If your scalp is dry and flaky, you may have dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com in the article "Dandruff." Dandruff may have a variety of causes, including greasy, irritated skin caused by seborrheic dermatitis, the dry skin condition eczema or malassezia, a fungus. Luckily, you can control your dandruff at home using over-the-counter medicated shampoos. Consult your doctor before using a medicated shampoo to treat your dandruff condition.
Coal Tar Shampoo
Coal tar is a thick substance derived from manufacturing coal, according to MayoClinic.com. Coal tar helps slow down how quickly skin flakes off of the scalp and may be beneficial in treating dandruff due to psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Coal tar shampoos may work best in treating severe cases of dandruff, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Salicylic Acid Shampoo
Salicylic acid is an exfoliating and cleansing medication found in a variety of over-the-counter skin products, like facial cleansers. Salicylic acid may help exfoliate and remove scaly flakes and dead skin from the scalp, but it may make it even more dry, which may cause additional flakes, warns MayoClinic.com. To prevent the scalp from drying out and flaking even more, use a conditioner after scrubbing your hair with salicylic acid shampoo.
Selenium Sulfide Shampoo
Selenium sulfide is the active ingredients in several over-the-counter shampoos that are dark blue in color. Because of this blue color, selenium sulfide may stain blond, gray or white hair. Selenium sulfide prevents the cells on the skin from dying, which prevents dead skin cells from flaking off. Use selenium sulfide shampoo exactly as directed on the bottle's label and rinse it thoroughly from your hair to prevent staining.
Zinc Pyrithione Shampoos
Zinc pyrithione is the active ingredient in a variety of common over-the-counter shampoos used to treat dandruff. Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial medication that may help reduce dandruff due to seborrheic dermatitis, notes MayoClinic.com. Shampoo your hair daily with zinc pyrithione shampoo, then cut back to several times a week when your flaky scalp is under control.
Ketoconazole Shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoos may be effective in treating severe cases of dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center in the article "Seborrheic Dermatitis." Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that may help reduce a variety of different types of fungal growth on the scalp that may be causing a flaky scalp. If an over-the-counter ketoconazole shampoo is ineffective, your doctor may recommend a more concentrated, prescription ketoconazole shampoo.
