If dandruff shampoo doesn’t assist, Dr. Robinson suggests visiting a well being care supplier like a board-certified dermatologist for medicated shampoo and topicals. “I’ll typically deal with my sufferers with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, a extra extreme type of dandruff, with prescription topical anti-inflammatory options and prescription shampoos to achieve management,” she says.
Dr. King agrees, including she could prescribe dandruff remedies reminiscent of a topical cortisone for the scalp and affected areas.
What components battle dandruff?
“For dryness and flaking brought on by seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff shampoos, which embrace components reminiscent of ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione, generally is a huge assist,” says Iris Rubin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Seen Hair Care.
Dr. King provides that you simply’ll wish to search for the next antifungal components to battle the overproduction of Malassezia.
- Selenium sulfide: Has antifungal properties; can lower irritation and itching
- Pyrithione zinc: Has antimicrobial and antifungal properties; additionally useful irritation and itchy scalp
- Salicylic acid: Helps to scale back scaling on the scalp
- Ketoconazole: Is an antifungal with delicate anti-inflammatory properties
- Coal tar: Suppresses fungus; decreases irritation; could scale back sebum manufacturing
- Tea tree oil: Has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti inflammatory properties
Dwelling cures for dandruff
Coconut oil
Do you know coconut oil has nice advantages for each scalp and hair well being? It’s additionally a typical ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos like Jupiter Balancing Shampoo, Re-fresh Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, and Dove Magnificence Dermacare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. “It helps scale back frizz, heal breakage, protects micro organism from damaging your scalp, will increase shine, and reduces dandruff and dryness,” says Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Nevertheless, these with oily scalps needs to be cautious. “Coconut oil is comedogenic, so it could exacerbate pimples breakouts and clogged pores,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Pores and skin Surgical procedure Middle of New York. “Regardless of antimicrobial properties, the occlusive properties of coconut oil could trigger or worsen dandruff on the scalp.”
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory advantages that may scale back itchiness and general enhance scalp well being. Based on Adam Bennett, an authorized trichologist at IHS Hair Alternative in London, it “boasts pure acidity that balances the scalp’s pH ranges, creating an optimum surroundings for wholesome hair progress whereas keeping off dandruff and itchiness.”
Superstar hairstylist and Pura D’Or accomplice Clyde Haygood says, “Not solely does ACV make clear the hair to do away with any residual product buildup in our strands; it helps promote a wholesome scalp as a result of it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It clarifies the scalp to assist obtain correct pH steadiness subsequently decreasing flakes.”
Whereas dandruff may cause a dry scalp and a dry scalp can include quite a lot of dandruff signs, the situations should not one and the identical. A dry scalp also can outcome from different widespread pores and skin situations reminiscent of contact dermatitis or an allergic response to hair care merchandise. To seek out the definitive trigger, you must search medical recommendation. “Should you’re not sure whether or not your dry, itchy scalp is because of dry pores and skin, seborrheic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, it’s greatest to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist,” says Dr. Rubin.