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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

One 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.

References
  1. Weston WL, et al. Overview of dermatitis. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 7, 2010.
  2. Dandruff. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/dandruff.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
  3. Seborrheic dermatitis. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/seborrheic_dermati.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
  4. Berger TG. Dermatologic Disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. Los Altos, Calif.: Lange Medical Publications; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=747. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
  5. Seborrheic dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_seb_dermatitis.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
DS00456 Nov. 23, 2010

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