How to Lose Dandruff

Having flaky white dandruff visible on your head and clothing can be very embarrassing, even though it's a common condition. Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff, is a form of skin eczema causing the skin to flake off, usually from the scalp. Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. Instead, it is believed to be caused by a yeast -- Malassezia furfur -- that lives on the skin, combined with an over-production of oil. Fortunately, dandruff is treatable.

Things You'll Need

• Dandruff shampoo

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Instructions

• 1

  Select an over-the-counter, or OTC, dandruff shampoo. Not every OTC shampoo will work for you, so experiment with different ones. Some contain zinc pyrithione -- an antibacterial and antifungal agent -- while others have coal tar, selenium sulfide, resorcin, salicylic acid or ketoconazole. Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle.

• 2

  Loosen the flakes on your scalp by rubbing vigorously for 5 minutes, prior to shampooing. The PubMed Health website recommends daily shampooing to treat dandruff. Part your hair, apply the shampoo to small sections of your scalp, and then massage it into your skin.

• 3

  Reduce the amount of stress in your life, or engage in relaxation exercises to minimize its effects. According to the medical staff at the Mayo Clinic, stress can worsen dandruff symptoms. They also recommend eating a nutritious diet and getting moderate exposure to sunlight.

• 4

  Avoid using lotions that contain alcohol, and decrease the amount of styling products used on your hair. Over time, these products can build up on your scalp, making it oilier and increasing your risk of triggering dandruff.