A chronically dry scalp may be an indication that you have dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, which often has the same symptoms. There are a variety of specialized shampoos available to treat a dry, flaky scalp, including zinc and tar-based products which decrease the amount of oil on the skin and the inflammation associated with a dry, scaling scalp.
Zinc Shampoos
Using specialized shampoos such as Head & Shoulders daily helps reduce the fungus associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione have anitfungal and antibacterial actions helpful in treating a very dry scalp.
Tar Shampoos
Neutrogena's T/Gel is another shampoo mentioned by MayoClinic.com that helps slow the death of skin cells on your scalp. This shampoo contains coal tar, which has been found effective in treating the dry scalp associated with dandruff.
Ketoconazole Shampoo
Another broad-spectrum anti-fungal shampoo is Nizoral, found in drugstores or by prescription. Ketoconzaole is recommended by MayoClinic.com when other shampoos fail to resolve symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Tea Tree Oil
Shampoos containing tea tree oil, from the Australian tea tree, have an antiseptic and anti-fungal effect on the skin. Tea tree oil is found in shampoos sold in most health food stores.
Additional Tips
Shampoo hair daily until condition improves and try alternating shampoos. Massage shampoo into scalp and loosen skin with your fingers for several minutes before rinsing. If your child has seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap, The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends using a soft brush several times a day to loosen the scales on the skin and increase circulation on the scalp. Applying mineral oil to the scalp and then wrapping a warm, damp cloth on baby's head before shampooing will also gently loosen up dry scales on the scalp.
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