A skin condition, dandruff has many contributing factors: dry or oily scalp, sunburn, an allergic reaction, a deficient diet, residue from harsh hair products--even stress. The most common, however, is seborrheic dermatitis, an itchy, scaly rash that can affect the scalp, face, and chest.

Mainstream treatments for the rash typically consist of steroid lotions, anti-yeast creams, and antifungals, even though dandruff is neither a yeast nor a fungal infection. Controlling seborrheic dermatitis generally involves the use of antidandruff shampoos that contain zinc, selenium, sulfur compounds, tar, or tea tree oil. Alternative therapies include relaxation techniques and diet supplements-- in particular lecithin and vitamins A, B complex, and E.

Herbal Remedies

Goldenseal To make a tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons chopped root. Steep, strain, and apply as a scalp rinse three or four times a day. The constituent berberine has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties but may irritate the skin.

Garlic Crush a raw garlic clove and apply the pulp to the affected skin. The pulp and oil both contain the antibacterial and antifungal sulfur compound allicin. But both pulp and oil may also irritate the skin or cause allergic dermatitis.

Rosemary For a tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon chopped leaves. Steep, strain, and apply once a day as a compress. Tea bags and tinctures are also available. Topical use may cause allergic dermatitis.