HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23323, 5 October 1945, Page 2

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

DANDRUFF (Prepared and issued by the Health Department) Dandruff or scurf is a very widespread complaint. Some people are affected without realising it. They miss the significance of the white scales which fall on the shoulders when the hair is brushed. The scaliness of the scalp is really the flaking off of the top layers of the skin of the scalp. It starts on the top of the head and gradually spreads ali over, and it affects both sexes. It is an infectious condition caused by a germ with a tongue-twisting name, the lay term for which is “bottle bacillus.” If we haven’t become infected from other members of the family most of us sooner or later catch the trouble from the barber's shop, from brushes and combs and clippers used in common. Some fortunate individuals who are free from dandruff must have so high a resistance as to overcome this recurrent source of infection. Dandruff sooner or later is associated with loss of hair in most cases. Foi- this reason it is wise to try to get rid of it or keep it down to a minimum. Begin treatment by washing- hair and scalp. Spirit soap is excellent if you have it. The number of drugs used in various combinations against dandruff are many and it's well to remember that part of their value lies in the vigorous massage of the scalp that is necessary to rub the ointment or lotion well into the skin. The massage improves the circulation and makes the skin and hair healthier. A lotion is much nicer to use than an ointment. The most common drugs used are solutions of tar and mercury or carbolic and salicylic acid hi spirts, water, oil. or glycerine. An ointment of sulphur and salicylic acid may shift a stubborn dandruff. A lotion used two or three times weekly and after every visit to the hairdresser will keep dandruff in check once under control. Treatment will clear a scalp, but may not cure for good. Massage and regular treatments will probably be a continuing need.