Dandruff
Dandruff – flakes of dry skin on the scalp – can be bothersome and embarrassing. Caused by eczema or seborrhea, it is often linked to climate and genetic factors, not poor grooming habits (as many people think). There are simple measures you can take to treat dandruff:
- Use a gentle, non-drying shampoo or a tar shampoo daily or every other day until the dandruff goes away, then only about twice a week.
- To restore moisture to your skin and hair, supplement your diet with evening primrose oil, which provides an essential fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). This compound is hard to come by in the diet, and promotes the healthy growth of skin and hair. Try doses of 500 mg twice a day; after six to eight weeks, when you start to see improvement, cut the dose in half.
- Use freshly ground flaxseed or fish oils in the form of sardines, wild Alaskan salmon or supplement capsules. These sources of omega-3 fatty acids should help to reduce flaking.
If your dandruff is persistent, I recommend a visit to your dermatologist to be sure that the problem is not due to an underlying scalp disease or skin infection.
