Manufacturers use zinc pyrithione in their hair products for the treatment of chronic scalp conditions, as well as for the improvement of overall hair and scalp health. This chemical helps cleanse your hair and scalp, as well as combat the microorganisms that can grow on skin and cause itching and odor. You should consult a doctor before using a product that contains zinc pyrithione, in case you have an allergy to it.
Dandruff Treatment
A chronic scalp condition, dandruff's main symptoms include an itchy scalp and the flaking of white, oily, dead skin from your scalp. This condition is not contagious or serious, says the Mayo Clinic, but it can be unpleasant and embarrassing, as well as difficult to remedy. You can keep dandruff under control by cleaning your hair and scalp with a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione, such as Head & Shoulders or DermaZinc.
Because of zinc pyrithione's antifungal and antibacterial properties, it works to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff to plague your scalp. To treat dandruff, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you wash your hair at least once a day with a gentle shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione. This will help reduce excess oil and the build-up of dead skin on the scalp. You can lessen your use of this shampoo to a few times a week once you have your dandruff under control.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect the oily areas of your body, including your scalp. Like dandruff, it causes itching and flaking on the scalp, but it can also be characterized by a sore, red scalp and dandruff that can be especially difficult to treat, says the Mayo Clinic. While not contagious or serious, this condition can cause discomfort and embarrassment.
You can use a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione to fight the bacteria that causes this condition as well, which will help control and lessen your symptoms. However, if you wash your hair once a day with a zinc pyrithione shampoo for several weeks and your condition does not improve, you should speak to your doctor. You may need to get a prescription for a shampoo that contains a higher amount of zinc pyrithione.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment
Scalp psoriasis may look similar to seborrheic dermatitis, but the former condition typically causes your skin to flake off in larger pieces. The flakes may have a silvery tone to them and even bleed when you try to remove them, says the Mayo Clinic. Scalp psoriasis may extend beyond your scalp and hairline as well.
While this condition may be more aggressive than dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, zinc pyrithione's antibacterial properties can help treat its symptoms. The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that zinc pyrithione can moisturize and calm an itching, irritated scalp, as well as remove the dead, flaking skin that scalp psoriasis can cause.
You should use a mild shampoo medicated with zinc pyrithione to clean your hair and scalp once a day. If your condition worsens or does not improve, you should consult a dermatologist or physician.
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