Natural Treatments for Dandruff

Natural Treatments for Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by white flakes on the scalp.

Dandruff is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. With dandruff, there is inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin, causing scales on the scalp and other parts of the body.

The mild scalp inflammation is caused by the body’s reaction to the Pityrosporum yeast and to products that break down oils.

Many holistic practitioners believe that dandruff is dependent on the health of the entire body, particularly the digestive system.

Dandruff Treatments
Conventional dandruff treatments for adults includes zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, or tar shampoo are used. For severe dandruff, hydrocortisone cream is used. In some patients ketoconazole cream is used.

Diet

Fried foods should be avoided. Reduce intake of fats, dairy products, sugars, chocolate, seafood, and peanuts. Increase green leafy vegetables and raw foods. Eat a whole foods diet.

Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins

Biotin – Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is sold in supplement form and is also found naturally in foods. Food sources of biotin include brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, whole grains, nuts, egg yolks, sardines, liver, cauliflower, bananas, and mushrooms.

Other nutritional supplements used for dandruff are:

Vitamin B complex, especially vitamin B1 and B2

Vitamin A

Omega fatty acids, especially omega-6

Zinc

Topical Treatments

Grapefruit seed extract – A few drops of grapefruit seed extract can be added to shampoo.

Tea tree oil – Look for a tea tree oil shampoo or add a few drops of tea tree oil to shampoo.

Apple cider vinegar – Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Pour into spray bottle and spritz onto your hair and scalp (avoiding the eyes) and wrap your head in a towel. Remove after 15 minutes to one hour and wash hair. Once to twice a week. This is a popular home remedy for dandruff.

Selenium-based shampoo – Selenium acts as an anti-fungal agent.

Flaxseed oil or vitamin E oil – Apply these oils to the scalp nightly and wash off in the morning. They can soothe and nourish the scalp. Use an old sheet or towel to protect your pillow.

Symptoms of Dandruff
Dandruff develops gradually. White or yellow (greasy) flakes appear on the hair and scalp, which may be accompanied by itching and redness. There is no hair loss.

People with the severe form of this condition may have yellow or red scaling pimples on the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear, or in the creases beside the nose. Factors that worsen dandruff are:

genetics. Dandruff tends to run in families

stress, emotional and physical

climate (worse in the winter)

Dandruff may preceed or be associated with development of psoriasis. People with neurological disease such as Parkinsons, or HIV may have severe dandruff or other forms of seborrheic dermatitis.