Buzz
Dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin issue that can affect the scalp, ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, and beard. Dandruff may appear in infants (referred to as 'cradle cap'), teens, and adults. It consists of dry, flaky skin patches on the scalp or other areas of the body, accompanied by inflamed, pink or red skin. If you have dandruff, you may notice white flakes on your shoulders or chest, especially when wearing dark clothes. Severe or chronic dandruff can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Itching and irritation are also common. Dandruff can be treated with professional products and home remedies. Additionally, steps can be taken to prevent it from recurring on the scalp or other areas. Treatment aims to reduce the fungus and inflammation caused by the yeast that leads to dandruff, usually through topical products.
Steps
Use Professional Products
Try Over-the-Counter Dandruff Shampoos Containing Zinc or Salicylic Acid. If your dandruff is severe, you might want to try shampoos that contain ingredients that help fight the fungi responsible for dandruff. These can be found at pharmacies and may include:
- Zinc pyrithione: This ingredient helps to combat Malassezia, a type of fungus that contributes to dandruff. Zinc pyrithione is found in products like Head & Shoulders, Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1, and SHS Zinc.
- Salicylic acid and sulfur: These ingredients help to soften dead skin cells on the scalp, making them flake off and fall away. They are found in shampoos like Neutrogena T/Sal and Sebulex. Keep in mind that salicylic acid may dry out your scalp, so using a conditioner afterward is recommended to moisturize.
- Selenium sulfide 1-2.5%: This ingredient slows down the production of new skin cells on the scalp and eliminates the fungi causing dandruff. You can find selenium sulfide in shampoos like Excel, Selsun Blue, and Reme-T. However, it is not recommended for use on blonde or chemically treated hair, as it may alter the color of the hair.
- Shampoos Containing 1% Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole is a strong antifungal agent that can treat and prevent dandruff. It's found in Nizoral A-D.
- Coal tar-based Shampoos: These can help slow the production of dead skin cells and prevent dandruff. They are found in products like Neutrogena T/Gel, Tarsum, and Tegrin.
- It's advised not to use certain dandruff shampoos during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always read the product label carefully and consult a doctor if you have concerns about using dandruff shampoos.
Use the shampoo as directed on the label. Once you've chosen the right dandruff shampoo, it's essential to use it correctly to get the best results. You may use dandruff shampoo once a day or every other day until your dandruff is under control. However, Ketoconazole shampoo should only be used twice a week.
- Massage the shampoo into your scalp and leave it for at least 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to work effectively. If you find a shampoo is no longer working, consider alternating between two different dandruff shampoos.
- If the shampoo seems effective, reduce the frequency to 2-3 times a week. On the other hand, if it doesn't work after several weeks and dandruff persists, consult your doctor about prescription treatments.
Use Over-the-Counter Topical Creams for Dandruff Treatment. In addition to dandruff shampoos, you can apply topical creams to your scalp for treatment. There are two types of creams you can use:
- Corticosteroid Cream: This cream can reduce inflammation and dry skin, available in over-the-counter forms with 0.5% or 1% concentration. Apply it to the scalp after using dandruff shampoo on wet hair.
- Antifungal Cream: These creams are effective because they reduce the amount of fungi living on the skin, including the scalp. Look for over-the-counter creams containing 1% clotrimazole or 2% miconazole. Apply the antifungal cream 1-2 times daily.
Apply Mineral Oil After Using Dandruff Shampoo. If you have severe dandruff, try using warm mineral oil before bedtime to soften the dandruff flakes. Cover your hair and scalp with a cap while you sleep. Then, wash your hair with dandruff shampoo the following morning.
Use Home Remedies
Apply Aspirin to the Scalp. Aspirin contains salicylates, which are active ingredients found in dandruff shampoos with salicylic acid. Aspirin provides a quick and simple home remedy for treating dandruff.
- Crush 2 aspirin tablets into a fine powder and mix it with your shampoo.
- Apply the shampoo with the aspirin mixture evenly to your hair and massage it into your scalp. Leave the shampoo on your hair for 1-2 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Rinse your hair again with regular shampoo (without aspirin) to remove any remaining powder.
Use natural oils to nourish your scalp. Natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil can help hydrate the scalp and prevent dandruff.
- Pour your preferred natural oil into a bowl. Warm the oil until it's comfortable to the touch, but not boiling. Then, apply the oil to your entire scalp and massage it in evenly.
- Wrap a towel around your hair and scalp, allowing the oil to absorb overnight.
- The next morning, wash your hair thoroughly to remove the oil.
Wash your hair with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent that can help prevent the scalp from becoming flaky and fungal, which can lead to dandruff. You can use it to wash your hair after shampooing.
- Mix 2 cups of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of cool water.
- Bend over a basin or bathtub and pour the apple cider vinegar mixture over your scalp to rinse.
- You can also apply plain white vinegar to your scalp and wrap a towel around it. Leave it on overnight and then wash it out with regular shampoo in the morning.
Use baking soda. Baking soda is a great home remedy for treating dandruff.
- Instead of using shampoo, apply baking soda directly to your hair and scalp. Massage it in and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- You can also use baking soda as a regular replacement for shampoo to combat dandruff.
Preventing dandruff
Wash your hair regularly. Keeping a consistent hair cleaning routine can help prevent dandruff while also keeping your hair and scalp healthy. Try washing your hair once a day, especially if you have an oily or sensitive scalp.
Avoid using hair sprays and hair gels. Hair styling products like hairspray, gel, mousse, and hair wax can cause oil buildup on both your hair and scalp, leading to dandruff. Limit the use of such products, especially if you have an oily scalp or are already noticing dandruff.
Spend more time outdoors in the sun. Research shows that sunlight can help prevent dandruff. However, always apply sunscreen on your body before heading outdoors to protect yourself from harmful UV exposure.
Learn to manage stress. Stress has been shown to trigger or worsen dandruff. It's important to focus on reducing stress or worries you face at home, school, or work.
Maintain a diet rich in zinc and B vitamins. A diet high in B vitamins, zinc, and healthy fats can help prevent the fungi that cause dandruff.
