When your regular shampoo doesn't control the white flakes on your scalp, a dandruff shampoo might make a difference. Manufacturers of dandruff shampoos, such as LupiCare, rely on various active ingredients, each of which does battle with dandruff in a slightly different way. LupiCare Dandruff Shampoo uses salicylic acid to control flaking. It is one of many active ingredients the Mayo Clinic says might curb dandruff.
About Dandruff
Dandruff is fairly easy to self-diagnose. Symptoms include an itchy scalp and white, oily flakes of skin that linger in the hair and drop to your neck and shoulders. Dandruff can be caused by medical conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema, but it also can be the result of dry skin or infrequent shampooing. Mayo Clinic experts also point to a fungus called malassezia, which resides on the scalps of almost all adults without causing any symptoms; however, when malassezia overgrows and begins to feed on the sebum produced in your skin, it can cause irritation and dandruff.
LupiCare and Salicylic Acid
The Mayo Clinic identifies numerous active ingredients in over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, including zinc pyrithione, coal tar, selenium sulfide and ketoconazole. LupiCare Dandruff Shampoo contains 2 percent salicylic acid, an ingredient Mayo Clinic experts say acts as scrub, removing flakes and scales from your scalp. But saliclyic acid, while beneficial, also can leave your hair and scalp dry, which might result in more pronounced flaking. When using a salicylic acid-based shampoo, use a conditioner as well.
Proper Use
Salicylic acid, when used in a shampoo form such as that made by LupiCare, should be applied to wet hair and scalp using lukewarm water, according to Drugs.com. Enough of the shampoo should be used so that it lathers. Rub the shampoo into your scalp for two to three minutes, then rinse well. Drugs.com indicates that a second application of salicylic acid-based shampoo is necessary. When using dandruff shampoos in general, the Mayo Clinic states that you should use them daily until flaking and itching resolves, after which you can cut down to using them two or three times a week. Leave the shampoo in your hair for five minutes to give the active ingredient time to work.
Will LupiCare Work?
LupiCare Dandruff Shampoo might curb your dandruff, but it might not. Mayo Clinic experts say dandruff shampoos can lose their effectiveness over time. For this reason, it's a good idea to have two dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients on hand and alternate using them. If dandruff shampoos fail to make a difference or you experience redness or swelling in your scalp, contact your health-care provider.
Where to Find LupiCare
LupiCare Dandruff Shampoo is available on the manufacturer's website or through other online sellers such as CenterDrugs.Com. LupiCare also makes shampoo and skin and scalp creams for those suffering from psoriasis, as well as a general-purpose moisturizing skin cream and lotion.
