Dandruff

Dandruff

Excessive shedding of dead skin from the scalp is known as Dandruff. Skin cells die and flake off, so a small amount of flaking is normal. Usually, the scalp skin dies and flakes off in a month, while in those suffering from Dandruff, this happens every 2-7 days. Apart from being a physical condition, dandruff is also associated with social and self-esteem problems in many individuals.

Causes

A variety of factors can cause dandruff in hair, e.g. increased intake of dry, cold, oily, spicy, and penetrating foods, hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands such as sweat glands, environmental allergens such as dust, cobwebs, sunlight, certain fabrics, soaps, shampoos and even certain types of food are sometimes responsible for dandruff. Some people have skins that are sensitive to seasonal changes. These people are also very vulnerable to dandruff. Stress is directly related to dandruff. People who live in a constant state of anxiety are prone to dandruff. Excessive cosmetic hair treatments such as hair-conditioning and hair-coloring, using hair curlers, perms and hair-bonding often result in a weak skin and eventually lead to dandruff.

Symptoms

  • Appearance of white flakes on scalp
  • Dryness of scalp
  • Redness and irritation on the scalp
  • Softness of the scalp skin
  • Continuous itchy feeling on the scalp

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    Ayurvedic View

    Ayurveda places the problem of dandruff in the category of Shudra Roga, which appears due to an imbalance of all three doshas (Ayurvedic humor). The primary doshas involved are Pitta and Vata. Pitta is an Ayurvedic humor which symbolizes heat or fire and Vata is dry and rough in nature. In an aggravated state, both doshas cause production of specific impurities, called ama, which are dry and heating in nature. These impurities accumulate in the deep tissues of scalp and contaminate them. Contamination of the deep tissues and aggravated Vata-Pitta Dosha cause itching and patches on scalp. Due to these factors, the scalp sheds larger than normal amounts of dead epidermal cells, which leads to the problem of dandruff.

    The Ayurvedic line of treatment is to generally pacify Pitta and Vata through herbal medicines, as well as a tailor-made diet and lifestyle plan. Also, special herbs are administered to cleanse the body of accumulated digestive impurities.

    Diet & Lifestyle Advice

    • Wash hair regularly 2-3 times a week with a mild shampoo.
    • Massage your hair with oil every time before washing the head and hair.
    • Avoid spicy, greasy, hot and penetrating foods, junk food, and aerated drinks.
    • Have food with good nutritive value; include fiber-rich foods, salads, fruits, and lentils.
    • Do regular yoga and exercises to minimize stress levels.
    • Avoid scratching the scalp with hands or any other objects.

    Home Remedies

    • Mix 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice. Gently massage the scalp with this everyday.
    • Add 10 drops of lemon juice to 1 egg white and beat well. Apply to the scalp and hair once a week.
    • Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon mustard oil, and 1 cup yogurt. Apply this to the hair 30 minutes to 1 hour before washing the head and hair.
    • Soak 50 gm methi dana in 2 cups of water overnight, next day in the morning make the paste and apply on scalp for 15 minutes.
    • Chew 10 holy basil leaves (tulsi), 10 margosa leaves (neem), and 10 bael leaves (belpatra) on an empty stomach early in the morning.