is recommended a person gets adequate amounts of vitamins B-6, B-12, Essential Fatty Acids and selenium in their diet.
Dandruff and other skin problems may be triggered by a deficiency in essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are required to produce every cell in the body. EFAs are not made by the body; instead they must be supplied through your diet. Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Black Currant Oil are all excellent sources and will help relieve inflammation, itching and flaking. Take 1 tablespoon of any of these oils daily.
Herbal Remedies: Barlean's Flax Oil, Highest Lignan Content, 100% Organic, 16 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Barlean's Flax Oil, Highest Lignan, 1000 mg, 250 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Evening Primrose Oil, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, 4 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Evening Primrose Oil With Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), Barlean's, 1300 mg, 120 Softgels
Herbal Remedies: Black Currant Oil, 500 mg, NOW Foods, 100 Softgels
Zinc is highly effective in treating dandruff. Zinc is critical to cell regeneration. Several anti-dandruff shampoos contain zinc pyrithione which seems to be very good at clearing the problem. A zinc supplement, 15-30 mg taken daily is excellent for the skin and hair. When used in conjunction with a zinc based shampoo, the problem of dandruff should be kept at bay.
Another supplement being used in skin care is beta-carotene, which is also claimed as being extremely beneficial to the hair and scalp. Beta-carotene is essential for healthy skin. It is a antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which help reduce scalp irritation. Take 10,000 IU of beta-carotene daily.
Selenium can be found in several shampoo products is highly effective in controlling dandruff. The shampoo should be left on at least five minutes before being thoroughly rinsed. The hair and scalp should be shampooed with this type of shampoo at least once a week. Shampoo containing selenium should not be used on a daily basis, even if it aids in controlling dandruff. The antioxidant selenium aids in controlling a dry, flaking and itching scalp. Take between 200 and 1,000 mcg daily.
Certain essential oils are said to help control flaking. After washing your hair, mix a few drops of Rosemary and Lemon essential oils into a little Sweet Almond oil. Massage into your scalp and brush your hair with a soft brush.
ANTI-DANDRUFF HERBAL RINSE
To make an effective herbal rinse that alleviates flaking, combine a handful each of dried Calendula tops, dried Rosemary and dried Nettle tops. Place the mixture in a 2 quart glass jar and cover with 1 quart of organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Let the rinse steep for 1 month; then strain. To improve the scent, add a few drops of an essential oil, such as Rose or Lavender. Apply the rinse to your scalp after shampooing and leave it in. If you find the rinse too strong, dilute it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of rinse in 1 cup of water.
Boric acid is a very old remedy for treating dandruff, and is freely available at any drug store or pharmacy. Moisten with a little water and rub well into the scalp, then rinse out thoroughly with warm water. This should be carried out just before you shampoo your hair in the normal way.
Colloidal Silver solution can be used as a scalp rinse.
Herbal Remedies: Colloidal Silver Liquid, SilvaSolution, 10 ppm, 16 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Colloidal Silver Liquid, SilvaSolution, Super Strength Pro 50, 8 fl. oz.
Mineral Clay absorbs bacteria and dead skin cells. Stir the clay with warm water until a paste forms. Apply the paste to the scalp in a 1/8 inch-thick layer. Leave on for 30 minutes; then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Mineral clay is readily available at health food stores and online.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take extra B-complex vitamins. Also take an acidophilus supplement to replace the "friendly" bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics.
Do not pick or scratch the scalp. Make sure to wash your hair frequently, and use a non-oily shampoo. Use natural hair products that do not contain chemicals. Avoid using irritating soaps and greasy ointments and creams. Over-the-counter ointments can do more harm than good.
If dandruff is persistent or symptoms seem to be getting worse, consult with your health care provider. A dermatologist may possibly prescribe lotions that cleanse and dry with sulfur and resorcin or Deprosone cream.
Foods For Health - A dry and flaky scalp can simply be the result of not drinking enough water. Getting a minimum of 10 glasses of pure water daily will moisten the skin and may also treat dandruff. Coffee, tea, juice and sodas do not count as water and may be, in fact, quite dehydrating.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Graphites 6X, 6C for skin that tends to become easily infected.
Arsenicum 6X, 6C, 30C for burning of the scalp, with thirst and restlessness.
Calcium Carbonicum (Calcarea Carb) 6X for dry dandruff and inflammation of the hair follicles; for seborrhea in infants.
Sulphur 6X for a dry, itchy, burning scalp with pus formation; for dandruff that worsens when the hair is washed or the weather is warm.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for adults over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended dose. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose.
DANDRUFF SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Supplements and products for Dandruff, a common skin condition that causes excessive amounts of dead skin to flake from the scalp.
Avocado Oil, Refined, NOW Foods, 4 fl. oz.
Avocado oil has a number of uses and may be used as a scalp or skin conditioner or as an emollient. Our refined food grade Avocado Oil is also edible and often used on salads.B-Stress Vitamin Complex With Siberian Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng Root), Nature's Way, 100 Caps
If you're looking for herbal stress relief, you'll find B-Stress Vitamin Complex with Siberian Eleuthero, formerly Siberian Ginseng Root to be just what you are looking for.Chamomile Flowers Herb, German Chamomile, Nature's Way, 350 mg, 100 Caps
Chamomile flowers have a relaxing effect on the digestive system.Chamomile Tea, Caffeine Free, NOW Foods, 30 Tea Bags
Chamomile Tea is the worlds most popular evening drink because chamomile tea has a soothing effect on many.Cream of Coco, All Natural Hair & Body Shampoo, 2 Bars, 6.35 oz.
Cream of Coco Hair and Body Shampoo is a truly incredible all natural body cleanser.Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Liquid Concentrate, 1 Gallon
Grapefruit Seed Extract may be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments.Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Liquid Concentrate, 2 fl. oz.
Grapefruit Seed Extract may be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin.Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Liquid Concentrate, 4 fl. oz.
Grapefruit Seed Extract may be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments.Kelp Seaweed Norwegian, NOW Foods, 100% Natural Acophyllum Nodosum, 550 mg, 250 Caps
Norwegian Kelp seaweed contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands, especially the thyroid and pituitary. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels.Multi-Vitamin Without Iron, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
The vitamins and minerals in this Multi Vitamin without Iron play many important roles in the body: antioxidants to protect fats, cells and DNA, coenzyme precursors for energy production and metabolism, and cofactors for hormones and enzymes which regulate body processes.MSM Hair Conditioner (Methylsulfonylmethane), 8 fl. oz.
MSM Hair Conditioner helps moisturize the scalp and hair. Great for itchy scalp, dandruff, dermatitis and psoriasis.MSM Hair Shampoo (Methylsulfonylmethane), 8 fl. oz.
MSM is a special biological sulfur needed by the body to maintain beautiful, strong and healthy hair. TriMedica's MSM shampoo is thick, concentrated and adds body and life to all types of hair.Natural (21) Hair Conditioner, Hair Food, 4 fl. oz.
Hair Foods 21 Plus herbs, rare plants and sea vegetation saturate you hair with 100s of nutrients that strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.Nature's Antiseptic Tea Tree Oil & Grapefruit Seed Extract, CJ Puotinen, Paperback
Nature's Warfare, this book covers tea tree oil and grapefruit see extract use in safely destroying viruses, bacteria, molds, yeasts and parasites that want to live in us and on us.Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B-3), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100mg, 100 Caps
Niacin or vitamin B-3, is necessary for normal breakdown of fats and fatty acids and the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is also an excellent vasodilator and may be useful in maintaining proper cholesterol levels.Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Mother), Organic, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is made from the juices of ORGANIC certified grown apples.Patchouli Essential Oil, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Using Patchouli in inhalation, baths, and massage has an uplifting effect on depression and anxiety, and can help alleviate fluid retention.Royal Coat For Pets, Pet Supplement
Ark Naturals Royal Coat Provides your pets with an excellent, all-natural source of EFAs (essential fatty acids) they need to maintain healthy skin and shiny coats.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, 16 fl. oz.
Tea Tree Oil shampoo naturally nourishes the hair and scalp. The shampoo removes unwanted build-up from hair left by other shampoos.Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis), Alcohol Free, With Glycerin Tincture, 100% Organic, 1 fl. oz.
Most known for its sedative effect on the central nervous system. It is used for anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, and general stress symptoms.Vitamin B-50 Complex With B-2 Coenzyme, 100% Natural, 330 mg, 100 Caps
B Vitamins, as found in a Vitamin B Complex, are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.Vitamin E, Natural D-Alpha-Tocopherol, 400 IU, Softgels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice, 99.7% Pure, Certified Organic, Nature's Way, 1 Liter
Nature's Way Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice offers you the rich benefits of the most potent part of the aloe plant. Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice contains an abundance of advantageous components not found in most aloe gel filler products.Zinc Lozenges With Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.
NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Your symptoms increase in severity, or you develop scalp irritation, sores, and/or scabs on your scalp.
Your symptoms are not relieved after treatment. You may need to try another dandruff therapy method.
Herbal Remedies: Dandruff Information
Herbal Remedies: Dandruff Supplements & Products
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
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Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
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The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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