Health Conditions from A to Z

 

Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which the dead skin is shed, producing irritating white flakes, as well as, in some cases, itching, scaling, and redness of the scalp. Dandruff frequently accompanies scalp disease and is a primary cause of baldness and general hair loss. It is frequently due to digestive disturbances, and is highly related to the general health of the entire body. Dandruff may also occur on other skin surfaces, such as the face, chest, and back, and in certain cases yellow crusting may appear.

The most common cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a mild scalp inflammation with excessive fatty secretions that usually starts as dry or greasy scaling of the skin, but may progress to yellow-red scaling bumps along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canals, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, in the folds around the nose, or on the breastbone. Don't pick or your scratch scalp, as this will only exacerbate your condition.

What To Consider

When infants get dandruff, it is called cradle cap, which is a yeast problem. Many skin experts in Europe consider dandruff in adults to also be a yeast problem. In other words, dandruff is often an external symptom of an internal problem. Therefore, dandruff treatments can be similar to those for treating candidiasis.

Self-Care Tips

Diet
Increase raw foods as part of an overall organic, whole foods diet. Also eat more salads and green vegetables, avoid fried foods, and significantly reduce your intake of fats, sugar, dairy products, chocolate, seafood, and nuts.

Nutritional Supplementation
The following nutrients are all useful for helping to prevent and reverse dandruff: vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, essential fatty acids (particularly omega-6), vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, and zinc. Kelp tablets can also help.

Aromatherapy
Patchouli, rosemary, and/or tea tree oil can be massaged into the scalp.

Flower Essences
Crab Apple can help with feelings of poor self-image due to dandruff.

Herbs
Rinse your hair and scalp with a strong infusion of nettle, sage, and rosemary, and drink a cup of nettle tea and take evening primrose oil (three capsules) daily.

Homeopathy
Arsen alb., Graphites, Lycopodium, Thuja, Sepia, Sulfur, and Cantharis are useful homeopathic remedies for dandruff.

Hydrotherapy
Contrast application (hot and cold water applied daily to scalp to stimulate circulation).

Topical Treatment
Soak your hair in a warm apple cider vinegar solution, the wrap your head in a towel. After one hour, wash your hair. In addition, you can apply vitamin E oil to your scalp each night for three weeks. Tea tree oil shampoo is also recommended.

Caution

If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional.

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