How can I treat dandruff?
The cause of dandruff isn’t entirely understood, but many studies have shown that the condition is linked to an excess of the fungus Malassezia. When this fungus grows too quickly, the natural cycle of skin cells is disrupted, and cells accumulate into distinctive scalp flakes.
Most anti-dandruff products work to kill the excess Malassezia on the scalp. Anti-dandruff products are available in a variety of forms, including foams, gels, sprays, shampoos, oils, and more. There are a variety of medications that can help dandruff and so you may need to try out several products to find the one which best works for you. Treatment should be stopped immediately if you feel any itching or stinging.
Anti-dandruff products may include:
- Zinc pyrithione, an antibacterial and antifungal agent
- Salicylic acid, an antibacterial which helps to remove dead skin cells
- Fluocinolone, a corticosteroid that relieves itching, redness, and discomfort
- Coal tar, a keratolytic which can slow the cell growth cycle of the skin cells and stops them from flaking off so quickly. Products including coal tar may not be appropriate for everyone as they can cause discolouration to the hair
- Selenium sulfide, another keratolytic which loosens dead skin cells
- Ketoconazole, which works to kill Malassezia
It’s vital that you read the instructions on each anti-dandruff treatment as many need to be left for at least 5 – 10 minutes on the scalp to work. It is also recommended that you apply products gently, massaging into the scalp. Scrubbing your scalp may bring an immediate self of relief but this will only further irritate the scalp.
Anti-dandruff products can cause dry skin on the scalp and so people should alternate between regular moisturising shampoos and medicated ones. You may also need to rotate or swap between two different dandruff products [5].
Additionally, dry skin can sometimes cause flakes to shed into your hair, appearing similar to both dandruff and scalp psoriasis. To tell the difference, look at the flakes. Dry skin dandruff will be delicate and white, and subside quickly after moisturising.
Often, people with fungal dandruff successfully treat the condition with an anti-dandruff shampoo and return to their usual products after it subsides. However, many people will experience a resurgence in their dandruff, which usually reoccurs long-term and flares up from time to time (especially during the winter months). Healthcare professionals recommend regular use of an anti-dandruff product long-term for effective treatment of the condition, even after symptoms subside.