5 Home Remedies for Dandruff

Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) refers to a skin disorder that majorly involves the scalp. It is characterized by red skin, persistent dandruff, and scaly patches. Other parts of the body, namely the back, upper chest, and back that tend to be oily may also develop seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is NOT a sign of inadequate personal hygiene. It is not a communicable disease, either.

Other names for seborrheic dermatitis are:

• seborrheic psoriasis
• seborrheic eczema
• dandruff

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap.

Home remedies for dermatitis

Read on for information on some seborrheic dermatitis home treatments:

1. Mixture of natural honey, beeswax, and olive oil

One of the most effective home remedies for dermatitis involves topical application of a mixture of natural honey, beeswax, and olive oil (1:1:1; v/v) on the affected area. In a study conducted in 2003, it was found that 8 out of 10 patients suffering from dermatitis showed significant improvement after 2 weeks of treatment.

Honey has the ability to suppress the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.

To make the mixture, combine equal parts of raw or unprocessed honey, cold pressed olive oil, and beeswax.

• Take 1-2 tablespoons of each ingredient to begin with.
• Melt the beeswax over a pan at low heat, while stirring occasionally.
• Mix the melted beeswax with honey and then add olive oil.
• The mixture should be stirred until it has blended properly.
• The warm mixture may be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• To extend the life of the mixture, you may add 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil. This will also boost the healing power of the mixture.

2. Aloe vera

Research has shown that Aloe vera extract is effective in reducing the scaling and itching commonly experienced along with dandruff. It can also decrease the number of affected areas of skin. This is one of the most commonly used dermatitis home remedies.

Depending on the thickness of your hair and the severity of dandruff, the quantity of aloe vera oil required will vary.

• If you have dense hair or very curly hair, you will need to use more aloe vera oil on your scalp.
• Rub aloe vera oil into your scalp with medium pressure.
• Massage in the areas that are severely affected, such as the top of the head and around the crown.
• Allow the aloe vera oil to stay for at least 10 minutes. If you have severe dandruff, let it stay longer.
• Caution: If your scalp begins to tingle or burn after applying aloe vera oil, remove it immediately.
• Wash your hair with your regular shampoo. It is better to shampoo only once a day since drying out of the scalp is considered to be one of the reasons for aggravation of the condition.
• Repeat the procedure for 1 week for visible results.

Aloe cream may also be effective when used for 4-6 weeks, twice a day.

3. Tea tree oil

One of the other effective dermatitis home remedies is the application of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Tea tree oil has antifungal activity and it suppresses the growth of the yeast, Pityrosporum ovale. Dandruff is associated with the growth of this yeast.

A study showed that 5% tea tree oil shampoo used every day for 4 weeks is effective in reducing itchiness, greasiness, severity, and affected sites of dandruff.

Alternatively, apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the scalp before shampooing.

• Leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Wash off with your regular shampoo.

4. Fish oil

Taking fish oil supplements has been shown to reduce the severity of dandruff. Fish oil contains omega-3-fatty acids. Without a change in normal diet, taking fish oil supplements daily for 8 weeks has proved to decrease itching, redness, and scaling associated with dandruff.

5. Coconut oil

A list of home remedies for dermatitis is not complete without a mention of coconut oil.

• Apply virgin coconut oil on the scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Avoid getting oil on the hair as far as possible.
• Wash hair using your regular shampoo. Ensure that all the oil has been removed from the scalp.
• This process is to be repeated once a week until the dandruff has gone.

Coconut oil is effective in suppressing the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium implicated in dandruff.

References:

Al-Waili, N. S. (2003). Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: partially controlled, single-blinded study. Complementary therapies in medicine, 11(4), 226-234.

Vardy, D. A., Cohen, A. D., Tchetov, T., Medvedovsky, E., & Biton, A. (1999). A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Journal of dermatological treatment, 10(1), 7-11.

Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C., & Barnetson, R. S. (2002). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(6), 852-855.

Bittiner, S. B., Cartwright, I., Tucker, W. F. G., & Bleehen, S. S. (1988). A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil in psoriasis. The Lancet, 331(8582), 378-380.

Verallo-Rowell, V. M., Dillague, K. M., & Syah-Tjundawan, B. S. (2008). Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis, 19(6), 308-315.

http://www.denvernaturopathic.com/honeyandeczema.html (accessed on 3/22/2015)

http://www.ehow.com/how_2214726_treat-dandruff-aloe-vera.html (accessed on 3/22/2015)

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Dandruff-(Natural-Methods) (accessed on 3/22/2015)