Dandruff is medically known as Pityriasis capitis. It is seborrheic scurf that forms on the scalp and comes off in small scales. Homeopathy has many remedies that are effective in checking dandruff.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a very common condition of hair, which is characterized by the presence of a greater or lesser quantity of dry, white scales which, after the hair is brushed, fall onto the clothing, the shoulders, and other parts of the body. It is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of skin cells. In dandruff, there is an accumulation of large visible clumps of skin cells. These white scales are once thought to be a result of Malassezia but are proved harmless. The white scales are considered to be a result of excess from horny layers of the skin and this can be a response to low-grade infection.
Risk Factors
Various factors can lead to dandruff-
- Age
- Deficiency of vitamin B
- Dry or oily skin
- Dryness of scalp due to continuous use of shampoos and hair conditioners.
- Excess sebum production
- Excessive combing of hairs
- Excessive consumption of sweets, starches, and fats, alcoholic drinks, chocolate, cream, butter, or milk
- Frequent use of shampoo
- Genetic factor
- Hormones
- If a person uses a lot of time in the swimming pool
- Impaired immune system
- Parkinson Disease
- Poor hygiene
- The sensitivity of a person towards hair care products
- Stress
- Wintertime
Symptoms
Pityriasis sicca– It is the least severe phase characterized by dry, branny, flakes, confined to small patches.
Pityriasis steatoides– It is an oily type of dandruff, associated with redness and accumulation of thick crusts. Seen usually in front side, the backside of the head. If this condition prevails there is the early onset of baldness in men.
In severe cases there are extensive eruptions with widespread greasy scaling patches, crusting. In extreme cases, the entire scalp is covered with a dirty greasy crust having an offensive odor.
Complications
Dandruff is considered to be complicated when this spread from the scalp to the ears and on to the neck.
A painful sore with a hardcore filled with pus (फोड़ा)
A very contagious infection of the skin; common in children; localized redness develops into small blisters that gradually crust and erode.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, Impetigo and fissures of the post-auricular folds, corners of the lips, (conjunctivitis) (आँख आना)
Loss of hair on the sides of the head at an early age.
Acne is often seen in patients with dandruff.
Homeopathic Remedies for Dandruff
1- Arsenicum
Scalp covered with, dry, branlike scales, scabs, and crusts sometimes extending down to forehead, ears, and neck.
The patient doesn’t allow hair to be touched. The patient has a very sensitive head. The patient often complaint about falling of hair. This falling of hair is in circular patches, which become rough and dirty. The patient has an icy feeling on the scalp. The Head is sensitive in the open air. Scalp itches intolerable, in circular patches of bare spots Patient has rough hair, dirty, sensitive and covered with dry scales. The patient has a burning sensation at night and great itching. Scalp very sensitive so the patient cannot brush hair.
This remedy is suited to thin, stylish, well-groomed, and rick looking person, with sharp features, pale, delicate skin, and who is always anxious. It is given to old broken down people with marked weakness, and who alcohol.
Worse– wet weather, after midnight, from cold, cold drinks or food, seashore, right side.
Better– from heat, from head elevated, warm drinks.
Dosage– Potency 30, 3 times a day for 5 days until the patient gets relief. This remedy can be taken at any time of day, except midday and midnight.
2- Bryonia
Dandruff, scalp very tender to touch. The patient cannot bear even a slight brush on it. Scalp rough and uneven. Hair seems very oily.
Can be given to the person having black hair, dark complexion. The patient is usually slim but is affected due to overeating. These people are irritable, anxious, and depressed, intelligent.
Worse– in the evening, before falling asleep, stooping down, after taking cold, exertion of the body, getting heated.
Better– laying on the painful side, from pressure, rest. cold, eating cold thing, after eructation.
Dosage-Potency 200, 3 times a day, for 7 days.
3- Calcarea Carb
White and yellow scales, dry scales, dry, branlike. There is falling out of hair, mostly on sides of head down to beard. The patient has a headache with an unusual accumulation of dandruff on the scalp. The sensation of coldness on the outer head, many small warts on hands. Head feels hot and heavy with a pale face. There is a feeling of icy coldness in and on the head, especially the right side. There is itching of the scalp. He scratches the head on waking.
The patient is fat, chubby, children, and young persons who are inclined to grow fat. Women with light hair, light color eyes.
Worse-from physical and mental exertion, cold in every form, water, washing, moist air, wet weather, during a full moon, standing.
Better-dry climate and weather, lying on the painful side.
Dosage– potency 30, 3 times a day, for 5 days.
Precaution– This medicine acts best when taken around after breakfast. This medicine should not be repeated in aged people.
4- Graphites
Much scaliness on the scalp, causing distressing itching, hair becomes scruffy, which disappears on washing, and is then moist. There is a burning round spot on the top forehead itching, like fine needles, on the scalp. There is an early greying of hair. There is burning in the head. There are humid, itchy eruptions on the scalp which gives a bad odor.
Worse-warmth, at night, during, and after menses.
Better-dark, from wrapping.
Dosage-Potency 200, 3 times a day for 5 days.
5- Phosphorous
There is copious dandruff, hair comes out in bundles. Scratching relieves itching, but is worse afterward, with burning. The skin over the forehead feels tight. Itching of scalp, dandruff, falling out of hair in large bunches.
Given to a person who had none disease at early childhood, young people who grow to rapidly and are very weak. These people often suffer from anemia.
Worse– touch, physical or mental exertion, warm food, drink, change of weather, from getting wet in hot weather, evening, lying on the left or painful side.
Better-lying on the right side, cold food, cold open air, washing with cold weather, from sleep.
Dosage– Potency 200, 2 times a day, for 6 days.
Precaution– Never give the medicine just before or after eating or before falling asleep. The medicine acts well when the patient mixed it with icy cold water.