Q. I am having a problem with dandruff. I have tried everything on the market for it, including a prescription from the dermatologist. Ketoconazole 2% shampoo had a long list of possible side effects that included baldness!
I did use it as directed, though reluctantly. It changed the color of my hair and I had some of the listed side effects. It did absolutely nothing but cause me grief, and I still have the dandruff.
Please tell me about home remedies using milk of magnesia or amber Listerine. I read it, cut it out and misplaced it.
A. Many readers have told us that old-fashioned Listerine can be used to banish dandruff. Others apply milk of magnesia in the shower and let it soak in for a few minutes. Apple cider vinegar is another favorite.
We are sending you our Guide to Hair and Nail Care, with a homemade dandruff shampoo and many other ways to deal with an itchy scalp or unsightly flakes.
Here are a few remedies other readers have used:
“I also have itchy scalp and have found relief using first baking soda + water to ‘wash’ my hair followed by an apple cider vinegar + water rinse to condition/close the cuticle. Best of all, my hair is no longer greasy in between washings, and if I notice it getting a little straw-like from the baking soda, one washing with regular shampoo seems to do the trick. No more itchiness, no more having to shampoo daily, and no more need for conditioners!”
“For 20+ years I struggled to control the constant white flakey curse. After a week vacation swimming daily in the salt water, it miraculously stopped. Upon returning home it came back somewhat so I started rinsing with saline in the shower. Eventually stopped all together and 2 yrs later it never returned. My dermatologist is skeptical but it worked!”
“Hibiclens Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser (or the cheaper Walgreen brand) has eradicated the chronic itching. Liberally rub it into affected areas, leave for 10+ minutes then shampoo with your regular shampoo.”
“I, too, fought dandruff for decades until at an annual physical my doctor said that instead of dandruff I had scalp psoriasis and suggested Dermarest. That worked, but even better was the maximum nutrition diet prescribed by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. My scalp is clear without the shampoo. Now I can shampoo with what’s best for my hair, I feel better overall, have not had one of my recurring sinus headaches, and I’ve dropped two dress sizes without trying. Go fork medicine!”
Download our Guide to Hair and Nail Care for more details on fighting the fungi that cause dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or unsightly thick, yellow and brown nails.
