If the dandruff shampoo you chose to help your scalp condition is not working, you may have chosen the wrong shampoo for the type of dandruff you have. There are a variety of causes for dandruff and each require a different form of treatment. Though it may seem like there is no hope for healthy scalp and hair, knowing the scalp condition you have and choosing the correct dandruff shampoo will help you get the relief you are looking for.
Identification
Dandruff is characterized by white, oily flakes of dead skin. It causes the scalp to be itchy, red and irritated. A dry scalp can also cause dandruff but produces smaller flakes on the scalp, according to MayoClinic.com. Your scalp may be red and itchy as well. An inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis also causes dandruff. The inflammation is from an excess build-up of oil that results in flakes, itching and redness. Scalp psoriasis is another inflammatory condition of the skin and scalp that also produces flaking, itching and redness with added symptoms of scales and plaques.
Risk Factors
How you acquired dandruff can say a lot about the cause and treatment. Dandruff caused by a dry scalp can be from dry, cold weather or areas with low humidity. If you have been washing your hair frequently, this may have aggravated your scalp, making the dandruff worse. You may have a skin infection on your scalp that leads to seborrheic dermatitis or malassezia. Scalps have a natural fungus that feeds on the oil and dead skin but when it becomes out of control, dandruff develops. Scalp psoriasis is believed to be triggered from an autoimmune disorder.
Treatment
If your dandruff has been triggered by a dry scalp, try not washing your hair everyday. Organic or natural shampoos are more gentle than commercial shampoos, which can have harsh chemicals and preservatives that can further irritate your scalp. Hot oil treatments containing herbs such as rose, tea tree, peppermint, myrrh or chamomile can deeply hydrate your scalp and hair. Shampoos that have selenium sulfide or ketoconazole help treat dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis or malassezia. Scalp psoriasis can be managed with shampoos containing either salicylic acid or coal tar, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Effects
Organic and natural shampoos are made with filtered or deionized water, which can be more gentle for an irritated, dry scalp. Selenium sulfide and ketoconazole are antifungal agents that rid your scalp of the infection that has caused the itching and flaking of dandruff from seborrheic dermatitis and malassezia, according to MayoClinic.com. Salicylic acid is a peeling agent for scalp psoriasis. It softens and removes the outer layer of skin caused by an overproduction of skin cells characteristic of psoriasis. Coal tar helps to slow this rapid production of skin cells and reduces inflammation, itching and flaking while soothing the scalp.
Considerations
If your current choice of dandruff shampoo is not working, it is best to consult your doctor to determine the exact cause in order to get the right treatment. Most scalp conditions benefit from a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water.
