How to treat dandruff?

DANDRUFF (SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS)

 SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS is a common affliction characterized by mild itching and oily scaling, usually found on the scalp, but sometimes dandruff also affects the face, neck, chest, armpits, groin, or genital region.

It is called DANDRUFF when located on the scalp, it is common that few people are completely free from it. When dandruff appears on the body elsewhere, the eruption is more likely to be characterized by oily crusts instead of dry scales. The skin beneath the dandruff crusts is somewhat thickened and mildly inflamed. The only unpleasant sensation is the mild itching.

A hereditary tendency, hormone imbalance, nutritional states, and emotional stress are possible causes of dandruff. If nay factor of infection is involved, it is probably secondary.

HOW TO TREAT DANDRUFF?

1.   For "dry" dandruff on the scalp, proceed as follows:

•  Shampoo three times a week for four weeks - afterward once a week until a satisfactory cure is accomplished. Once a week, at bedtime, after a shampoo, apply Pragmatar ointment, available at any drugstore.

• The following morning, wash away all traces of ointment with mild soap and warm water, massaging the scalp well. After washing and massaging, rub into the scalp a little of the following solution:

                                   Phenol                          5

                                   Castor Oil                   15

                                   Salicylic Acid                2

                                   Alcohol, 70% q.s.      120

• Though the condition is not primarily infectious, germs may be present and may make the condition worse, so sterilize your comb at least once a week. Do not use hairbrush, because a hairbrudsh cannot be sterilized.

2.   If the skin of the face or body is affected with dandruff, try the following: Alternate nights at bedtime, rub 5 percent sulfur ointment. On in-between nights, apply lotio alba.

3.   For the more severe cases of dandruff infection and for those involving larger areas of skin, the physician may direct the use of steroid and antibiotic preparations.