Dandruff is the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Although the exact cause of dandruff is unknown, it is often triggered by the malassezia yeast, stress, seasonal changes or neurological conditions. According to the AskMen website, approximately 50 million people in America suffer from dandruff. Men typically suffer from the most severe cases, with the condition developing in the late teen years. Dandruff may be unsightly and embarrassing, but it can be controlled with the right remedies..
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Medicated Shampoo
Wash your hair with an over-the-counter medicated shampoo once a day to treat dandruff. Look for a shampoo containing salicylic acid, tar, ketoconazole, ciclopirox, selenium sulfide or pyrithione zinc, according to the Mayo Clinic. These shampoos can effectively slow down the scaling process if you follow the directions for use. Switch back and forth between two different types of dandruff shampoos if you notice one is losing effectiveness.
Stress Reduction
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says that stress can exacerbate dandruff, making symptoms worse. To combat this, find a stress-management technique that works for you, such as exercise. Not only does exercise provide a distraction from stressful situations, it directly blocks stress' harmful effects on the heart and blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Steroid Lotion
If medicated shampoos are not effective, talk to a doctor or dermatologist about other options. He may suggest a steroid lotion, such as prescription-strength cortisone lotion, to rub onto your head twice a day. For a more aggressive treatment, your doctor may recommend applying the lotion, placing a shower cap over your head and keeping the medication in your hair overnight.
