How to deal with dandruff

DANDRUFF is a common chronic scalp condition marked by flaking of the skin on your scalp. It isn’t contagious or serious, but it can be embarrassing and sometimes difficult to treat.

Dandruff can usually be controlled. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing. More stubborn cases of dandruff often respond to medicated shampoos. In addition to regular shampooing, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing dandruff:

– Learn to manage stress

Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or worsen existing symptoms.

– Shampoo often

If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing may help prevent dandruff.

– Get a little sun

Sunlight may be good for dandruff. But because exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, it’s advisable not to sunbathe. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body.

– Alternative medicine

Studies have found that tea tree oil can reduce dandruff, but more study is needed. Tea tree oil, which comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agent. It’s now included in a number of shampoos found in natural foods stores. The oil may cause allergic reactions in some people.

When regular shampoos fail, dandruff shampoos you can buy at a pharmacy may succeed.

But dandruff shampoos aren’t all alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that works for you.

If you develop itching, stinging, redness or burning from any product, stop using it. If you develop an allergic reaction – such as a rash, hives or difficulty breathing – seek immediate medical attention.

Dandruff shampoos are classified according to the medication they contain:

– Pyrithione zinc shampoos

These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione. This type of shampoo can reduce the fungus on your scalp that can cause dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

– Tar-based shampoos

Coal tar, a by-product of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis. It slows how quickly skin cells on your scalp die and flake off. If you have light-coloured hair, this type of shampoo may cause discolouration.

– Shampoos containing salicylic acid

These “scalp scrubs” help eliminate scale, but they may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking. Using a conditioner after shampooing can help relieve dryness.

– Selenium sulphide shampoos

These shampoos slow your skin cells from dying and may also reduce malassezia (a fungus). Because they can discolour blond, grey or chemically coloured hair, be sure to use them only as directed, and rinse well after shampooing.

– Ketoconazole shampoos

Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail. It’s available over the counter, as well as by prescription. — Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service