Month: May 2011

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Frostbite

Alternative Names:- Cold exposure – arms or legs,congelatio in medical terminology

Definition:–
Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold.It causes fluid in skin cells and the tissues beneath the skin to freeze and damages blood vessels. This leads to the formation of blood clots which block the flow of blood and prevent oxygen from getting to the tissues. All cells need oxygen to function properly, as without it they die.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Frostbite  is the medical condition where localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas. The initial stages of frostbite are sometimes called “frostnip”.

Classification:-
There are several classifications for tissue damage caused by extreme cold including:

*Frostnip is a superficial cooling of tissues without cellular destruction.
*Chilblains are superficial ulcers of the skin that occur when a predisposed individual is repeatedly exposed to cold
*Frostbite involves tissue destruction.

Stages:-
At or below 0 °C (32 °F), blood vessels close to the skin start to constrict, and blood is shunted away from the extremities via the action of glomus bodies. The same response may also be a result of exposure to high winds. This constriction helps to preserve core body temperature. In extreme cold, or when the body is exposed to cold for long periods, this protective strategy can reduce blood flow in some areas of the body to dangerously low levels. This lack of blood leads to the eventual freezing and death of skin tissue in the affected areas. There are four degrees of frostbite. Each of these degrees has varying degrees of pain.

*First degree……..  CLICK & SEE

This is called frostnip and this only affects the surface skin, which is frozen. On onset there is itching and pain, and then the skin develops white, red, and yellow patches and becomes numb. The area affected by frostnip usually does not become permanently damaged as only the skin’s top layers are affected. Long-term sensitivity to both heat and cold can sometimes happen after suffering from frostnip.

*Second degree…… CLICK & SEE

If freezing continues, the skin may freeze and harden, but the deep tissues are not affected and remain soft and normal. Second degree injury usually blisters 1–2 days after becoming frozen. The blisters may become hard and blackened, but usually appear worse than they are. Most of the injuries heal in one month but the area may become permanently insensitive to both heat and cold.

*Third and Fourth degrees...  CLICK & SEE

If the area freezes further, deep frostbite occurs. The muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves all freeze. The skin is hard, feels waxy, and use of the area is lost temporarily, and in severe cases, permanently. The deep frostbite results in areas of purplish blisters which turn black and which are generally blood-filled. Nerve damage in the area can result in a loss of feeling. This extreme frostbite may result in fingers and toes being amputated if the area becomes infected with gangrene. If the frostbite has gone on untreated they may fall off. The extent of the damage done to the area by the freezing process of the frostbite may take several months to assess, and this often delays surgery to remove the dead tissue

Symptoms:–
The first symptoms are a “pins and needles” sensation followed by numbness. There may be an early throbbing or aching, but later on the affected part becomes insensate (feels like a “block of wood”).

Frostbitten skin is hard, pale, cold, and has no feeling. When skin has thawed out, it becomes red and painful (early frostbite). With more severe frostbite, the skin may appear white and numb (tissue has started to freeze).

Very severe frostbite(Third and Fourth degrees) may cause blisters, gangrene (blackened, dead tissue), and damage to deep structures such as tendons, muscles, nerves, and bone.

Causes:–
Factors that contribute to frostbite include extreme cold, inadequate clothing, wet clothes, wind chill, and poor blood circulation. Poor circulation can be caused by tight clothing or boots, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, smoking, alcohol use, or diseases that affect the blood vessels, such as diabetes.

Exposure to liquid nitrogen, oxygen and other cryogenic liquids can cause frostbite.

Risk factors:–
Risk factors for frostbite include using beta-blockers and having conditions such as diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Those with blood vessel damage caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes, or because of poor lifestyle habits such as smoking and high-fat diets, may also suffer frostbite more easily than others.

Drinking alcohol and taking certain medicines, such as beta blockers, also increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Treatment:–
When frostbite is suspected, the affected areas need to be warmed. However this should only be done when there’s no risk of them freezing again, which could cause further and possibly irreversible damage.

Ideally, warming should be performed under medical supervision, but this isn’t always possible.

It should be done slowly by immersing the areas in warm – not hot – water. As normal colour returns, they may appear red and swollen. Once this happens they can be removed from the water.

First Aid:–

1. Shelter the person from the cold and move him or her to a warmer place. Remove any constricting jewelry and wet clothing. Look for signs of hypothermia (lowered body temperature) and treat accordingly.

2. If immediate medical help is available, it is usually best to wrap the affected areas in sterile dressings (remember to separate affected fingers and toes) and transport the person to an emergency department for further care.

3. If immediate care is not available, rewarming first aid may be given. Soak the affected areas in warm (never hot) water — or repeatedly apply warm cloths to affected ears, nose, or cheeks — for 20 to 30 minutes. The recommended water temperature is 104 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep circulating the water to aid the warming process. Severe burning pain, swelling, and color changes may occur during warming. Warming is complete when the skin is soft and sensation returns.

4. Apply dry, sterile dressings to the frostbitten areas. Put dressings between frostbitten fingers or toes to keep them separated.

5. Move thawed areas as little as possible.

6. Refreezing of thawed extremities can cause more severe damage. Prevent refreezing by wrapping the thawed areas and keeping the person warm. If protection from refreezing cannot be guaranteed, it may be better to delay the initial rewarming process until a warm, safe location is reached.

7. If the frostbite is extensive, give warm drinks to the person in order to replace lost fluids.

DO NOT

•Do NOT thaw out a frostbitten area if it cannot be kept thawed. Refreezing may make tissue damage even worse.
•Do NOT use direct dry heat (such as a radiator, campfire, heating pad, or hair dryer) to thaw the frostbitten areas. Direct heat can burn the tissues that are already damaged.
•Do NOT rub or massage the affected area.
•Do NOT disturb blisters on frostbitten skin.

Contact your health care professional if:-

•There has been severe frostbite, or if normal feeling and color do not return promptly after home treatment for mild frostbite
•Frostbite has occurred recently and new symptoms develop, such as fever, malaise, discoloration, or drainage from the affected body part
•Do NOT smoke or drink alcoholic beverages during recovery as both can interfere with blood circulation.

Surgery:
Debridement and or amputation of necrotic tissue is usually delayed. This has led to the adage “Frozen in January, amputate in July” with exceptions only being made for signs of infections or gas gangrene
You may click to see:Herbal treatment for frostbite

Prognosis:
A number of long term sequelae can occur after frost bite. These include: transient or permanent changes in sensation, electric shocks, increased sweating, cancers, and bone destruction/arthritis in the area affected

Research:
Evidence is insufficient to determine whether or not hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment can assist in tissue salvage. There have been case reports but few actual research studies to show the effectiveness.

Medical sympathectomy using intravenous reserpine has also been attempted with limited success.

While extreme weather conditions (cold and wind) increase the risk of frostbite it appears that certain individuals and population groups appear more resistant to milder forms of frostbite, perhaps due to longer term exposure and adaptation to cold weather environments. The “Hunter’s Response” or Axon reflex are examples of this type of adaptation.

Prevention:
Be aware of factors that can contribute to frostbite, such as extreme cold, wet clothes, high winds, and poor circulation. Poor circulation can be caused by tight clothing or boots, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, smoking, alcohol use, or diseases that affect the blood vessels, such as diabetes.

Wear suitable clothing in cold temperatures and protect exposed areas. In cold weather, wear mittens (not gloves); wind-proof, water-resistant, layered clothing; two pairs of socks; and a hat or scarf that covers the ears (to avoid substantial heat loss through the scalp).

If you expect to be exposed to the cold for a long period of time, don’t drink alcohol or smoke, and get adequate food and rest.

If caught in a severe snowstorm, find shelter early or increase physical activity to maintain body warmth.

Exposure to liquid nitrogen, oxygen and other cryogenic liquids should be avoided or to be handeled with care.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/frostbite.shtml
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000057.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frostbite

http://healthwise-everythinghealth.blogspot.com/2010/01/frostbite.html

http://www.empowher.com/media/reference/frostbite

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Herbs & Plants

Phyllanthus liebmannianus

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Botanical Name :Phyllanthus liebmannianus
Family :Euphorbiaceae – Spurge family
Genus : Phyllanthus L. – leafflower
Species: Phyllanthus liebmannianus Müll.
Kingdom:Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class:Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Rosidae
Order :Euphorbiales

Common Name :Baby’s Tears,Florida Leaf-flower

Habitat :Native to U.S.Grows in Florida

Description:
Florida Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus Liebmannianus Muell.-Arg.) grows like a Forb/herb, Subshrub. Florida Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus Liebmannianus Muell.-Arg.) is an Perennial. Florida Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus Liebmannianus Muell.-Arg.) is Native to U.S. Florida Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus Liebmannianus Muell.-Arg.) has a National Wetland Indicator Status of: FACW. Florida Leaf-flower (Phyllanthus Liebmannianus Muell.-Arg.) is of the category, Dicot.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Medicinal Uses:
Boil an entire plant in 3 cups water for 2 minutes; strain and drink for stomatitis, internal infections, kidney stones, and stoppage of urine.  Use same preparation to bathe infants who are ill.

 

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PHLI13
http://www.nybg.org/bsci/belize/Phyllanthus_liebmannianus.jpg
http://www.plantbio.uga.edu/herbarium/seshrubs/indiv%20pages/Phyllanthus%20liebmannianus.htm
http://www.thegrowspot.com/know/f7/all-about-florida-leaf-flower-phyllanthus-37868.html

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Herbs & Plants

Ba Ji Tian

Botanical Name :Morinda officinalis
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Morinda
Species: M. officinalis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales

Synonyms:   Ba Ji Tian? Bajitian? Indianmulberry (root)? Medicinal indian mulberry? Medicinal Indianmulberry Root? Medicinal Indionmulberry Root? morinda (root)? Morinda officinalis? Morinda Root? Morindae Radix? Radix Morindae? Radix Morindae Officinalis Root

Part Used : Root

Habitat :Ba Ji Tian is  native to Australia and Malaysia, although it is now used in China, India and other parts of Asia. It grows  in  sparse or dense forests and thickets on mountains, also cultivated; 100-500 m. Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan.

Description:

Morinda officinalis  is a herbaceous  vine.  Lianas; branches surrounded at base by persistent leafless stipules, when young strigillose, hirtellous, or pilose, becoming glabrescent and scabrous, angled, brown or bluish black. Leaves opposite; petiole 4-11 mm, densely puberulent, strigillose, hirtellous, or hirsute to glabrescent; blade drying papery, on both surfaces brown to yellow-brown, shiny to matte adaxially, matte abaxially, ovate-oblong, obovate-oblong, or elliptic, 6-13 × 3-6 cm, adaxially sparsely strigillose, hirtellous, or hirsute to glabrescent, abaxially glabrous or sparsely hirtellous along principal veins, base obtuse, rounded, cuneate, or acute, apex acute, obtuse, or rounded and abruptly mucronulate; secondary veins (4 or)5-7 pairs, with small pilosulous domatia; stipules fused into a spathe or tube, 3-5 mm, membranous, puberulent to hirtellous, truncate, on each side 2-denticulate. Inflorescence terminal; peduncles 1-7 or 15-25, umbellate or fasciculate, 0.1-1 cm, densely hirtellous to strigillose, as a group usually subtended by 1 or 2 stipuliform bracts; heads 1 per peduncle, subglobose to hemispherical, 5-7 mm in diam., 1-3- or 4-10-flowered. Flowers fused for ca. half of hypanthium, biology not noted. Calyx puberulent to glabrous; limb 1-1.5 mm, lobed for ca. 1/2; lobes 2-4, triangular, sometimes markedly unequal on an individual flower, obtuse to acute. Corolla white, campanulate or urceolate, outside puberulent, hirtellous, or glabrescent; tube 3-4 mm, inside densely villosulous from middle of tube to throat; lobes (2-)4, lanceolate or narrowly oblong, 3-4 mm, apically thickened and rostrate. Drupecetum globose to oblate, 5-11 mm in diam. Drupes fully fused, red, subglobose, 4-5 mm. Fl. May-Jul, fr. Oct-Nov.

You may click to see the picture

Also known as noni, morinda is a wandering plant  It resembles a mulberry bush, with large, triangular leaves and green berries.

Benefits of taking Morinda officinalis(bajitian) extract supplements:

1 , Improve sexual performance:

Morinda only contained in the “Shen Nong grass by”, as a top grade, ancient herbal medicine has the record, is a traditional medicine for kidney yang. Morinda officinalis extract in China and the Far East culture was used to enhance sexual performance have a long history, commonly used to enhance the strength of male and female sexual function, can improve the deficiency weak impotence, premature ejaculation, female palace cold infertility, menstrual reconcile sex and so on.

In one study, 35 -bit by the lack of erection, premature ejaculation problems in men and 30 -bit infertility and frigidity issues of women in an open clinical trial to accept 250-300mg Morinda officinalis extract treatment and continued three months . As a result of the treatment of more than 90 % of patients admitted substantial improvement in their symptoms.

2 , Strengthen the tendons and bones, expel cold and dampness:

when the liver and kidney dysfunction, manifested as weakness, fatigue and lassitude cold pain; accompanied by joint pain or chronic rheumatism, weakness, joint pain, cold, easy fatigue and pale tongue . Morinda effective in the treatment of liver and kidney dysfunction.

3 , Enhance immunity, resistance to disease invasion:

Experimental results show officinalis polysaccharides can increase the juvenile thymus weight, significantly increased macrophage phagocytic percentage, and can significantly improve the mouse P-JFC formation. Description Morinda polysaccharide with adrenocorticotropic hormone and with enhanced physical role. Can enhance human immunity, reduce diseases.

4 , Anti-aging, Anti-fatigue, Anti-depressants:

found: Morinda officinalis extract can significantly increase the aging mouse brain tissue glucose content; make aging rat model of brain tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione over oxidase (GSH? Px) levels increased, increased activity, reduce lipid peroxidation (LPo) content, slow brain aging.

Morinda officinalis extract can significantly prolong the mice continued to swim in the water time and improve exercise capacity in the hanging line, but also reduce the mice under hypoxia oxygen consumption, increasing the duration of hypoxia. Morinda that can enhance the body reserves, increased fatigue resistance, improve the body’s stress in the hypoxic stimulation, compensatory ability.

Study found that extracts from Morinda isolated five monomers ( succinate and Nice sugar 4 months inulin-type oligosaccharides single body ) were fart with antidepressant activity.

5 , Enhance learning and memory:

Morinda extract can significantly improve the D -galactose-induced spatial learning and memory decline in aging rats, especially in space exploration process to highlight that Morinda officinalis extract can enhance learning and memory.

Main function: Herb for Yang Deficiency (Yang Tonic)

Thermal qual.: Warm
Taste :Spicy, sweet
Functions:
*Tonifies Kidney Yang
*Dispels Wind/Cold/Wetness
*Used for Kidney Deficiency with muscular and skeletal atrophy
*Regulates Qi Stagnation pain in legs

Cautions:
*Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency Heat,
*Contraindicated in difficult urination and in constipation

Toxicity: Relatively safe for long term use

Phyto-chemicals:   Morindone, rubichloric acid, morindadiol, sitosterol

Western Properties:   Anti-baccterial, hypotensive, adreno-cortical stimulant, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, androgenic, cerebral restorative, urogenital astringent, analgesic, musculosceletal restorative, anti-rheumatic, interferon inducent

Notes: Used for lack of libido, impotence, infertility, painful knees/legs, arthritis, fatigue, musculosceletal atrophy.
This plant has historically been used as a natural sweetener and medicinal herb in its native Mexico and parts of Central America. It was used by the Aztecs and introduced to the Spanish when they arrived.

The sweet taste is caused by a sesquiterpene compound called hernandulcin, which was discovered in 1985 and named for Francisco Hernández, the Spanish physician who first described the plant in the sixteenth century.

Other  Medicinal  Uses:
In Belize, this is a favorite remedy for bronchitis and dry, hacking coughs. Fresh plant material is boiled, and the patient holds his head over the pot. The warm mixture is then strained and sipped slowly. For toothaches, the flowers are chewed or placed directly on the gum.  The drug is used as a stimulating expectorant, the tincture, in doses of ½  to 1 fluid drachm, is given as a respiratory sedative in coughs. It acts as an alterative on the mucous membrane.  Lippiol, in doses of 4 1/2 grains, causes warmth, flushing, diaphoresis and drowsiness.  Indications: Persistent dry hard resonant or ringing bronchial cough. Useful in chronic bronchitis, having a soothing and sedative effect to the mucous surface of the post-nasal region and bronchial tubes, soothing and relieving irritability, of these surfaces, and is a valuable expectorant in these conditions. Its action is limited to the air passages.

Other Uses: Culinary, Fragrant

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://www.herbalists.on.ca/resources/freeman/MORINDA.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morinda_officinalis
http://tcm.health-info.org/Herbology.Materia.Medica/bajitian-properties.htm
http://www.drshen.com/chineseherbs.htm

http://www.nutragreenbio.com/product/morinda-officinalis-bajitian-extract

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Herbs & Plants

Phyla Dulcis (Phyla scaberrima)

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Botanical Name :Phyla scaberrima
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Phyla
Species: P. dulcis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales

Common Names :Phyla dulcis ,Aztec Sweet Herb, Bushy Lippia, Honeyherb, Hierba Dulce, and Tzopelic-xihuitl (Nahuatl).

Habitat :Phyla dulcis is native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico), Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela

Description:
Phyla dulcis is a perennial herb. Height: 4 Feet,Hardiness: Zone 9,Flower Color: White,Characteristics: Full Sun.

Aztec Sweet Herb is a sprawling ground cover type plant that has an incredibly sweet leaf. Not often used for sweetening any more, leaves can be eaten from the plant like candy or tossed into fruit salads for  an unusual addition. but as it contains 53% camphor, it is not a  reasonable substitute for sugar.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES..
This plant has historically been used as a natural sweetener and medicinal herb in its native Mexico and parts of Central America. It was used by the Aztecs and introduced to the Spanish when they arrived.

The sweet taste is caused by a sesquiterpene compound called hernandulcin, which was discovered in 1985 and named for Francisco Hernández, the Spanish physician who first described the plant in the sixteenth century.

Medicinal  Uses:
In Belize, this is a favorite remedy for bronchitis and dry, hacking coughs. Fresh plant material is boiled, and the patient holds his head over the pot. The warm mixture is then strained and sipped slowly. For toothaches, the flowers are chewed or placed directly on the gum.  The drug is used as a stimulating expectorant, the tincture, in doses of ½  to 1 fluid drachm, is given as a respiratory sedative in coughs. It acts as an alterative on the mucous membrane.  Lippiol, in doses of 4 1/2 grains, causes warmth, flushing, diaphoresis and drowsiness.  Indications: Persistent dry hard resonant or ringing bronchial cough. Useful in chronic bronchitis, having a soothing and sedative effect to the mucous surface of the post-nasal region and bronchial tubes, soothing and relieving irritability, of these surfaces, and is a valuable expectorant in these conditions. Its action is limited to the air passages.

Other Uses: Culinary, Fragrant

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://www.gardenerscorner.org/subject048273.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyla_dulcis
http://www.stevenfoster.com/photography/imageviewsp/phyla/scaberrima/ps14_101010/index.html

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Flaky Scalp

Introduction:
The loss of skin cells from the scalp is a normal part of the life cycle of skin cells.Every day we lose dead skin cells from our scalps. When more are lost than normal, they clump together forming the white or grey flakes called dandruff.  However, excessive flaking of the scalp, or dandruff, is a common cosmetic problem experienced by millions of people. Dandruff is not contagious and is normally not a serious problem. Some cases of excessive dandruff accompanied by intense itching and patches of flaky skin on the face or elsewhere are actually a form of eczema referred to as seborrheic eczema.

click to see the pictures

English: Picture of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis.
English: Picture of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURE

Dandruff can form when the scalp is too dry or too oily. A fungus called pityrosporum ovale, which lives naturally on the scalp, has been implicated in the development of dandruff. Excess production of sebum, the natural oil secreted from glands in the skin, fuels the growth of this fungus. This helps to explain why dandruff often starts in puberty when hormone changes occur and why people with oily scalps suffer more.

Dandruff is believed to run in families. Diets that are too salty, spicy or sugary and accompanied by too much alcohol make it worse, as can stress and changes in climate.

Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of essential fatty acids or vitamin B, may cause dandruff.

Seborrhoeic eczema causes itchy and flaky patches on the scalp. This tends to be more severe than simple dandruff because the skin and glands become inflamed. The flakes are often greasier and more yellow in colour and can also affect the eyebrows, ears, face and upper body.

.
Symptoms:
People with flaky, itchy scalp will notice dead skin cells on the scalp that look like white or gray flakes. Some people may misdiagnosis the flakes as dandruff, but they tend to be larger than regular dandruff flakes.

Red Scalp..…..
With flaky, itchy scalp, the scalp can become red and irritated. Pain may or may not be associated with a swollen, red scalp.

Itchy Scalp….
As indicated in the name, flaky, itchy scalp is accompanied by an itchy feeling. Avoid scratching, as this can worsen the condition.

TScalp..ense ….
The scalp can become tight and tense. You may experience the feeling that all the blood is rushing to your head.

Dull Hair…
With flaky, itchy scalp, the hair becomes dull and lifeless. This is due to a lack of moisture reaching the scalp.

Treatment:
Anti-dandruff shampoos are the mainstay of treatment for simple dandruff. It’s usually trial and error finding the one that works for you.

For more stubborn dandruff or seborrhoeic eczema, selenium, zinc, coal tar in coconut oil or salicylic acid can be successful. Scalp preparations contain various combinations of these. Be careful when using tar, however, as it can discolour fair hair and bed linen.

Antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole work well for dandruff and seborrhoeic eczema. They need to be used a few times a week. Be patient: they can take up to six weeks to work.

All these treatments are available from the pharmacist without a prescription.

You may click to see :
*Simple Home Remedy for Flaky scalp….
*Ayurvrdic Treatment of  Flaky Scalp

When to go to Doctor?
If your scalp isn’t getting better with these treatments, or if it’s red, inflamed or painful, a different treatment may be needed.

Steroid lotion or mousse is used for severe seborrhoeic eczema. It’s also used to treat psoriasis, which not only affects the elbows and knees, but also the scalp.

Psoriasis occurs when new skin cells are made too quickly. The build up of these cells creates red areas covered with thick, scaly, silvery-looking patches, which can be very uncomfortable and itchy.

Prevention:
When shampooing, massage your scalp and don’t scratch it. Rinse your hair well, ideally twice with every shampoo. The scalp is very sensitive, so take care with hair products that can dry and irritate it.

Alternate your usual shampoo with a dandruff shampoo. If you find the flakes make an unwelcome return, don’t panic. This often happens, just switch to a new shampoo.

Make sure your diet contains enough vitamins E, B6 and B12, selenium and zinc. Flaxseed oil is also said to help prevent dandruff and can be taken in liquid or capsule form.

It’s a myth that dandruff is:

•Infectious
•Makes you go bald sooner
•Only affects dark-haired people
•Means you don’t wash your hair enough

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/flakyscalp1.shtml
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/flaky_scalp.htm

http://www.themedicalplus.com/2010/01/28/scalp-health-zincplex/

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5007089_symptoms-flaky-itchy-scalp.html

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