Most people can feel it when their scalp becomes dry and starts flaking off. But the real danger lies in the flakes themselves, which can accumulate in the hair and on clothing. Dandruff is often viewed as a sign of poor hygiene, and it can be very embarrassing to those who have it. If you are dealing with this problem and looking to remedy it quickly, using a special shampoo may do the trick.
Possible Causes
There are two likely causes of a dry and flaky scalp. Dandruff is often caused by a fungus and can develop through poor washing habits, although this is not always the case. It can be treated with a number of shampoos, each focusing on different aspects of the condition's presence. Seborrheic dermatitis, on the other hand, is a common inflammation of the skin that develops on oily parts of your body's skin, such as the scalp.
Symptoms
White flakes are likely to appear somewhere in your hair and/or on clothing, to varying severity. You may notice some pain or sensitivity in your hair, and if you part the hair there may be redness appearing in the skin. Itchiness is also common, as flakes are often dead skin cells that have overstayed their welcome on the scalp. In extreme cases of seborrheic dermatitis, greasiness or oiliness of the skin may develop, and hair loss can occur.
Shampoo Types
An effective shampoo for general dryness and flaking is one that is tar-based. These products, such as Neutrogena T-Gel, are produced from coal tar and can help treat dryness and flaking resulting from dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc pyrithione-based shampoos also help treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, according to MayoClinic.com.
Use
These shampoos should be used daily or every other day while the symptoms of your condition are present. Once the condition seems to be controlled or headed into remission, cut back use of the medicated shampoo to two or three times each week. If dryness of the scalp worsens, use a conditioner after the medicated shampoo to moisturize the scalp and keep it healthy.
Considerations
If you are unable to relieve your dryness or flakiness through use of one particular shampoo, you may want to switch shampoos and try a different approach. According to MayoClinic.com, various shampoos can treat your dry, flaking scalp in different ways, particularly if the cause is dandruff. Additionally, you may want to visit a doctor and have the exact cause of the condition determined -- this can aid in choosing the best approach to treatment.
