It’s an embarrassment. Flaky scalp, flakes in your hair and flakes on your shoulders. Even the best hairstyle won't make up for it. We don’t like to talk about it, but it happens to many people. Here are some of the facts and some possible remedies.

What is it?

Skin continuously sheds layers as a natural function. Our scalp sheds more layers of skin than any other part of the body. Dandruff is the shedding of an excessive amount of larger-than-normal flakes that stick to the hair and eventually fall on collars and shoulders. Itching or irritation often accompanies the flaking.

Terms and Meanings:
Dandruff : - pityriasis - scales formed in excess upon the scalp

Pityriasis: - dandruff; - an inflammation of the skin characterized by the formation and flaking of fine branny scales.

Seborrhea: - over-action of the sebaceous ( oil ) glands

Seborrhea capitis; - seborrhea of the scalp, commonly called dandruff; -pityriasis.

Causes:

Pityrosporum is a microscopic fungus that is normally found on oily areas of the skin. Those who have dandruff often have an unusually large amount of pityrosporum.

Remedies:

Wash your hair regularly with an anti-dandruff shampoo with fungicides. Rinse well to eliminate any build-up of hair products.

Natural Remedies:

• Increase the circulation of your scalp with a few minutes of scalp massage every day. Follow this with a vigorous brushing to loosen flakes.
  
• After shampooing, rinse your hair with equal parts fresh lemon juice and water, cider vinegar and water or white vinegar and water.
  
• Rinse oily hair with one of the above mixtures before shampooing, applying it directly to the scalp. Use it twice a week.
  
• A hot oil treatment, once a week, will benefit dry scalp. Massage castor oil, olive oil or linseed oil into your hair and scalp. Wrap it in a hot towel for at least 10 minutes. Shampoo.
  
• Herbal Treatment - This solution is said to be effective in treating dandruff.
  
  • Boil 4 T dried thyme for 10 minutes in 2 cups of water
    
  • Stain it and let it cool.
    
  • Shampoo and towel dry your hair
    
  • Massage the cooled solution into clean damp hair. Leave it on for 1 hour before rinsing with warm water.

Other Thoughts

Try changing shampoo. Be sure to rinse your shampoo out of your hair VERY well.

Stress and negative emotions can play a part in dandruff as well as other skin conditions. Relaxation techniques may help.

When to see a doctor.

Severe or persistent dandruff may be a symptom of eczema, psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis. If your dandruff is very noticeable, very itchy and uncomfortable or hangs on weeks after you have tried to correct it, see a doctor.

Click here to read about Cradle Cap.


Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo