A review of ayurvedic management for dandruff (Darunaka)

Abstract

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population. According to ayurveda, dandruff may be correlated to darunaka which is the most common cause of hair loss. Ayurveda classics dealt the different procedures and medications to treat the disease darunaka (dandruff). As a person with dandruff is more likely to feel down on the social ring, it is more of social concern and affects aesthetic value. Under kshudraroga, acharya sushruta referred to darunaka with symptoms such as rukshata, kandu, sphutana twak, etc. Dandruff may occur due to air pollution, water pollution, altered lifestyle, erratic daily routine, poor hygiene, and immune system, sweating, mental stress, etc., which can lead to many infections of bacteria and fungi. It is a common scalp condition that affects approximately half of the pre-pubertal age population and any gender and ethnicity. At some point in their lives, no population in any geographical area would have openly gone by without being affected by dandruff. The line of care for darunaka in the classics is shiroabhyanga, nasya, shirodhara, shirobasti, shirolepa and siravyadha. A review of ayurvedic management for dandruff (darunaka). Ancient acharyas have stated a multidimensional approach towards the management of darunaka. The multidimensional approach of ayurveda towards management of darunaka in the form of shodhana chikitsa, shamana aushadhis, and sthanika chikitsa along with nidana parivarjana gives satisfactory results to the patient.