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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffOne alternative therapy that seems to reduce dandruff is daily shampooing with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil, which comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agent. It's now included in a number of shampoos found in natural foods stores. The oil may cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Weston WL, et al. Overview of dermatitis. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: What it is and how to treat it. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/ 157.html. Accessed Oct. 16, 2008.
- Gupta AK, et al. Skin diseases associated with Malassezia species. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2004;51:785.
- Satchell AC, et al. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2002;47:852.
- DeAngelis YM, et al. Three etiologic facets of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: malassezia fungi, sebaceous lipids, and individual sensitivity. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2005;10:295.
