Dandruff is the abnormal production of small flakes of dead skin
on the scalp. The two main causes of this are a mild form of
seborrhoeic eczema and, less commonly, psoriasis of the scalp.
The exact cause however, has long been uncertain. Some doctors
believe it is the result of too little oil being produced by the
sebaceous glands, while others suggest that dandruff may be
linked to the fungus P. ovale, which is believed to breed when a
combination of sebaceous oil and dead skin cells is present.
Although relatively common, Dandruff carries no health risk and
the hairs on the scalp usually remain unaffected. It is however,
a rather unsightly disorder for which one should seek treatment.
TreatmentYour doctor will probably recommend frequent
washing of your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo. He may also
advice you against the use of harsh hair dyes and and other
scented hair products. If this fails to offer any relief, a
scalp lotion containing cortisone, which acts to suppress the
underlying cause of the dandruff, may be prescribed.
Self-Help
- Try using plain white yoghurt as a conditioner for your
hair
- Herbal infusions of thyme, nettle or sage combined with 2
tablespoons of vinegar, may help
- Rub, essential oils of cedarwood (7 drops), juniper and
cypress (10 drops each), mixed in 50ml carrier oil, into the
scalp and leave for one hour. Rinse with warm water.
- Kelp tablets (5 per day) promote hair growth and healing
of the scalp.
- Vitamin A and beta-carotene (up to 20,000 IU daily) will
help prevent dry skin and aid in the healing of tissue.
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