Dandruff — Ayurvedic Treatment
Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn't contagious or serious, but it can be embarrassing and sometimes difficult to treat with conventional shampoos alone.
Signs & Symptoms of Dandruff
- Skin flakes on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, and shoulders
- Itchy or irritated scalp
- Scaly, crusty scalp in infants (cradle cap)
- Worsening during dry winters or periods of stress
Causes of Dandruff
- Irritated, oily skin (seborrhoeic dermatitis)
- Dry skin leading to fine, non-oily flakes
- A yeast-like fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on scalp oils
- Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
- Hormonal imbalance and elevated stress levels
Diagnosis
A dermatologist can typically diagnose dandruff through visual examination. In persistent or severe cases, a scalp biopsy or fungal culture may be advised to rule out other scalp conditions.
Complications of Dandruff
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis extending to the face, ears, and chest
- Secondary scalp infections due to excessive scratching
- Temporary hair thinning in chronic, severe cases
Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff
Ayurveda identifies dandruff as Darunak — a Vata-Pitta imbalance causing excessive dryness and scalp irritation. Treatment includes antifungal herbs like Neem and Bhringraj, medicated scalp oils, dietary detoxification and internal herbal formulations. Dandruff treatment in Ayurveda nourishes the scalp and restores natural hair health permanently.