Dandruff

Description

While everyone's scalp naturally sheds dead skin, dandruff flaking is excessive, with large clumps of dead skin cells lifting off the scalp. Some people mistake a dry scalp caused by harsh detergent shampoos or hot, dry environments for dandruff. But this dryness is nothing more than dehydrated skin. Dandruff, on the other hand, is actually a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis (see "Dermatitis"), a skin condition that has no known cause. Some people are born with a tendency toward the condition and can never get rid of it, while others may experience one or more separate episodes in their lives.

Signs and Symptoms

• Flakes of skin on the scalp, face, or ears that may vary in size and appearance-from dry and white to greasy and yellow
• Itchy flaking at the affected area

Conventional Medical Treatment

Over-the-counter dandruff lotions and shampoos that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium or tar can effectively treat most people's dandruff. If these treatments fail to improve your condition, visit your dermatologist, who may prescribe a product with a stronger concentration these ingredients or a topical steroid lotion.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

Avoid sugar, fried foods, dairy, flour, chocolate, and nuts.

Deficiencies in essential fatty acids, selenium, and the B-complex vitamins have been linked to dandruff, so follow the daily guidelines below to balance nutrients.

Most Important

• flaxseed oil (as directed on label)-relieves itching and is vital for healthy scalp
• kelp (1000 to 1500 mg)-provides minerals, especially iodine, for increased hair growth
• selenium (200 mcg)-helps control dry scalp
• zinc (30 mg)-repairs tissue and acts as an antioxidant
• vitamin B complex (100 mg twice with meals)-essential for healthy skin and hair
• vitamin E (400 IU and more)-improves circulation

Also Recommended

• vitamin A (up to 20,000 IU, not to exceed 8000 IU if you are pregnant)-prevents dry skin and heals tissue
• mixed carotenoid formula (15,000 IU)-a precursor of vitamin A
• vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 to 6000 mg in divided doses)-prevents tissue damage and heals the scalp
• glutathione (as oral supplement, 250 mg daily; in shampoo form, 3 times weekly)-strong an tioxidant

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your healthcare provider. For a chronic condition, consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

Banish embarrassing and itchy dandruff by rubbing a few drops of the essential oils of rosemary, lemon, and niaouli into your scalp after washing and drying your hair. Or try this anti-dandruff blend: 4 drops of cedarwood, 2 drops of juniper or lemon, and 2 teaspoons of safflower oil. Use several times a week until symptoms subside. Tea tree and patchouli oils are also helpful.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda views dandruff as a problem of either fungal infection or poor blood circulation to the scalp. Whichever the case, treatment is simple. Before washing your hair, massage your scalp with sesame oil, which has disinfectant properties.

Fenugreek also has antidandruff properties. Use it often in cooking or take a teaspoonful (mixed with a little honey) daily.

Bodywork and Somatic Practices

To provide good lymph and blood circulation, massage may help. (Avoid massage if there are rashes, open Cuts, or sores.) CranioSacral Therapy rids the body of stress, strengthens the immune system, and balances fluid and energy flow throughout the body. However, best results come from addressing the body holistically, as in a variety of Oriental body work therapies, reflexology, or Reiki. Therapeutic Touch lowers inflammation and irritability and allows the body to heal more swiftly.

Herbal Therapy

To treat pesky dandruff with herbs, you have several options. Try one or more until you find the herbal treatment that keeps your dandruff at bay.

• Drink several cups of nettle tea or take evening primrose capsules daily.
• Rinse your just-washed hair with a strong nettle, sage, and rosemary infusion. To make the infusion, steep equal amounts of dried herbs (about 1 teaspoon each) in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool to room temperature. Or use fresh sage and rosemary: steep 1 ounce each of the fresh herbs in 2 cups of water for 24 hours; strain. Use daily.
• Rub burdock seed oil into the scalp to help clear up dandruff caused by seborrhea.

Other helpful herbs include chaparral, dandelion, and red clover. Herbal products are available in health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions.

Homeopathy

Dandruff may respond to homeopathic treatment. However, the selection of a remedy-more than one is available depends on your symptoms and the stage of the condition. Seek the advice of a homeopathic professional.

Hydrotherapy

Apply contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold water) daily when washing your hair.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture To treat dandruff, an acupuncturist may work points related to the lungs and/or the digestive system, both of which are thought to affect the condition of the hair and scalp. Acupuncture also can be used to regulate overactive oil glands caused by hormonal imbalances.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Dang Gui and Arctium Combination and Tang Gui and Gardenia Formula may be recommended for chronic dandruff, especially if it is thought to be caused by seborrheic dermatitis.