Dandruff is a common condition that affects millions of people, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The condition is not contagious and is rarely serious, but the itching and flaking associated with dandruff may be of significant cosmetic concern. Symptoms of dandruff include oily patches or white flakes in the hair that may fall from the scalp onto the shoulders and back. The condition is caused by the rapid shedding of skin cells and is associated with an overgrowth of certain types of fungus, according to the University of Iowa. Most cases of dandruff respond to home treatments.
Shampoo Frequently
Dandruff caused by oily scalp may respond to daily shampooing with a mild shampoo. Heavy conditioners should be applied to the hair only and not the scalp, as they may increase scalp oiliness and worsen dandruff. The addition of tea tree oil to your normal shampoo may also help dandruff caused by bacterial or fungal infections of the scalp, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Medicated Shampoo
Over-the-counter medicated shampoos are often effective at controlling dandruff when regular shampoos have failed to reduce flaking and itching. Because the active ingredient in dandruff shampoos varies, the Mayo Clinic states that it is important to experiment with different shampoos until you find one that helps. Shampoos containing zinc pyrinthione, coal tar, selenium sulfide, ketaconazole and salicylic acid are available in most pharmacies and retail stores. In most cases, these shampoos should be used daily until dandruff is under control, and then every few days to prevent a return of symptoms.
Dietary Changes
Eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of seafood, fruits and vegetables may help treat dandruff. The Mayo Clinic states that omega-3 fatty acids, the B vitamins, and zinc may be especially important for scalp health. If dietary sources of these nutrients are insufficient, a daily supplement is recommended. The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recommends reducing intake of foods high in yeast and sugar.
Time in the Sun
While too much sun exposure is dangerous and increases the risk of developing skin cancer, some sun exposure may be good for dandruff. Spending a few minutes outdoors each day is sufficient and may improve dandruff and flaking caused by psoriasis. Wearing sunscreen on the face and body is necessary to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Seek Help for Persistent Dandruff
In some cases, dandruff may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires professional treatment. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, certain autoimmune diseases, and some fungal infections can all cause dandruff-like symptoms. Dandruff may also be caused by a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. In addition to scalp flaking, seborrheic dermatitis causes redness and greasy scales to develop on the scalp, face, eyebrows and sides of the nose, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. These conditions are treatable with prescription-strength oral or topical medications. If your dandruff fails to respond to home treatments, a doctor may be able to help.
