Dandruff

Description

Dandruff is the unattractive flaking of skin on the scalp which occurs whenever the skin cells grow abnormally fast. These flakes are small and either white or gray.

Dandruff does not affect the hair and does not endanger health. It is often a symptom of another disorder, such as seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory scaling disease primarily of the scalp and face.

Causes

Primary Factors
Abnormally rapid growth of skin cells on the scalp

Predisposing Factors
Seborrheic eczema
Psoriasis

Signs & Symptoms

Diffuse scaling of the scalp
Diffuse itching of the scalp

Nutritional Supplements

Structure & Function: Hair, Skin and Nail Support

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General Supplements
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	Adult	Child/Adolescent
Aloe vera*
Biotin	400 - 800 mcg	200 - 400 mcg
EPO	1 - 3 g	1 - 2 g
L-acidophilus*
Lecithin	4 - 6 g	2 - 3 g
Vitamin B-6	25 - 50 mg	5 - 10 mg
Zinc	20 - 30 mg	10 - 20 mg

* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.

Note 1: Many people feel that the condition of the skin, externally, reflects the condition of the digestive tract, internally, hence cleansing products are often recommended; chief of which is probably Aloe Vera.

Note 2: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.

Dietary Considerations

No nutritional management is prescribed specifically for dandruff. A Dietary Goals Diet should be followed to provide all the nutrients necessary for building a sound and disease-resistant body.

Homeopathic Remedy

1. Kali sulphuricum - 15C
2.* Badiaga - 6X - 15C
3. Arsenicum Album - 30C

Treatment Schedule

Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.

Legend

X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency

Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.


References

Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.

Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.

Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.

Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.

Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.

Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.

Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.

Tissue Salts

Kali Mur.
Kali Sulf.
Nat. Mur.

Herbal Approaches

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Herbs
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Chamomile
Jojoba oil
Nettle
Rosemary
Thyme
White oak bark

Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils

Cedarwood Essence,	Cypress Essence,
Mandarin Essence,	Myrrh Essence,
Patchouli Essence,	Rosemary Essence,
Texas Cedarwood Essence.

Related Health Conditions

Dermatitis
Eczema
Psoriasis
Seborrhea

Abstracts

References

Abdel-Rahman SM & Nahata MC: Treatment of tinea capitis. Ann Pharmacother, 1997 Mar, 31:3, 338-48.

Beeson, P.B. & Mc Dermott, W. eds. 1975. Textbook Of Medicine. 14th ed. Saunders Pub. Co., Philadelphia. 1892 pp.

Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.

Cremer G et al., Tinea capitis in adults: misdiagnosis or reappearance? Dermatology, 1997, 194:1, 8-11.

Givens-TG et al: Comparison of 1% and 2.5% selenium sulfide in the treatment of tinea capitis. Arch-Pediatr-Adolesc-Med. 1995 Jul; 149(7): 808-11.

Janniger-CK & Schwartz-RA: Seborrheic dermatitis. Am-Fam-Physician. 1995 Jul; 52(1): 149-55, 159-60.

Kunz, J.R.M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.

Lobato MN et al., Tinea capitis in California children: a population-based study of a growing epidemic. Pediatrics, 1997 Apr, 99:4, 551-4.

Manku, M.S. & D.F. Horrobin. Reduced Levels of Prostaglandin Precursors in the Blood of Atopic Patients. Prost Leukotrienes Med., 9. 1982.

Manku, M.S. & J.L. Burton. Essential Fatty Acids in Plasma Phospholipids of Patients with Atopic Eczema. British Journal Of Dermatology, 110 1984.

Murtagh, J.: Dandruff: patient education.. Aus. Fam. Phys. 1994 July 7; 23: 1351.

Nenoff P et al., Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) against pathogenic fungi in vitro. Skin Pharmacol, 1996, 9:6, 388-94.

Patil SP et al., Allergy to fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 1997 Mar, 78:3, 297-300.

Rosenbeg, E.W. et al: Psoriasis is a visible manifestation of the skin's defense against micro-organisms. J. Dermatol. 1994 Jun; 21(6): 375-81.

Ungar SL & Laude TA: Tinea capitis in a newborn caused by two organisms. Pediatr Dermatol, 1997 May-Jun, 14:3, 229-30.

Wright, S. & J. Burton. Oral Evening Primrose Oil Improves Atopic Eczema. Lancet. November 20, 1982.