Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff Facts

• Dandruff is produced when the skin of the scalp exfoliates excessively.
• The white dusty flakes of material in the hair and on the shoulders are fragments of the superficial stratum corneum.
• Lack of shampooing can enhance dandruff by allowing flakes to accumulate on the hair.
• There are a number of scalp diseases than can produce dandruff.

  

What is dandruff? What causes dandruff?

The most common cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea), which tends to occur on the scalp, ears, face, mid-chest, and mid-back. The cause of seborrhea is unknown, although a yeast that often lives on the skin, Malassezia furfur, may play a role.

A common secondary manifestation of seborrhea of the scalp is dandruff. Seborrhea produces plaques of itchy dermatitis with scaling. It is the accumulated scale that we call dandruff. Reddish, scaly plaques may also appear in the eyebrows, on the forehead, in the ear canal, on the folds of skin that extend from the nostril to the commissure of the lips. Although skin affected by seborrhea may feel and look dry, this is not the case; moisturizers are of little help in its control.

Scalp seborrhea does not cause permanent hair loss. Often, scalp seborrhea doesn't even itch significantly. Seborrhea can appear during infancy, starting shortly after birth and lasting several months. It may affect the scalp ("cradle cap") or produce scaly plaques on the body. Seborrhea may occur at any age.

Some people who have weakened immune systems, such as those on chemotherapy or those with HIV disease or certain neurological disorders, may have very severe seborrhea. It is important to emphasize, however, that seborrhea is a very common condition, affecting perhaps 5% of the population (with men predominating). The vast majority of those who have it are completely healthy and have no internal or immune problems.

There are a variety of other inflammatory diseases that can produce excessive scaling and therefore dandruff, including psoriasis, fungal infection of the scalp skin (tinea capitis), and allergic contact dermatitis.

What treatments are available for dandruff?

Treatment of seborrhea (dandruff) is directed at fighting the skin inflammation. This is done either directly, by using cortisone-based creams and lotions (which reduce inflammation), or by using topical anti-yeast lotions and shampoos. Treatment should be directed at the cause of the dandruff.

How to Get Rid of Dandruff

Herbs for dandruff and dry scalp have diverse actions. Some act as anti-inflammatories, helping to soothe irritated scalp and tissues. Others may have anti-fungal properties or contain essential oils, acids and nutrients you need for a healthy scalp. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about the dose and preparation of these herbs.

1. Tea Tree

Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is an Australian tree whose leaves produce a medicinal essential oil. Herbalists apply the oil externally to treat wounds, skin infections, acne and dandruff. Tea tree oil is rich in terpenoids and has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral actions. A study in the December 2002 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" reports that shampooing with a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo is an effective way to treat dandruff. Several commercial shampoos contain tea tree oil, or you could add the pure oil to your favorite shampoo. Do not use the oil internally and check with your doctor if you develop an allergic reaction.

2.  Evening Primrose

Evening primrose, or Oenothera biennis, is a yellow flower found throughout North America. The oil from the seeds is rich in GLA, or gamma-linolenic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Herbalists use primrose oil as liquid or capsules to treat eczema, rheumatism and circulatory problems. In their 2000 book, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” Dr. James F. Balch and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch recommend the oil to relieve the itching and inflammation that accompany dandruff and dry scalp and to restore your scalp to a healthy condition. Check with your doctor if you feel nauseous when taking this herb.

3. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a perennial leafy plant that got its name from the stinging rash you will feel if you touch the hairs on the stems and leaves. Herbalists use the leaves and roots in teas and tinctures to treat rheumatism, urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, hair loss and dry scalp. In her 2009 book, “The Holistic Herbal Directory,” herbalist Penelope Ody states that the plant’s high mineral content may relieve dry scalp, and she recommends adding a nettle leaf extract to shampoos and hair rinses. Use caution and avoid the hairs when touching the live plant. Ask your doctor if stinging nettle would be suitable for your condition.