Dandruff is a skin development that is often caused by a fungal infection in the scalp. This skin problem causes layers of your scalp to come off in thick, white flakes. These flakes can be visible in the hair and sometimes on the shoulders of your clothing. Fortunately, dandruff can often be treated at home with the use of dandruff shampoos. These shampoos contain different types of chemicals and treat the condition in different ways.
Zinc Pyrithione Shampoos
According to the Mayo Clinic, zinc pyrithione shampoo is a type of shampoo that can combat dandruff. It is both antifungal and antibacterial, reducing the presence of fungus in the scalp and minimizing dandruff. Some name brands of shampoos containing zinc pyrithione include Selsun Salon and Head & Shoulders. The Cleveland Clinic recommends using dandruff shampoos at least every other day to be effective.
Selenium Sulfide Shampoo
Shampoos containing selenium sulfide work in a different way than zinc pyrithione -- rather than attacking fungi and bacteria, this active ingredient in shampoos slows the kill rate of your skin cells. But there can be disadvantages to this type of shampoo, since it can cause discoloration in lighter or dyed hair colors. Because of this, it is important to use the shampoos only as directed on the shampoo's packaging and to rinse it out well after washing your hair. Selsun Blue is one type of shampoo that contains selenium sulfide.
Salicylic Acid Shampoos
Salicylic acid is a common medication used for all types of skin -- it is effective at treating the scaling of your skin, which is how dandruff is developed and released from the skin. Salicylic acid is used in some dandruff shampoos, but one of its disadvantages is the risk of drying out your scalp. This can increase the prevalence of flaking on the scalp. However, you can prevent this by applying a hair conditioner after shampooing in order to lock in moisture and protect against dryness.
Tar-base Shampoos
Some shampoos treat dandruff through the use of coal tar. This is a byproduct of coal manufacturing, according to the Mayo Clinic, and can help treat scalp conditions like dandruff by slowing down the rate of your skin cells flaking off, similar to how selenium sulfide works. Neutrogena T/Gel is one type of shampoo that takes this approach to dandruff treatment, and the tar-based shampoo can also be used to treat psoriasis.
Ketoconazole Shampoos
Shampoos containing ketoconazole attempt to treat dandruff by focusing in on dandruff-causing fungi -- ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that can be obtained either as an over-the-counter treatment for dandruff of as a prescription shampoo, according to the Mayo Clinic.
