Dandruff and dry scalp: Itch now or never

Hi, Tingting!
I’ve been itching to write to SOS about this problem – my dry scalp and dandruff. Is there any effective product and/or home remedy you can suggest?
— Itch-Meralda

Phyto has an anti-flake relief shampoo that not only treats dandruff but has moisturizing properties as well. Providing instant relief for dry and itchy scalp, it’s highly recommended by dermatologists for use by dandruff and psoriasis sufferers. Phyto products are available at Rustan’s Essenses.

And here’s one home recipe for itchy scalp that you can try:

1 cup distilled water
1 small cup of chopped sage
1 small cup of chopped thyme
1 small cup of rosemary

In a small saucepan, add the ingredients and bring to a boil. Allow to cool. Pour over hair and massage into scalp. Cover with warm towel. Leave on for five minutes. Rinse out. Shampoo and condition as usual.

For dandruff, try this: Pour distilled white vinegar onto hair, as close to the scalp as you can manage. Massage into scalp and allow to dry for several minutes before washing as usual. Repeat daily until dandruff disappears, usually within a few days.

For more tips, log on to www.dandrufftreatment.info/dandruff_home_treatment.php.
— Tingting

* * * Giving Ingrown Toenails A Hand

Dear Mary,
My ingrown toenails are giving me so much discomfort. I guess I got them from regularly getting a pedicure (the pedicurist always cuts deep into the corners of my toenails). Now, I cannot even cut my own toenails because it’s quite painful. Is there any home remedy you can suggest to get rid of my ingrown toenails?
— Eliza

We got this home remedy from the website of Barefoot Lass – apparently, it has helped some people: Before going to bed, put a small wedge of lemon on your toenails, secure it with a plaster, and put on your socks. When you wake up, your nails should be soft enough to ease them away from the skin so you can trim them. Always cut your nails straight across and not any shorter than the toes.

One mother treated her daughter’s ingrown toenails by applying eggshells, wet side down, and wrapping them around her daughter’s toenails for two nights.
— Mary

* * * White Spots Cover-Up

Dear Lucy,
I’ve been so humiliated since I noticed white marks (like a birthmark) on my chest. It’s been a major problem for me because I’m used to wearing plunging necklines, tubes, and tank tops.

Can you sugggest a product or some stuff that would help me conceal these white spots, if not get rid of them?
— Denise

The question is: What are those white marks? Are they scars, a skin disease that can still be treated perhaps, or a birthmark? It is important that the white spots are properly diagnosed or identified. From there, you can check what your treatment options are, if any. Offhand though, if it is a permanent condition and you just want something to effectively conceal it albeit temporarily, then ask your derma about Covermark. It stays put until you really clean it off.
— Lucy

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Send e-mail to Style SOS, c/o Life Section, The Philippine STAR, Roberto Oca and Railroad Sts., Port Area, Manila.