Best Dandruff Treatments & Prevention Before It's Too Late

 

Treatments for dandruff include techniques that eliminate the scalp's symptoms of itching and flaking. Brushing your hair regularly and using a dandruff shampoo are the first two things you should consider when dealing with this problem.

Shampoos for Dandruff Treatment

Shampoos for dandruff are divided into several categories based on the medication they include. Prescriptions are required for several of these medications.

• Shampoos containing Zinc pyrithione (for example- DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders). They help combat germs and mold on the scalp, usually present due to dirt, and are common in children. 
• Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo, Neutrogena T/Gel, and others. The coal tar in the shampoo helps reduce the rate at which your scalp's skin cells die and peel off, slowing the dandruff process.

Note: Discoloration may occur if you use this shampoo with light-colored hair. The scalp may also become more sensitive to sunlight due to this treatment.

• Salicylic acid-based shampoos (Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo, Baker P&S, others). This acid-based shampoo is good for reducing scalp scaling issues.
• Shampoos with selenium sulfide (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, others). These have antifungal properties. Discoloration of the hair can occur; therefore, follow the manufacturer's instructions and rinse thoroughly when washing with these products.
• Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral Anti-Dandruff). This shampoo is helpful in case of severe fungi-related dandruff because of the antifungal agent Ketoconazole.
• The shampoo contains fluocinolone (Capex, Derma-Smoothe/FS, and similar products). Itching, flaking, and irritation can be alleviated using these corticosteroid-based shampoos.

Other options include gels, sprays, ointments, and medicated oils, which contain the same salts. It is crucial that you hit and try a few different products before locating the one product that works best for you. Additionally, you may require therapy for a prolonged period. Stop using any product if you notice irritation or stinging. When signs of an allergic response appear, such as itchy skin or trouble breathing, it is necessary to get medical help.

Tips for using dandruff shampoos:

• Apply the shampoo to your scalp thoroughly; afterward, rinse well.
• Shampoo your hair for five minutes or as instructed, and then rinse it off.
• Rinse vigorously to remove any traces of dirt and debris because any remaining shampoo might cause a reaction on your skin.
• Wash your hair as prescribed (remember not to overdo it because the chemicals used in the dandruff shampoos are harmful to your hair if used for a prolonged period. 

Dandruff Treatment for different types of hair

 

 

• Black hair: It's advised to use the dandruff shampoo once a week; for better results, it's good to seek advice from a dermatologist.  
• Caucasian hair: The most effective strategy is to shampoo every day, but just twice a week using dandruff shampoo. When everything else fails, you may choose to switch shampoos with various treatment chemicals to see if it helps get rid of it.
• Oily hair: Sebum, an oily fluid produced by glands just beneath the skin's surface, is a natural moisturizer and protector for your skin. As a result of excessive sebum production, your hair may become too greasy.

It can also clump together and cause dandruff because of the extra oil. Dandruff from oily skin tends to be greater than that from dry skin. The flakes may appear yellower and oilier than they do white. More severe cases of oily skin dandruff are referred to as seborrheic dermatitis. Oily skin dandruff can be controlled by shampooing often and using a salicylic acid-based dandruff shampoo.

• Dry hair: Dandruff is prevalent in dry hair or scalp. Especially in the winter months, dry weather and high room temperatures in your home can cause your skin, notably your scalp, to dry out.

Dry skin dandruff can also be caused by constantly washing your hair in hot water. A dry scalp may develop irritation, shed skin cells more rapidly, and produce tiny white flakes. Regular massage with coconut oil can help reduce the occurrence of dry skin dandruff. However, persistent skin irritation might indicate a more severe ailment that requires immediate medical attention. 

Tips for Prevention of Dandruff

• Regular shampooing 

An extremely simple yet effective treatment that will help prevent product, skin cell, and oil accumulation. Use a clarifying shampoo instead of an anti-dandruff shampoo to get the most remarkable results. Make sure you don't go overboard. Too much washing will deplete your scalp of oils it requires, drying it up and causing even more oil production. Taking a shower and drying your hair thoroughly before bed is an excellent habit. 

• Frequent usage of Aloe vera on the scalp

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of the Aloe vera help cure dandruff. It can also have a calming impact on inflammation and irritation, benefiting your scalp. Apply some gel to your scalp, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it away.

• Avoid using conditioner on the hair roots.

"Dandruff can be exacerbated by over-applying conditioner or greasy products to the scalp," Dr. Yeral Patel, a board-certified physician in anti-aging/regenerative medicine and general medicine in California, explains. Just apply conditioner and style products to the hair to prevent scalp irritation.

• Brush your hair down from the scalp with regular, firm strokes. Dandruff is caused by an oil buildup on the scalp, which may be removed by using this method. It maintains the shine and luster of your hair.

FAQs: Dandruff Treatments

Q. What's the most effective way to get rid of stubborn dandruff?

In severe dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, medical consultation with your healthcare physician is recommended. Changes to your diet or the use of an over-the-counter shampoo may help ease your symptoms. The doctor may advise you to use harsher shampoos or lotions based on your condition.

Q. Is dandruff a disease?

Although it's a normal phenomenon, it can become a long-term condition if produced in excess. It can occur as a disease in the following forms:

• Seborrheic dermatitis: In addition to flakes, it can cause severe itching and red patches on the scalp. 
• Eczema: Eczema is characterized by flaky, itchy skin patches and, in some cases, a red rash. When this inflammatory disease emerges on your scalp, it might generate bigger flakes than dry skin dandruff flakes. You may detect red, inflamed skin on your scalp as well.
• Psoriasis: Dandruff appears as powdery flakes. Psoriasis is assumed to be an autoimmune disorder in which skin cells proliferate too fast, resulting in thick, scaly areas of the skin.

Q. What are the common factors causing dandruff?

Malassezia, a yeast/fungus, is the primary cause of dandruff. An overgrowth of yeast causes itchiness and peeling of the skin, caused by an accumulation of skin cells. 

Q. Are there any common home-based remedies for dandruff?

Using natural methods to cure dandruff is possible, and many individuals find them successful. A standard cure is to apply diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to the affected area. Wash as usual after a few minutes of using the product.

Q. Is it true that a fungus causes dandruff?

An overabundance of a fungus called Malassezia frequently causes dandruff. It's normal for this fungus to grow on the scalp, but it can become out of control if much oil is produced.

Q. Can dandruff cause hair loss?

Dandruff does not usually directly lead to hair loss. On the other hand, scratching might be triggered by dry skin or an itchy scalp. Hair follicles can be damaged by excessive scratching, resulting in hair loss, but complete baldness is improbable.

 

 

Conclusion

The itchiness and flaking caused by dandruff can be managed with the proper dandruff treatment and knowing your hair type. For less severe cases of dandruff, treatment with a mild shampoo is sufficient to remove excess oil and skin cells. However, in extreme cases, our experts at Womenwire.com recommend taking professional medical opinion and using medicated shampoos as prescribed by your dermatologist.