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THE DIRT
The cause
-Scientists believe that dandruff is caused by too much yeast (Malassezia) which increases cell production and combines with oil on the scalp, leaving a build up of dead skin cells (flakes)
-While the exact cause of dandruff is debatable it is thought that an androgen imbalance (male sex hormones) may play a role.
The signs and symptoms
- If you experience flaking and an itchy scalp, you should visit your doctor or health professional and confirm that it is dandruff, as other scalp conditions have similar symptoms but require different treatment
- Sometimes stress, hormonal imbalance or illness can reduce your body’s ability to control the accumulation of yeast
- Some people also find that a diet high in processed and refined foods can make dandruff worse
- Nutritional deficiencies in essential fatty acids and B Vitamins can aggravate dandruff
What is in conventional dandruff preparations?
-Anti-dandruff shampoos generally contain cytostatic chemicals that reduce the rate of cell growth in the scalp’s epidermis. Examples include;
- Zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to cause contact dermatitis
- Selenium sulfide, which is not only carcinogenic but can also cause severe eye and skin irritation and is also a liver toxicant.
- Coal tar and salicylic acid may also be used. Exposure to coal tar has long been proven to increase cancer risk, particularly that of the breast, liver and bladder. Coal tar is also a severe skin irritant, causing contact dermatitis, hives, psoriasis, and acne. It is banned from use in cosmetic products in the European Union.
- Salicylic acid, while found in small amounts naturally in food and water, is teratogenic in it’s synthetic form and may also cause dermatitis in some individuals.
G SPOT
We have personally found that converting to organic and or natural hair care products, (that means everything from shampoo to hairspray) goes a long way to reducing all number of scalp and hair woes.
COME CLEAN
Treat your dandruff naturally with these ideas.............
- Many individuals have a dry scalp as a result of harsh detergents (usually sodium lauryl sulphate) in their shampoo, this is different to dandruff, and in these cases, converting to a gentler natural shampoo may help.
The CleanLife team LOVE....
Natures Symphony have a unique Sulphate Free Bach Flower Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner for all hair types. Formulated with vitamins, amino acids, certified organic Australian herbs and The Bach Flower Remedy Crab Apple, this soothing and purifying combo promotes hair root nutrition and repair of hair follicles encouraging new hair growth. www.earthquest.com.au
- Reducing aggravating factors such as stress, poor nutrition, tight headwear and air conditioning can also improve the situation.
- Avoid excessive hair styling as products tend to build up on the scalp and make it oilier
- Massaging oil (try olive or jojoba) into the hair stimulates circulation and loosens dead skin cells
- Lemon, Rosemary, Tea tree and Patchouli essential oils also have anti-dandruff effects ( consult your aromatherapist for dosage)
- If these methods fail regular washing of the hair with a shampoo designed specifically to treat dandruff is recommended (Piroctone olamine has a much lower toxicity than most chemicals in medicated shampoos)
If all else fails relax and enjoy a green tea! (it can't do any harm)
- The Medical College of Georgia has done some encouraging research into the use of green tea in the treatment of skin conditions, but is continuing to look at how to incorporate it into a product.
References
Pan, C., 2008. Flaking it. Sunday Herald – Sun (Mar 23, 2008): pg B.15
Australasian College of Dermatologists, 2001. A – Z of Skin: Dandruff. http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/a-z_of_skin-dandruff.asp (accessed March 25, 2008)
MIMS Consumer Health Group, 2000. DANDRUFF. http://www.mydr.com.au/default.asp?article=2235 (accessed March 25, 2008)
Better Health Channel, 2007. Dandruff and itching scalp. Victorian Government (Australia) http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dandruff_and_itching_scalp (accessed March 25, 2008)
Vital Health Zone, 2007. Dandruff. http://www.vitalhealthzone.com/health/conditions/d/dandruff.html (accessed March 25, 2008)
Hillard, J., 2007. Green tea holds promise as new treatment for inflammatory skin diseases. Medical College of Georgia. https://my.mcg.edu/portal/page/portal/News/archive/2007/Green%20tea%20holds%20promise%20as%20new%20treatment%20for%20inflammatory%20sk (accessed March 25, 2008)
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