According to the Mayo Clinic, most causes of dandruff are from a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis causes scaly, itchy skin that usually appears on the scalp or under facial hair. Its causes aren't fully understood, but fungus is a common cause, and stress can worsen the symptoms. Talk to your doctor to be certain it isn't another condition with similar symptoms, like eczema or psoriasis. Otherwise, the Mayo Clinic advises self-treatment.
Step 1
Change your diet. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," conventional medicine expert Dr. Christine Gustafson and naturopathy expert Dr. Geovanni Espinosa both say that diet can be a contributing factor to dandruff. Gustafson advises that you should try eliminating dairy, eggs and maybe even gluten to see if they may be causing your dandruff. She also advises you get adequate amounts of zinc and vitamins E, A and C in your diet. Espinosa also advises you avoid dairy and eggs, and adds sugar, chocolate, peanuts, refined foods and alcohol to the list of foods to avoid. Replace those items with more leafy greens and whole foods high in biotin, a type of vitamin B. Espinosa also suggests you supplement with a vitamin B-complex, zinc, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 2
Apply ajeone topical cream. Ajeone is the chemical compound in garlic that is responsible for most of its antibacterial and antifungal powers. Garlic is a powerful fungicide, killing multiple types of fungus that infect the skin and body. Because many cases of dandruff are caused by a fungus that grows in the oil secretion of the skin, garlic can greatly reduce the symptoms of some cases of flaky scalp. You could crush cloves and apply them directly to your scalp, but a less pungent option is available. Studies like the one published in the September 2008 issue of the medical journal "Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia" have concluded that creams containing 1 percent ajeone are as potent as over-the-counter fungus creams. Apply as directed directly to the scalp.
Step 3
Mix tea tree oil into your shampoo. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer suggests you mix tea tree oil into your shampoo creating a 5 percent solution. While both Kiefer and the Mayo Clinic say that tea tree oil is unlikely to cure your dandruff, it will relieve your symptoms. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines," tea tree oil is both an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It's also a potent dermal anti-inflammatory agent. In a study referred to in "PDR for Herbal Medicines," scientists injected 21 subjects with histamines, causing flare-ups and welts. The group treated with topical tea tree oil saw significant improvement vs. the control group. The only side effect of external use of tea tree oil is possible skin irritation.
Step 4
Apply liquid nightshade extract to the flaky areas. A study published in the June 2004 issue of "Planta Medica" found that the extract of a type of nightshade called Solanum Chrysotrichum was effective at killing the fungus that causes dandruff. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" lists Bittersweet Nightshade extract as a treatment for Eczema. One to 2 g of the herb can be added to 250 ml of water to make a decoction that can be used on affected areas. No side effects have been recorded when used properly.
Tips and Warnings
- Shampoo daily. Avoid Scratching.
Things You'll Need
- Ajeone cream
- Tea tree oil
- Shampoo
- Nightshade extract
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
- "Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia"; Antifungal Activity of Ajoene on Experimental Murine Paracoccidioidomycosis; Marcia L.F. Maluf; September 2008
- "Planta Medica"; Clinical and Mycological Evaluation of Therapeutic Effectiveness of Solanum Chrysotrichum Standardized Extract on Patients with Pityriasis Capitis (Dandruff). A Double Blind and Randomized Clinical Trial Controlled With Ketoconazole; A. Herrera-Arellano; June 2004
