Dandruff is a stubborn and unsightly problem. This skin condition makes the scalp red and flaky, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. Yellow or white flakes dot the hair and fall off onto clothing. The condition persists without treatment, but it usually can be controlled with store-bought dandruff shampoos. They are safe to use every day, and the NIH recommends frequent use for the best effect.
Definition
The NIH describes dandruff as an inflammatory skin condition also known as seborrheic dermatitis. It is usually triggered by excess skin oil and an overgrowth of a yeast called malassezia. Dandruff affects various areas like the eyebrows, eyelids and nose creases, and also can appear on the exterior of the ears and behind them. It is most common on the scalp, so over-the-counter medicated shampoos are the usual treatment.
Time Frame
Dandruff often starts in young adulthood, according to the Mayo Clinic, and can continue through middle age. Some people manage to get rid of it completely, but others struggle with it throughout their lives. Men are especially prone to dandruff because they have larger oil glands on their scalps, and the Mayo Clinic states that male hormones also might play a role.
Types
Dandruff shampoos for daily use come in several types. The Mayo Clinic explains that zinc pyrithione-based shampoos fight malassezia yeast. Shampoos with salicylic acid or selenium sulfide slow skin cell death and shedding. Ketoconazole shampoo often helps people when other products are not effective. Salicylic acid-based scrubs smooth scaly skin, but they should be used with a conditioner, the Mayo Clinic recommends. Otherwise they can dry out the scalp and worsen flakiness with frequent use.
Considerations
Dandruff shampoo does not have to be used every day once the flakes and other symptoms are well-controlled, according to the Mayo Clinic. Regular shampoo can be used on most days, with dandruff shampoo applied twice a week. Increase the number of days for the medicated product if the symptoms return.
Prevention
Other preventative measures can be combined with dandruff shampoo to control the problem. Avoid greasy hair-styling products like gels, mousse and heavy hair sprays, the Mayo Clinic recommends. Eat a diet rich in zinc and vitamin B, as those two nutrients help prevent dandruff. Stress can worsen it, so a comprehensive anti-dandruff plan should include stress-management techniques. Daily dandruff shampoo use can be cut back to once or twice weekly, or completely eliminated, if the overall treatment plan reduces or eliminates the symptoms.
