Dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition from oily areas forming scales on your scalp. According to FamilyDoctor.org, dandruff is common in adults between the ages of 30 to 60; in babies under 3 month old it is known as cradle cap. There are a variety of ways to treat dandruff, and finding the right treatment for you may take some time and experimenting. Discuss any potential risks with a doctor prior to starting any medical or alternative treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
Changing your lifestyle or hygiene routines may help decrease or eliminate dandruff. Reducing styling products, such as hair sprays, gels and hair waxes may help reduce the additional build-up on the scalp which produces dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition, adding foods that contain zinc and B vitamins can help reduce the inflammatory effect caused by dandruff.
According to Dr. Patricia Farris, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Tulane University School of Medicine, washing your hair often, such as every day, can help control dandruff. In addition, Farris suggest gently massaging your scalp with the fingertips during shampooing, which will help loosen up the flakes and scales.
Getting a little sun is a suggestion from the MayoClinic.com. The exposure to ultraviolet rays in moderation from spending approximately 30 minutes outdoors may help reduce the inflammation from the scalp build-up, but wear sunscreen to prevent harmful effects to the skin.
Reducing stress or finding ways to counteract stress, such as exercise and meditation, can also treat the condition, as stress may trigger skin conditions such as dandruff and worsen existing symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.
Medicated Shampoo
Shampoos containing anti-seborrheic agents such as selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione are available over-the-counter to help reduce or eliminate dandruff. FamilyDoctor.org recommends rubbing the shampoo thoroughly into your hair and letting it sit on the scalp for a minimum of 5 minutes before rinsing, allowing the shampoo time to penetrate and work.
If the dandruff persists, visit a health-care professional to consult about your condition. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are prescription shampoos and lotions available that contain selenium, ketoconazole or corticosteroids to help treat or reduce dandruff.
Home Remedies
Finding items in your pantry may help decrease dandruff. According the book, “Everything You Need to Know to Have Great-Looking Hair,” dried thyme, which has mild antiseptic properties, can be boiled, strained and applied to the scalp using massage techniques for a dandruff treatment.
In addition, Dr. Robert Herten, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Irvine College of Medicine suggests using a warmed olive oil application, followed by covering your head with a shower cap for 30 minutes to help reduce excess scalp oil.
