Dandruff is a common skin disorder that occurs when oily skin scale builds up on the scalp, and then flakes off onto your hair and clothing. One of the most common causes of dandruff is a type of fungus known as malassezia. Malassezia is present on almost everyone's scalp, but grows out of control when there is an excess of oily sebum on the skin on which it can feed, such as seen with seborrheic dermatitis. To combat dandruff, there are several tips and products on the market that target the malassezia fungus, reducing the irritation that causes oily dandruff.
Shampoo Frequency
One way to treat oily dandruff is to shampoo more frequently. The staff at the Mayo Clinic recommends shampooing on a regular basis to prevent oily dandruff. Shampoo contains surfactants that detach oils from the scalp and hair strands, which allows it to wash away with the rinse water. Reducing the oil on your scalp decreases the amount of food available for the malassezia fungus to thrive, reducing the population of the microbe.
Styling Products
Cutting back on styling products is another way to treat oily dandruff. Using too much product, such as mousse, gel and wax can allow the hair product to build up on the strands of your hair and even your scalp. This causes the hair and scalp to become oily, increasing problems with dandruff.
Zinc Pyrithione
Using specialized shampoo, such as those containing zinc pyrithione, can treat oily dandruff. Zinc pyrithione is found in over-the-counter shampoos, and acts as an antifungal agent, reducing the populations of malassezia fungi on the scalp. One of the most well known brands of zinc pyrithione shampoo is Head & Shoulders.
Selenium Sulfide
Another type of shampoo that treats oily dandruff contains selenium sulfide. Selenium sulfide is also available over the counter, and works by treating the malassezia fungus. It also secondarily controls the rate in which skin cells shed from the scalp, reducing the appearance of dandruff, states the New Zealand Dermatological Society. The most common brand-name for selenium sulfide shampoos is Selsun Blue.
Ketoconazole
When over-the-counter remedies are not enough, your doctor may prescribe a shampoo containing ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that helps reduce populations of malassezia on dandruff-affected skin. One common brand of ketoconazole is Nizoral.
