Natural Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff - dry, flaky skin on the scalp - is a common and annoying problem. The usual cause is a condition known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which produces an itchy, scaly rash on the scalp. Sometimes other areas such as the eyebrows, beard, chest, back and even the groin are affected too, and the skin in these areas may look red and inflamed.

Both dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are thought to be triggered by hypersensitivity to a yeast called pityrosporum. Everyone has small quantities of this yeast on their skin, but in people with scaly scalp problems, it may be present in large numbers.

Dry, scaly skin is sometimes linked with lack of certain vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, B2, B3, C, biotin and the minerals iodine, manganese, selenium and zinc. A good multi-nutrient supplement containing around 100 per cent of the recommended daily amount of as many vitamins and minerals as possible may be helpful, as may evening primrose oil and fish oil supplements. These contain essential fatty acids important for healthy skin.

You may also find it helpful to rub your scalp with a solution of seven drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oils diluted with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil, before washing your hair. A shampoo containing the anti-fungal drug, ketoconazole, is available over the counter and highly effective.

Dandruff Treatment

Conventional treatment of dandruff in 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.
• Biotin – Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. A typical dosage for dandruff is 3,000 mcg two times per day. Food sources of biotin include brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, whole grains, nuts, egg yolks, sardines, liver, cauliflower, bananas, and mushrooms.
• Vitamin B complex, especially vitamin B1 and B2.
• Vitamin A.
• Omega fatty acids, especially omega-6.
• Zinc

Natural Dandruff 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 – Pour apple cider vinegar onto your hair and scalp and wrap your head in a towel. Remove after one hour and wash hair.
• 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.

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