Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. Never use it in or near your mouth. If you accidentally get tea tree oil in your eyes, rinse them immediately with warm water and call your doctor if you experience redness or irritation. Don’t apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to your scalp, since it can cause itching and irritation. Stop using any products containing tea tree oil if you experience an allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, stinging, or burning. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You may need to use the lemongrass oil treatment for 2-3 weeks for the best results. Don’t apply undiluted lemongrass oil directly to your scalp, since it may cause irritation.
Aloe vera gel is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, and its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties may promote faster healing of damaged or irritated skin. It also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. All these factors make aloe an excellent natural dandruff treatment. [5] X Research source You can either purchase aloe vera gel or collect some directly from the cut leaf of a live aloe plant. Some people find aloe gel irritating, so dab a small amount on your wrist and watch for a reaction before applying it to your scalp. Ideally, you should wait a full 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction, but you’ll likely notice something sooner. Stop using aloe if you experience symptoms such as a rash, itching or irritation, or increased sensitivity to sunlight (i. e. , your skin burns more easily than usual).
You can also put a shower cap over your hair and leave the coconut oil on your scalp overnight if you wish. Rinse the oil out with warm water when you get up in the morning. You may need to warm up the coconut oil by rubbing it between your hands for a few minutes or mixing it with a small amount of warm water before you can spread it over your scalp. Another option is to purchase shampoo that contains coconut oil. Look for pure coconut oil in your local grocery store or health food store.
If you like, you can also add a few drops of tea tree oil for extra dandruff-fighting benefits. Using baking soda on your hair too frequently can dry out your hair and irritate your scalp. Try using this approach no more than once a week, and stop if you experience irritation or notice that your hair is becoming dull and dry. You can offset some of the harsh effects of baking soda by following up with a moisturizing conditioner containing coconut or argan oil.
You can also purchase a salicylic acid dandruff shampoo. Stop using this treatment if you experience irritation, redness, burning, or signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, or swelling. [9] X Research source Try using this treatment twice a week for up to 4 weeks, or until your symptoms improve. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You can also get omega 3 fatty acids from supplements, such as fish oil tablets. Aim to eat 1. 1 to 1. 6 grams of omega 3 fatty acids each day.
Good vegetable options include leafy greens, beans and peas, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cauliflower), and colorful veggies like carrots, radishes, peppers, and purple sweet potatoes. You can also get a range of vitamins and minerals by eating a wide variety of fruits, including berries, apples, citrus fruits, bananas, grapes, and melons. Aim to eat 5 servings of vegetables and 4 servings of fruit each day. Check a chart like the one here to determine how large a single serving is for various kinds of veggies and fruits: https://www. heart. org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/what-is-a-healthy-diet-recommended-serving-infographic.
Egg yolks Nuts Salmon Liver Nutritional yeast, which you can use as a topping in place of butter or cheese, or stir into creamy soups or egg dishes.
You can also get zinc from dietary sources, such as red meat, shellfish, legumes (such as chickpeas and lentils), nuts and seeds, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, and potatoes. [15] X Research source
Doing relaxing activities, such as yoga or meditation Spending time with friends and family Engaging in hobbies and creative activities that you enjoy Listening to peaceful music Getting plenty of good-quality sleep
Symptoms like these could also indicate that you have another skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis.
For example, if your dandruff is caused by an inflammatory disease, a corticosteroid treatment or immune response inhibitor might help. For persistent fungal infections of the scalp, your doctor might prescribe a strong antifungal shampoo or medication.
Some medications, such as steroids and chemotherapy drugs, can also weaken your immune system. See your doctor if you develop dandruff while taking one of these medications. Untreated skin infections can lead to serious complications if you have a weakened immune system, so don’t hesitate to get it checked out.
