HAIRFALL, DANDRUFF AND HOMEOPATHY

HAIRFALL AND HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Before we get on to the causes & treatment of hairfall, let us learn a few basic facts about our hair. As most of us know, hair grows from a structure called hair follicle which is situated in the skin of the scalp. So the number of follicles & the health of the follicles determines the health of our hair. Each hair follicle has it's own cycle. From the follicle arises a single strand of hair which grows for about 3-4 years after which it is shed. The follicle then rests for a few months after which a new strand of hair grows from it. We have millions of follicles on our scalp & the number varies from individual to individual which is unalterable with medicines. Also if the follicles have been destroyed, as happens if the hair is vigorously plucked or from vigorous combing no hair will grow from it & no medicine can revive a dead follicle. Medicines only help to prevent fast shedding of the hair or accelerate the growth rate if it is very slow in some people. Hair grows at the rate of about a millimeter each day & the growth is faster in summer & slower in winter. Also, it is normal to lose about 50-100 hair per day & should be no cause of concern.
Among the causes of excessive hairfall, we can divide them into medical & non-medical causes.
Medical causes could be certain hormonal diseases like thyroid, acute infections like typhoid, after-effects of antibiotic intake, scalp infections like lice, dandruff, ringworm, certain treatments like chemotherapy in patients of cancer etc.
Among non-medical reasons, the most important of course is diet. Improper nutrition is the most common cause of hairfall. The present generation practically gorges on fast foods & junk food which do not provide enough nutrition. This is detrimental to the health of the follicles. Other causes are pollution, lack of proper scalp hygiene due to insufficient washing of hair, excessive washing of the hair, blow drying the hair, vigorous combing of the hair, use of harmful chemicals as in hair dyes, certain harmful shampoos, overexposure to the sun, lack of sufficient rest, stress etc.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES
FOR DANDRUFF
The skin of our body routinely replaces older cells with new ones & the same holds true for the skin of the scalp. The older cells are pushed to the surface to be discarded & new ones come up below. Dandruff occurs when the rate of replacement of the cells of the scalp is too fast. The older cells appear likes flakes on the scalp which is what we call dandruff. The causes could be many like dry skin, living in very cold dry climate besides all he other causes of haifall like improper hygiene, improper diet, use of strong chemicals, tensions, insufficient rest, combing hard etc. It needs to be treated for it could be a potential cause of infection as bacteria grow in the sore areas which develop in the scalp due to itching caused by the dandruff.
Treatment: For those with dry skin, regular oiling of the scalp at least twice a week is very important, besides taking a balanced diet, proper rest & avoiding use of harsh chemicals.


HOMEOPATHY FOR GREYING HAIR
Although it is difficult to point to an exact cause of this problem very commonly seen nowadays, it is very commonly also found to be hereditary. Among other common causes are again pollution, use of chemicals, improper diet & rest. Stress seems to be a very important factor for it is commonly seen in people with high profile jobs, students as also in smokers.

Treatment: Besides avoidance of causative factors, homeopathic medicines / remedies must be taken for a period of 3-6months for astonishing results.