Evidence supporting the use of: Alum
For the health condition: Dandruff

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) has a long history of use in traditional medicine and home remedies, including for skin and scalp conditions such as dandruff. Traditionally, alum has been valued for its astringent and antimicrobial properties, leading to its use in treating minor cuts, mouth ulcers, and as an ingredient in some natural deodorants. In the context of dandruff, alum has been applied in powder or dissolved form to the scalp with the belief that its antimicrobial action may help reduce the growth of dandruff-causing fungi (such as Malassezia species) and its astringency could help soothe irritation or reduce flaking. However, there is a lack of rigorous scientific evidence (such as clinical trials or dermatological studies) directly supporting alum's effectiveness in treating dandruff. Most of the support comes from anecdotal reports and traditional practices, particularly in South Asian cultures. Modern dermatological recommendations for dandruff typically focus on antifungal agents like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione, which have demonstrated efficacy in controlled studies. In summary, the use of alum for dandruff is rooted primarily in tradition rather than validated by scientific studies.

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