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Step 3: How to Treat Dandruff?

Two factors should be considered when you treat dandruff: Your age and the severity of your dandruff. Your aim will be to stop the dandruff by slowing down the reproduction of skin cells, and/or counteract the yeast production that might be the cause.

Shampoos and Scalp Preparations

Shampoos and products for the scalp are available over-the-counter (OTC) at most supermarkets, pharmacies, and many corner shops. It is important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis can be controlled, but not cured with these products.

Before using an anti-fungal shampoo see if you can remove any scaly or crusty patches on your scalp - do this with care. If you manage to remove them the shampoo will be
more effective.

If you have dandruff on your beard you can use dandruff shampoo on it. Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:

• Zinc pyrithione - an ingredient which slows down the production of yeast.
• Selenium sulphide - this reduces the production of natural oils your scalp glands produce.
• Coal tar - this has a natural anti-fungal agent. If your hair is dyed or treated remember that long-term coal tar usage can stain the hair.
• Ketoconazole - a very effective anti-fungal. Most people who use this are pleased with the results. Experts say shampoos with this ingredient can be used with young and elderly people.
• Salicylic acids - these help your scalp get rid of skin cells. It does not slow down the reproduction of skin cells. Many "scalp scrubs" contain salicylic acids. Some people find salicylic acid treatments leave their scalps dry and eventually make the flaking of the skin worse.
• Tea-tree oil - this oil comes from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). A growing number of shampoos now include tea-tree oil as an ingredient. It has been used for centuries as an anti-fungal, antibiotic, and an antiseptic. However, some people are allergic to it.
• Green tea potential - researchers from the Medical College of Georgia, U.S. found that green tea may have potential for the treatment of dandruff and psoriasis.

Ideally, select a shampoo that has one of the above ingredients and shampoo your hair with it every day until your dandruff is under control. When that happens use them less frequently. You may find a particular shampoo stops being so effective after while, if this occurs switch to one that has another ingredient.

Make sure the shampoo has time to stay on your scalp before you rinse it off - perhaps about five minutes. If you rinse it off too quickly the ingredient will not have enough time to work. If after several weeks of treating yourself you still have dandruff, you should consider seeing your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist).