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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