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Dandruff
About
Flaking scalp due to excessive cell production. Deep Penetrating Treatment - A conditioner for hair meant for occasional use. Of greater intensity than ordinary conditioners. formulas usually contain protein, vitamins, and moisture to help dry, damaged hair. Depilate - Removal of hair on the surface of the skin. Examples include shaving or the use of depilatory creams. Dermis - The inner layer or main bulk of the skin. Developer - A product which oxidizes artificial color pigment.
Notes
Being in the sunshine can help some people. It can worsen some people's dandruff.
In order to fight fungus, a good dandruff shampoo can be used. Nizoral A-D is recommended.
Over-the-counter ointments are not recommended.
Your dermatologist can offer several other options, including cleansing lotions with sulfur and resorcinol and medicated products, for treatment of dandruff.
Advice
A diet of 50 to 75 percent raw foods is recommended. Yogurt and other soured products are beneficial.
A fasting program is recommended.
After shampooing, rinse with a mixture of 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 quart water.
Consider taking a B-complex vitamin and an acidophilus supplement if you are taking antibiotics.
Seek professional help if symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Shampoo with selenium should be used sparingly.
Stay away from sugar, flour, dairy products, fried foods, nuts, seafood, and chocolate.
Those with dandruff should avoid any greasy ointments and creams, hair products that include chemicals, oily shampoo, and irritating soaps. Before shampooing, do a scalp massage. Avoid scratching and picking at the scalp.
Treat your hair with a mixture of the juice from half a lemon and 8 tablespoons of pure organic peanut oil. Massage into scalp and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Follow with shampoo.
Helpful nutrients for this condition.
Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, and salmon oil are recommended)
Importance:
High
Comments:
Alleviates itching and inflammation. Good for healthy skin and scalp.
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Kelp
Importance:
High
Comments:
Provides essential minerals, especially iodine. Promotes hair growth and helps heal the scalp.
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Selenium
Importance:
High
Comments:
Antioxidant. Helps with dry scalp.
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Vitamin B complex
Importance:
High
Comments:
Promotes healthy skin and hair.
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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Importance:
High
Comments:
Promotes healthy skin and hair. High-stress formula in sublingual form is recommended.
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Vitamin B12
Importance:
High
Comments:
Promotes healthy skin and hair. High-stress formula in sublingual form is recommended.
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Vitamin E
Importance:
High
Comments:
Enhances circulation.
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Zinc
Importance:
High
Comments:
Aids in metabolizing protein, which is part of the make-up of skin.
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Free-form amino acid complex
Importance:
Moderate
Comments:
Helps in tissue reconstruction. Promotes hair growth. A formula with essential and nonessential amino acids is recommended.
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L-Cystine
Importance:
Moderate
Comments:
Helps with elasticity of the skin. Maintains healthy hair texture.
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Vitamin A
Importance:
Moderate
Comments:
Protects against dry skin. Helps heal tissues.
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Beta carotene
Importance:
Moderate
Comments:
Antioxidant. Forerunner of vitamin A.
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Carotenoid complex (Betatene)
Importance:
Moderate
Comments:
Antioxidant. Forerunner of vitamin A.
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Vitamin C
Importance:
Moderate
Comments:
Antioxidant. Protects against tissue damage to the scalp. Promotes healing.
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Helpful herbs and supplements for this condition.
Chaparral / Thyme
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
Make a rinse by boiling four heaping teaspoons of either dried thyme or chaparral in two cups of water for ten minutes; strain and allow to cool. Massage this tea in your clean, camp hair; do not rinse out. These herbs have antiseptic properties.
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Dandelion, Goldenseal, and Red Clover
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
These three herbs have been beneficial in treating dandruff.
Cautions:
Goldenseal is not to be used if you are pregnant. Goldenseal should not be taken for more than one week at a time. If you have the following conditions: history of heart disease, diabetes or glaucoma consult your physician before using the herb Goldenseal.
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