If you have noticed embarrassing white flakes falling from your scalp, you don't have to go into hiding. Skin that is oily and has patchy, scaly flakes may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, while a dry scalp with smaller, white flakes may be caused by dry skin or not shampooing frequently enough, according to MayoClinic.com.
Over-the-Counter Shampoos
Whether you have flakes due to dry skin or seborrheic dermatitis, you may benefit from an over-the-counter shampoo that contains an effective active ingredient, such as coal tar, resorcin, zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole, according to the website of the University of Maryland Medical Center. Shampooing your hair once a day and vigorously scrubbing your scalp with your fingernails for five minutes to loosen flakes or scales may help to reduce dandruff.
Prescription Shampoos
If over-the-counter shampoos are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe a medicated prescription shampoo to reduce flakes on your scalp. Prescription medications for dandruff are more concentrated than over-the-counter remedies and may include corticosteriods, ketoconazole or selenium as active ingredients. If shampoos are ineffective, your doctor may also prescribe a steroid lotion that is applied to the scalp.
Home Remedies
If your doctor approves, you can use home remedies to treat your dandruff. Although these remedies are not proven by doctors to be effective, they may be worth a try. Wetting the hair, then rubbing a handful of baking soda into the hair for several minutes before rinsing it out may be effective in exfoliating the scalp and preventing new flakes. If you don't have baking soda on hand, rubbing 2 tbsp. lemon juice into the scalp, then rinsing the hair with a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 tsp. lemon juice may help to reduce flakes.
