Dandruff
Dandruff refers to the flaking scalp which falls like
a snow flakes and settles on one’s brows, shoulders and clothes, but assumes an
unpleasant, irritating condition associated with bacteria, in the case of
excessive formation of scales on the scalp. These scales are formed from the horny
layer of the skin.
Symptoms
The scaliness increases whenever the hair is brushed
or rubbed. It may also appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. Often there is
itching as well, and the scalp may become red from scratching.
Causes
The main causes of dandruff are: impairment of
general health, toxic condition of the system brought on mainly by wrong
feeding, constipation and lowered vitality due to infectious diseases. Other
factors contributing to dandruff are emotional tension, harsh shampoos,
exposure to cold and general exhaustion.
Treatment
Numerous medicated shampoos are available in the
market for the treatment of dandruff. Most of these, however, in the process of
curing the disorder, cause irreparable damage to the hair roots because of the
synthetic ingredients contained in them. The treatment of dandruff has to be
constitutional, if a permanent cure is desired. The foremost consideration in
the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to
minimize the accumulation of dead cells. The hair should be brushed daily to
improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to
brush the hair is to 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. Short
or shoulder-length hair can be brushed right from the roots to the ends in one
stroke. In the case of long hair, two strokes would be best to avoid stretching
the hair.
The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged every
day, using one’s finger tips and working systematically over the head. This
should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this
stimulators the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff and encourages hair growth.
For a proper massage, spread your fingers fanwise and slip them through the
hair. With your thumb pressed behind your ears, press down on your scalp with
your fingertips. Now rotate your fingers so that they move the scalp over the
bony structure of the head. You will feel your skin move and the scalp tingle.
Move up an inch at a time until you have covered the whole head. It is a very
simple procedure, and takes only a few minutes to perform. Several home
remedies have been found useful in the treatment of dandruff. The use of fenugreek
(methi) seeds is one such remedy. Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be soaked
overnight in water. The softer seeds should be ground into a fine paste in the
morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half-an
hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap nut (ritha) solution
or shikakai. The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse,
while washing hair, is equally beneficial. This not only leaves the hair
glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff. Washing the hair
twice a week with green gram powder in curd is another useful prescription.
Dandruff can be removed by massaging one’s hair or
half-an- hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with
a few drops of lime juice mixed with amla juice every night, before going to
bed. Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar
with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool in
between shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after
shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff. Diet plays an important role in the
treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to all-fruit
diet for about five days. In this regimen, there should be three meals a day,
consisting of fresh, juicy fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit,
pineapple and peaches. Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, strewed or tinned fruits
should not be taken. Only unsweetened lemon or plain water, either hot or cold,
should be drunk. During this period, a warm water enema should be taken daily
to cleanse the bowels and all other measures adopted to eradicate constipation.
After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well- balanced
diet. Emphasis should be on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables;
sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals, particularly millet and brown
rice. Further short periods on the all-fruits diet for three days or so may be
necessary at a monthly interval, till the skin’s condition improves.
Strict attention to diet is essential for recovery.
Starchy, protein, and fatty foods should be restricted. Meats, sugar, strong
tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods - all these
should be avoided, as also soft drinks, candies, ice cream and products made
with sugar and white flour.
Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a
useful measure in the treatment of dandruff. Simultaneously, an attempt should
be made to keep the body in good health. This also helps clear dandruff.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through
www.scribd.com
No comments:
Post a Comment