Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes the scalp to shed dead skin. The dry flakes may be visible in your hair and on your clothes, and your scalp may be itchy and uncomfortable. Dandruff is considered a chronic condition, but you should be able to bring it under control with home treatments or, in severe cases, prescription medications.
Shampoos
Over-the-counter shampoos that contain salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole or selenium are used to treat dandruff, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A dandruff shampoo may be all you need to keep the condition under control. The Mayo Clinic recommends daily use of a dandruff shampoo, with the product left on for at least five minutes, until flaking is under control. Once you find a product that works for you, you can cut back to two or three treatments a week. If you do not find a shampoo that works, your doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo.
Topical Creams
In severe cases of dandruff, a prescription cream may be needed. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream or a topical medication that contains selenium, which slows the death of skin cells, or ketoconazole, an antifungal that can help treat dandruff. Be sure to use these as directed by your doctor.
Natural Substances
Tea tree oil, which is produced by the Australian tea tree, is commonly used as a natural treatment for a variety of skin conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, daily shampooing with tea tree oil may reduce dandruff. You may find tea tree oil shampoos in natural foods stores or health stores. While this natural treatment may be effective, the Mayo Clinic warns that some people may suffer allergic reactions from exposure to tea tree oil. A well-balanced diet that includes zinc, B vitamins and unsaturated fats may also reduce dandruff.
Sun Exposure
You might notice that your dandruff improves in the summer months when you spend more time outdoors. Sunlight can improve dandruff symptoms, but because sun damage can cause skin cancer, you should not sunbathe. Let your scalp benefit from your normal outdoor activities while you wear sunscreen on the rest of your body.
Lifestyle Changes
Stress may make you more likely to have dandruff, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may be able to relieve your symptoms by learning to manage stress. If you tend to use a lot of styling products, try using less or switching brands. A buildup of products on the scalp may worsen dandruff, and an allergy or sensitivity to a certain product may also cause skin irritation and flaking.
