Dandruff is a common condition caused by a combination of factors that affect the skin of the head (scalp). Most commonly, chronic dandruff is due to dry skin on the scalp complicated by a fungal infection (tinea capitis or head fungus). Before treating dandruff, it is important to exclude other skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis (often associated with hair dyes, styling gel, hair softeners, hair relaxers and shampoos). These skin diseases may often present similar to dandruff but require specialist dermatological treatment.
Natural Treatment for Dandruff
- Use a tea tree shampoo which is also useful for head lice. Alternatively a tea tree cream (10% impregnation) can be applied onto the scalp approximately 15 minutes before washing you hair at least 3 times a week. This is effective for killing the head fungus and treatment should be continued for a minimum of 6 weeks before being discontinued.
- A good emollient applied to the scalp daily will assist with dry skin. Ideally you should select an oil based cream.
- Homeopathic remedies like Calcarea carbonica, Lachesis muta and Silica may assist with the treatment of dandruff. These remedies should be used daily in a 6CH to 30CH potency.
- A homeopathic itching remedy can be used to reduce the itchy scalp as constant scratching may inflame the skin and causes the dandruff to persist.
- A calendula (marigold) and symphytum (comfrey) herbal complex can be used in a tincture form to reduce moisture and secondary bacterial infections of the head that may cause boils on the scalp.
- Hair styling and hair accessories such as hair dyes, hair relaxers/straighteners, hair softeners, hair styling gel and other hair care procedures should be avoided for 2 to 3 months.
- If you shave your head and you have developed dandruff although you moisturize your scalp, it is likely that a head fungus has set in. Stop shaving your head for 2 months until the dandruff is treated and ensure that you shave your head with sterile equipment. Cancer sufferers on chemotherapy are more prone to a head fungus due to their lowered immune system and sensitive skin and you should consult with your oncologist about your dandruff.
- If you have a fungal infection on other parts of your body, feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), breast fungus or fungus of the armpits, ensure that these fungal infections are also treated. Scratching causes fungal spores to be carried from one site to another.
- Recurrent head fungus due to immunodeficiency or in immunocompromised patients as in HIV/AIDS sufferers may benefit from a herbal immune modulator to improve the body’s natural defenses against fungal infections.
References :
Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Pubmed
Effective treatment of seborrheic dermatitis using a low dose, oral homeopathic medication. Pubmed