Home Remedies May Help Dandruff

Q. I am desperate for help with my dandruff. The flakes are driving me crazy!
A. Dandruff can cause itching and flaking of the scalp that is both uncomfortable and unsightly. When it gets really bad, dermatologists call it seborrheic dermatitis.
Scientists now think that bad dandruff is caused by a yeast infection (Malassezia). This fungus can even cause inflammation around eyebrows and the creases of the nose, lips and ears.
Although there are many dandruff shampoos, we continue to hear from readers that they get relief using home remedies such as Listerine soaks, Vicks VapoRub, milk of magnesia or dilute vinegar rinses. We are sending you our Guide to Hair and Nail Care for more details on these remedies and other ways of dealing with dandruff.