Dandruff Treatments

Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a scalp condition characterized by itchy, flaky, dead skin that builds up on the scalp and falls off in oily, white flakes that show up on your shoulders when you wear dark clothes. Dandruff is not dry skin; it is a chronic problem that can be caused by oily skin, yeast or fungus, skin sensitivity or a skin disorder such as eczema or psoriasis. Dandruff cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with special shampoos, lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medical intervention.

Shampoos

When you have dandruff, you must shampoo your hair often, sometimes daily. If regular shampoos don't control flaking, you probably have to use a special dandruff shampoo. There are many dandruff shampoos on the market, containing a wide variety of active ingredients. You may have to try several brands before you find one that works for you, or buy several different types and alternate them. Once dandruff is under control, you may be able to alternate regular shampoo and dandruff shampoo, or use the dandruff shampoo just once or twice a week.

Each type of anti-dandruff shampoo ingredient works differently. Zinc pyrithione, found in Head & Shoulders shampoo, is an antibacterial/antifungal agent. Coal tar, the active ingredient in Neutrogena T/Gel, slows down the cell death process on your scalp, resulting in fewer flakes. Salicylic acid, found in Lonil T and other shampoos, sloughs off dead skin. You might need to use a cream rinse or conditioner after this shampoo because it can be very drying. Selenium sulfide in Selsun Blue prevents skin cells from drying out too quickly. Ketoconazole, the active ingredient in Nizoral shampoo, is an antifungal that reduces dandruff caused by yeast. Tea tree oil extracted from the Australian tea tree is an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal ingredient used successfully as an alternative ingredient in some dandruff shampoos.

Lifestyle

When you wash your hair, lather twice. During the second wash, leave shampoo in for at least several minutes before rinsing. Massage the scalp to loosen dandruff scales, but don't scrub it. Avoid using hair products, such as sprays, waxes and gels, that can build up on your hair and scalp, and add more oily residue.

Get some sun. Dandruff is often less active in warm, dry weather. Sunlight can help clear up flaking.

Reduce stress, which can trigger or increase dandruff.

Medical

If none of the dandruff shampoos sold over the counter eliminate your flakes, speak to your doctor about prescription shampoos or other medications.

Call your doctor if dandruff is accompanied by patches of skin on the scalp or hairline that are crusty, red, painful or wet from seeping pus or fluids. Steroid lotions may be used to control skin complications.