Dandruff Treatments
You know you have dandruff when you see the white, flakes of dead skin on your hair and shoulders. Your scalp will also be flaky, itchy and scaly. But ringworm, dry skin, psoriasis and other disorders can mimic dandruff, so if you are not sure you have it, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Certain people are more likely to have dandruff. Teenagers and young adults have dandruff more often than older people. Men have it more often than women. People with oily hair are more likely to have dandruff as well, because the fungus that causes dandruff can feed on oil in your hair. And people with some diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and AIDS, are more likely to have dandruff.
There are many dandruff treatment shampoos on the market that can stop your flaky, itchy scalp. Try some over-the-counter brands for a few weeks first. If they don’t do the trick, see your doctor about prescription brands. When shopping for over-the-counter dandruff treatments, look for shampoo that contains either ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. Shampoos with coal-tar or salicylic acid can also be helpful. You may have to try several different brands or ingredients to see which works best for you. They all have different side-effects and rates of effectiveness, and shampoos with coal-tar or selenium sulfide may discolor your hair as well.
You may also find that one kind will work well for several weeks, then stop working. In that case, switch to a different brand or alternate regularly between two brands.
There are plenty of natural dandruff treatments that promise to stop flaky, itchy scalps. Some experts suggest that you limit sugar and yeast in your diet, since they can encourage the fungs that causes dandruff. You can also try to increase your intake of B-vitamins and zinc.
Nutritionists also say that essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, can reduce dandruff. These fatty acids are found in fish, nuts, or over-the-counter supplements.
Another natural treatment for dandruff is tea tree oil. You can buy the oil by itself, or mixed in special shampoos. It’s known as an antiseptic and antifungal agent that can reduce dandruff symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic reports you can also reduce your risk of dandruff in several ways. Reduce your stress levels, since stress can trigger dandruff. Shampoo daily to remove excess oil from hair. Use fewer styling products, which can build up on your hair and make it oily. Eat a healthy diet. And get a little sun (using sunscreen of course), which can reduce the risk of dandruff.
