Dandruff, a common condition characterized by itching and flaking of the scalp, can usually be controlled simply by the use of shampoos. The Mayo Clinic says that mild cases can often be treated with a gentle, cleansing shampoo, while even more severe cases of scalp flaking can be effectively treated with medicated shampoos.
Daily cleansing with an anti-dandruff shampoo helps reduce oiliness and skin cell buildup, two primary contributors to the development of dandruff. The Mayo Clinic recommends shampooing daily until dandruff is under control, and then cutting back to two to three times a week.
There are many options available over the counter, and they target various dandruff-causing issues.
Zinc Pyrithione
Zinc pyrihtione is an antibacterial and antifungal compound. One of the root causes of dandruff, according to the Mayo Clinic, is fungus on the scalp--particularly the yeast-like fungus malessezia--and shampoos containing zinc pyrithione help fight this. Well-known dandruff shampoos such as Head & Shoulders and Selsun Salon contain zinc pyrithione.
Selenium Sulfide
According to the Mayo Clinic, selenium sulfide, an antifungal agent, helps slow skin cells from dying. Because dead skin cells tend to flake, slowing their turnover reduces dandruff production. Additionally, selenium sulfide helps combat malassezia. However, the Mayo Clinic warns that selenium sulfide can discolor blond, gray or chemically colored hair, so products should be used only as directed and hair should be rinsed thoroughly after use. Selsun Blue is a popular selenium-sulfide-based shampoo.
Tar
Like selenium sulfide shampoos, tar-based shampoos, which make use of coal tar, help slow skin cells on your scalp from dying, preventing them from flaking off. Neutrogena T/Gel is a popular tar-based shampoo.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, a natural product that is growing in popularity, is antibacterial and antifungal, and it has been found to be effective in treating dandruff, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. On TotalBeauty.com, Jason Tea Tree Oil Shampoo has the highest customer rating of any dandruff shampoo. The company's web site notes that it also contains botanicals and protein to help improve the quality of hair.
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that is more powerful than zinc pyrithione. It is a main component of over-the-counter Nizoral shampoo, but it's also a primary ingredient of several prescription-strength dandruff shampoos. If over-the-counter shampoos are ineffective, talk to your doctor about a prescription-strength shampoo or steroid treatment.
