Dandruff is one of the most common ailments affecting the scalp. Dandruff is nothing but excessive scaling of dead cells of the skin of the scalp. As we are aware, the body undergoes constant but gradual renewal every 24 hours. However, when it is a much faster renewal of the skin, it becomes visible in the form of scales, which we call dandruff.

SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF

Excessive and obvious scaling of skin which is visible in the form of white (grey), the flaky substance

2.Itching, oily skin,

3.Irritation or redness of the underlying skin. It tends to be chronic (long-lasting) as well as recurring.

TYPES OF DANDRUFF

Dandruff could be of two major types:

a. Dry (flakes appear silvery and white)

b. Moist (where the flakes appear pale yellowish with an unpleasant smell.)

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

• Irritated, oily skin.
• Dry skin.
• A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.
• Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
• Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.

DIAGNOSIS

While concluding the exact diagnosis of dandruff,doctor often requires ruling out other underlying diseases, which often resemble present like dandruff: They are

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Fungal infection

There must be evaluation of case history and the exact diagnosis could be arrived at by a close clinical examination. No biopsy is required.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR DANDRUFF

MEZERIUM:Useful for those cases of chronic dandruff having thick scabs which are hard to remove.There is painful mark on scalp and possibly scars.

THUJA-Useful for dandruff where the patients have oily hair.There is itching on scalp.Given when person is having oily face with or without acne or pimples.

PHOSPHORUS-Useful for dandruff which fall out in cloud.

Arsenic Album-Usefull for dandruff with severe ithig in scalp.

RL 4