Dandruff results in itching and flaking of the scalp. Occasionally, it can also affect the ears, eyebrows, and forehead. Though the exact reason is unknown, the primary cause of dandruff is thought to be yeast called Pityrosporum ovale. Over activity of oil glands is another possible cause.
Self-Help Guidelines
• Identify and avoid potential allergic foods. Limit intake of milk and other dairy products, sea foods and fatty foods. Reduce or eliminate animal proteins and eat whole grains, fresh vegetables, beans, and fruits. Avoid excess salt. Reduce tomatoes, citrus fruits and such acidic foods, and certain spices.
• Reduce your sugar intake. Diabetes can also cause dandruff. If you have diabetes, high sugar levels result in the dehydration of tissues as the body flushes out fluids in an attempt to rid itself of the sugar.
• Reduce or, if possible, eliminate all foods containing yeast, such as bread and baked foods, cheese, fermented foods, wine and alcoholic beverages.
• Personal hygiene and cleanliness is important. Shampoo the hair once or twice a week. Try lukewarm showers and rinse with cold water.
• Avoid alcohol-based styling products, as they tend to dry out the scalp. In addition avoid dyeing your hair.
• Brush your hair daily to improve blood circulation and remove dead cells and flakes to avoid any further spread, bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. If you have long hair, two strokes would be best to avoid stretching of the hair. After brushing, massage your scalp to stimulate the circulation, remove dirt and dandruff, as this will encourage hair growth. For a proper massage, spread your fingers fan-like and slip them through the hair. With your thumbs pressed behind ears, press down on scalp with fingertips. Now rotate your fingers so that they move the scalp over the bony structure of the head.
• Meditation or yoga will help relieve stress which exacerbates dandruff.
Ayurvedic Remedies
• Prepare an emulsion by mixing one part of sandalwood oil with three parts of fresh lemon juice in a glass bottle and apply on the scalp.
• Washing the hair with green gram powder or amla powder in curd is another useful prescription.
• Soak two tablespoonfuls of fenugreek seeds overnight in water. Grind the softened seeds into a fine paste and apply on the scalp. Then wash the hair with soap-nut solution or shikakai.
• Thoroughly rub a thick gel of aloe-vera leaves on the scalp; leave overnight; shampoo in the morning.
• Combine olive oil and ginger root and apply on your scalp before shampooing.
• Durdurpatraadi tailam as external medicament and Gandhaka rasaayan as internal medicine are usually prescribed to treat this condition.
• Brihat haridra khand in the dose of one teaspoonful mixed in a glass of milk twice daily, controls dandruff & improves color and complexion.
• Blood purifying liquids khadiraarista and saaribaadyaasavam taken twice daily (20 ml in same quantity of water) are also useful medicines.
If there is no improvement within four to six weeks, then consult an Ayurvedic physician, as it might be due to some problem such as psoriasis or ringworm.