When you have dandruff, scaling occurs on your scalp, and excess skin cells are shed. Symptoms may include itching, redness and irritation in the scalp area. Dandruff is typically not a sign of a serious medical condition and can usually be treated at home with different types of over-the-counter medicated products.
Selenium Sulfide
This medication is given in strengths of either one or 2.5 percent to treat dandruff topically. The one percent version is available over the counter while the 2.5 concentration is only obtainable through a prescription. It is dispensed as foams, creams, lotions and shampoos. Brand names include Selsun Blue, Tersi Foam and Dandrex. You typically use selenium sulfide once or twice a week to treat dandruff, unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
Tar
Tar for dandruff is an active ingredient in products such as T-Gel, Pentrax and Ionil. Tar is typically not recommended for individuals with light colored hair since discoloration may occur. Tar shampoos are applied to wet hair, massaged into the scalp and left on for 10 minutes before rinsing. A doctor typically will recommend using a tar-based shampoo twice a week to treat dandruff.
Zinc Pyrithione
This active ingredient is found in the anti-dandruff products Head & Shoulders and ZNP. The medication treats dandruff by slowing down the production of skin cells on the scalp. Available as a shampoo, zinc pyrithone should be applied to the hair at least twice a week. Work a small amount of the shampoo into a lather and massage the solution into the scalp. Leave in place for five to 10 minutes and then rinse.
Ketoconazole
This drug is an anti-fungal treatment product and is found in brand name drugs such as Xolegel and Nizoral. It comes as a foam, cream, gel or shampoo and is applied topically to the scalp to treat dandruff. There are one and two percent concentrations available of ketoconazole. You are typically recommended to use ketoconazole every three to four days to stop dandruff.
