Cells normally dry and flake off as part of the process of skin regeneration. If you have symptoms such as itching and burning on your scalp, in addition to flakes appearing in your hair, on your shoulders and back, you may have dandruff. If you have more severe symptoms, you could have psoriasis on your scalp, notes MayoClinic.com. Psoriasis is characterized by red patches with a thick crust that may bleed, itch and be sore.
Step 1
Shampoo your hair with a medicated shampoo. MayoClinic.com suggests looking for products containing ketoconazole, tar or salicylic acid. Tar works by reducing cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps eliminate flakes. Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that helps treat dandruff. The Beauty Brains website suggests using a shampoo that contains selenium sulfide, which also reduces cell regeneration and fights the fungus that causes dandruff.
Step 2
Apply an ointment or gel to your head that is formulated to treat dry scalp conditions. Use a product containing tar, corticosteroids or a vitamin D derivative. Tars used in gels and foams are less messy and have a less offensive odor than tar used in shampoos, according the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, which adds that corticosteroids have also been proven effective in treating dry scalp conditions.
Step 3
Apply mineral oil to your scalp at night. MayoClinic.com explains that mineral oil loosens dry skin scales and helps reduce inflammation. Keep your head covered with a shower cap while you sleep to prevent ruining your bedding.
Tips and Warnings
- Some of the products that contain over-the-counter medicated ingredients for treating a dry scalp include Selsun Blue, Ionil T and Neutrogena T/Gel. Because your scalp condition can be worsened by stress, according to a study by Dr. Petra Arck from the University of Medicine in Berlin, relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation could help reduce your symptoms. See your doctor if your dry scalp symptoms persist. For stubborn cases, your physician can prescribe an oral medication like methotrexate or cyclosporine, which has similar medication as over-the-counter dry-scalp treatments, but in stronger doses.
- Avoid washing your hair every day since ordinary shampoo can be very drying. Shampoo only three or four times a week. Eliminate some hair products from your regimen. Tacky clays and waxes can be very drying. Also avoid using leave-in conditioners. Hot water, heat from your hair dryer, and styling tools like curling and flat irons can worsen a dry scalp. Let your hair air-dry when your condition is moderate to severe.
Things You'll Need
- Medicated shampoo
- Medicated gel or ointment
- Mineral oil
References
- Mayo Clinic: Scalp Psoriasis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis
- The Beauty Brains: 8 Ways to Fight Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
- "Pharmacy and Therapeutics": An Overview of Medicated Shampoos Used in Dandruff Treatment
- "American Journal of Pathology": Stress-Induced Inflammation in Skin
- "American Journal of Clinical Dermatology": Psoriasis of the Scalp
