Ayurveda treatment for Seborrheic Eczema & Scalp Psoriasis

Dandruff by definition is a scalp condition marked by itching and flaking of the skin on our scalp. The causes of such flaky skin can be: dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Eczema and sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis). Our skin cells are forever renewing themselves. When the skin cells on our scalp are renewed the old ones are pushed to the surface and out of the scalp. For a person with flaky scalp, the skin renewal is faster, ie. more dead skin is shed. Seborrheic dermatitis is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis may affect not only our scalp, but also other areas rich in oil glands, such as eyebrows, the sides of nose and the backs of ears, breastbone, groin area, and sometimes armpits. Seborrheic dermatitis is believed to be an inflammatory reaction related to a skin yeast called malassezia (Pityrosporum ovale).

Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be difficult to differentiate. In addition, they share some similar signs and symptoms, such as itchy, red, scaly skin. Most often, the scales of psoriasis are thicker and somewhat drier in appearance than are the scales of seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis usually affects more than one area of the body. If you have scalp psoriasis, you may also have mild psoriasis on your elbows, knees, hands or feet or may notice subtle nail changes, such as pitting. Sometimes sensitivities to certain ingredients in hair care products can cause a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Consult an Ayurveda doctor in Dubai for a differential diagnosis and prompt treatment. Consult with the physician at one of Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda centre branches (Karama, Al Nahda, Jumeirah, Dubai Health Care City, Ajman). To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shyam, refer the clinic timings on www.vaidyashyam.com. Some home tips are suggested as below:

Ayurveda treatment for Seborrheic

• Healthy diet plays an important role in the treatment; favor cabbage & garlic
• Prior to head bath, massage your scalp with a paste of fenugreek seeds & buttermilk.
• Use Triphala powder mixed with water for scalp wash
• Apply oils like Ayyappala thailam or Eladi keram on scalp 15 minutes before scalp wash.
• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo thrice weekly; switch between 2 different products
• Avoid or reduce yoghurt, milk, jaggery, black gram, shell fishes, sesame products, sour & salty
• Prepare your drinking water boiled with the bark of Khadira (Acacia catechu or Karingali)
• Consider taking supplements of multivitamin, zinc, fish oil