Dandruff is a common skin problem that is most prevalent on the scalp, but it can also appear on other parts of the body where sebum is present, including the eyebrows, face, chest and ears. Dandruff consists of white or yellow flakes that develop on the skin and shed from the scalp and other affected areas. Several factors contribute to dandruff; for instance, fungal infections from the malassezia fungus or an overproduction of sebum oil. Regardless of the cause, several different treatment options are available to address severe cases of dandruff.
Zinc Pyrithione
Zinc pyrithione is a common treatment for severe cases of dandruff and is an active ingredient in several brands of dandruff shampoo. Zinc pyrithione contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which reduce the levels of malassezia and other fungi and bacteria that can irritate the scalp and produce dandruff.
Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide may also combat severe dandruff. Selenium sulfide appears in several brands of dandruff shampoo, and works by reducing the rate at which your skin cells die and shed. It may also target the malassezia fungus to reduce skin irritation.
Salicylic Acid
Shampoos containing salicylic acid can also help reduce problems with dandruff on the scalp. Salicylic acid works as a descaler by softening a protein called keratin in the scalp skin. This allows the shampoo to better remove dead skin cells before they contribute to dandruff. Salicylic acid, however, can dry out the skin and contribute to further problems with dandruff, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Therefore, after cleansing with a salicylic acid shampoo, you should follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is also an option for treating severe dandruff. Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal product that helps combat the malassezia fungus and other fungi that irritate the scalp and contribute to the formation of dandruff.
Tar
Tar-based shampoos also alleviate dandruff problems. The tar in these shampoos is a byproduct of the coal production process. Tar slows down the rate at which your skin cells shed, thereby reducing the amount of dead skin cells on the scalp that contribute to dandruff production.
