It's perfectly natural to shed dead skin cells from your scalp. When dandruff develops, however, this shedding accelerates and forms large, noticeable flakes that can cause itching and tenderness. The good news, according to the Mayo Clinic, is that dandruff is generally not a serious condition, nor is it contagious. The bad news is it can be irritating, embarrassing and hard to treat. It's important to find a medicated shampoo or other treatment to curb stubborn cases of dandruff by reducing oiliness in the scalp as well as the buildup of skin cells.
Considerations
Dandruff occurs when skin cells grow and die off too quickly. The reason for this malfunction is not completely understood. Kidshealth.org says it may be linked to a type of fungus. The flakes produced from dandruff can be white or yellow in color, and greasy. You may notice flaking around the ears, nose and eyebrows in addition to the scalp. Dandruff is often noticeable in a person's hair and on his shoulders.
Risk Factors
Dandruff most often develops in the early years of adulthood and persists through middle age. Men are more prone to dandruff than women. This is due in part to the fact that men have larger oil-producing glands on their scalps. Individuals who have very oily skin and hair (malassezia) are more apt to develop dandruff. Stress can provoke the onset of dandruff in some people or intensify an existing case.
Over-the-Counter Shampoos
If regular shampoos are not effectively treating your dandruff, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid (Ionil T), zinc (Head & Shoulders), selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) or tar (Neutrogena T/Gel) may fight the condition in some cases.
Prescription Shampoos
Fluocinolone (brand name Capex), is a prescription steroid-based shampoo that may effectively control dandruff when other shampoos have failed. Nizoral prescription shampoo contains a broad-spectrum antifungal agent called ketoconazole that may also treat stubborn cases of dandruff.
Application
As you prepare to wash your hair and scalp, part the hair into several small sections. Apply the shampoo to one section at a time. Make sure to massage your scalp for a good five minutes to help loosen flakes. Rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing. If your dandruff fails to improve, your doctor may prescribe a prescription shampoo and/or scalp lotion.
Additional Hair Care Tips
If you have a stubborn case of dandruff, it may help to limit the use of hair-styling products like mousses and gels. These items can cause a filmy buildup on your hair and may lead to oiliness. Although dandruff can cause itching, resist the urge to pick or scratch your scalp. This can cause breaks in the skin and could lead to infection.
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