Dandruff Control Treatment

Dandruff can be very unsightly, especially when white flakes deposit themselves all over your clothing. Not only can dandruff be embarrassing, but it can also signal that you have a bigger problem, such as an illness that needs medical attention to help clear it up. However, ordinary dandruff can be taken care of with over-the-counter shampoos and medications. A little extra care also goes a long way in the treatment of dandruff. Though it is embarrassing and quite often an itchy problem, dandruff usually clears up within a few short weeks.

Kinds of Dandruff

• Dandruff is characterized by being a very common scalp condition. Along with the white flakes, a person will typically experience an itchy, dry and sometimes scaly scalp. Sometimes dandruff symptoms also carry white oily flakes of dead skin that dot the hair and cascade to the shoulder region. Dandruff can also be characterized as cradle cap in newborn babies. Sometimes infants get cradle cap until they are about a year old. Seborrheic dermatitis resembles dandruff, but is more serious. A dermatologist should be consulted in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis because it is difficult to treat scalp that becomes itchy, red, swollen and scaly. Hair can be lost due to this condition.

Causes

• The cause of dandruff is basically having a very dry scalp. This condition happens many times during the dry winter months where humidity indoors is at a minimum. Not shampooing often enough can cause hair and the scalp to become oily and dry. Dead skin will build up, thus causing dandruff also.

Shampoos

• Treatment for dandruff is all a matter of finding the right shampoo. A dandruff sufferer may have to try several different shampoos or medications to discover what works the best. There are several dandruff-fighting shampoos. Zinc pyrithione shampoos, such as Selsun Salon and Head and Shoulders, contain antibacterial and anti-fungal agents. The zinc reduces the fungus on the scalp that causes the dandruff or dermatitis. Tar-based shampoos such as Neutrogena T/ Gel contains a tar byproduct that helps to get rid of dandruff, dermatitis and psoriasis symptoms by slowing down how quickly skin cells die on the scalp and flake off. Shampoos containing salicylic acid, such as Ionil T, can help to scrub the scalp free of the scales that can become quite severe. Selenium sulfide shampoos such as Selsun Blue can slow the skin cells from dying and may reduce the fungus from forming. Ketoconazole shampoos such as Nizoral is a broad spectrum anti-fungal agent that can work where other shampoos have failed.

Tea Tree Oil

• Alternative treatments are becoming more popular today with people trying tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has really been around for centuries but has recently made its way to natural food stores in the United States. It can be used as a shampoo and contains a natural antibiotic, an anti-fungal and an antiseptic that take out the fungus and treat the dandruff.

Expert Insight

• When over-the-counter remedies don't get rid of the dandruff, scaliness and itching from the condition, seek advice from a doctor or a dermatologist. She can prescribe a more aggressive treatment such as a steroid lotion or a stronger shampoo.

Home Remedies

• Home remedies for curing dandruff are shampooing more often and alternating between different shampoos. Shampooing more often will get rid of excess oils and the flakes that go along with dandruff. Cutting back on styling products will also cut back on dandruff-causing agents. Eating a healthier diet rich in zinc and B vitamins will help the hair and the scalp to become healthier. Getting plenty of exercise will aid the entire body as well as the scalp region. Drinking plenty of water will also aid the scalp in becoming healthy. Sunshine helps the scalp to get rid of dandruff, scaling and excess oil. But don't overdue it and get sunburned --- that will only make the scalp feel worse.