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Dandruff signs. Understanding Dandruff: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

by alexxlab

What are the main symptoms of dandruff. How can you treat dandruff at home. What causes dandruff to develop. When should you see a doctor about dandruff. Which ingredients are most effective in anti-dandruff shampoos.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects a large portion of the global adult population. While not harmful or contagious, it can be bothersome and embarrassing for those who experience it. The primary symptoms of dandruff include:

  • White or gray flakes of skin on the scalp and in the hair
  • Flakes that are more noticeable in darker hair
  • Flakes that fall onto shoulders
  • Dry, itchy scalp
  • Redness on the scalp

In some cases, dandruff may also cause:

  • Flaky patches on the face or other body parts
  • Eyebrow dandruff
  • Mild hair loss

Are dandruff symptoms worse during certain times of the year. Many people notice that their dandruff becomes more severe during fall and winter months when the air is drier. This change in climate can exacerbate scalp dryness and flaking.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Dandruff

Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. While infrequent hair washing may make dandruff more noticeable, there are several other factors that contribute to its development:

  • Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition that causes oily, irritated skin
  • Malassezia: A naturally occurring fungus that can overgrow on the scalp
  • Dry skin: Especially common in colder months
  • Sensitivity to hair care products
  • Certain skin conditions: Such as psoriasis or eczema
  • Stress: Can exacerbate dandruff in some individuals
  • Age: Dandruff often begins in young adulthood
  • Hormonal changes: May influence sebum production on the scalp

Is dandruff more common in certain populations. Research suggests that dandruff affects men more frequently than women, possibly due to hormonal differences. Additionally, people with oily skin tend to be more prone to developing dandruff.

Effective Home Treatments for Managing Dandruff

For many people, dandruff can be effectively managed at home using over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes. Here are some proven methods for combating dandruff:

Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

The most common and effective treatment for dandruff is the use of specialized anti-dandruff shampoos. These products contain active ingredients that target the underlying causes of dandruff. Some of the most effective ingredients include:

  • Zinc pyrithione: An antifungal and antibacterial agent
  • Salicylic acid: Helps remove scalp buildup
  • Selenium sulfide: Reduces fungal growth and cell turnover
  • Ketoconazole: A potent antifungal medication
  • Coal tar: Slows skin cell death and has antimicrobial properties

How often should you use anti-dandruff shampoo. For best results, use an anti-dandruff shampoo daily or every other day until symptoms improve. Then, you can reduce usage to 1-2 times per week for maintenance.

Scalp Care Techniques

In addition to using medicated shampoos, proper scalp care can help manage dandruff:

  • Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to loosen flakes
  • Rinse hair thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue
  • Avoid using hot water, which can irritate the scalp
  • Limit use of styling products that can build up on the scalp
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Combat Dandruff

For those preferring natural approaches or looking to supplement their dandruff treatment, several home remedies and lifestyle changes may provide relief:

Natural Oils and Treatments

  • Tea tree oil: Has antifungal properties that may help reduce dandruff
  • Coconut oil: Can moisturize the scalp and has antimicrobial effects
  • Apple cider vinegar: May help balance scalp pH and reduce fungal growth
  • Aloe vera: Soothes irritated skin and has antifungal properties

Can dietary changes help reduce dandruff. While research is limited, some people find that reducing sugar and processed foods while increasing omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics in their diet helps improve scalp health.

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or regular exercise
  • Get adequate sleep to support overall skin health
  • Stay hydrated to maintain skin moisture
  • Limit exposure to extreme temperatures and dry air

When to Seek Professional Help for Dandruff

While most cases of dandruff can be managed at home, there are situations where it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional:

  • Dandruff persists after a month of home treatment
  • Scalp becomes very red, swollen, or painful
  • You experience severe itching that interferes with daily life
  • Dandruff spreads beyond the scalp to other areas of the body
  • You notice unexplained hair loss along with dandruff

What can a dermatologist do for severe dandruff. A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis, rule out other skin conditions, and prescribe stronger treatments such as prescription-strength antifungal medications or corticosteroids if necessary.

Understanding the Link Between Dandruff and Other Skin Conditions

Dandruff shares similarities with several other skin conditions, and in some cases, what appears to be dandruff may actually be a different dermatological issue. Some related conditions include:

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is closely related to dandruff but can affect areas beyond the scalp, such as the face, chest, and other oily areas of the body. It causes red, scaly patches and stubborn dandruff.

Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis can sometimes be mistaken for severe dandruff. It causes thick, silvery scales and can be more difficult to treat than typical dandruff.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, can affect the scalp and cause dry, itchy skin that may flake, similar to dandruff.

Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)

This fungal infection can cause scaly patches on the scalp that may be confused with dandruff, especially in children.

How can you differentiate between dandruff and these other conditions. While some symptoms overlap, conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis often cause more severe redness, scaling, and inflammation than typical dandruff. A dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis if you’re unsure.

The Impact of Dandruff on Hair Health and Growth

While dandruff primarily affects the scalp, it can have secondary effects on hair health and growth:

  • Itching and scratching can damage hair follicles
  • Inflammation may temporarily disrupt the hair growth cycle
  • Buildup on the scalp can clog hair follicles
  • Some people may wash their hair too frequently in response to dandruff, leading to dryness

Does dandruff cause permanent hair loss. In most cases, any hair loss associated with dandruff is temporary. Treating the underlying dandruff usually resolves any related hair issues. However, severe or untreated cases may potentially lead to more significant hair problems.

Maintaining Healthy Hair with Dandruff

To protect your hair while managing dandruff:

  • Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos when not using medicated products
  • Apply conditioner to the lengths and ends of hair, avoiding the scalp
  • Limit use of heat styling tools
  • Avoid scratching the scalp, which can damage hair follicles
  • Consider using a scalp brush to gently exfoliate and stimulate blood flow

Preventing Dandruff Recurrence: Long-Term Management Strategies

Once you’ve successfully treated a bout of dandruff, taking preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence:

Regular Maintenance

  • Use an anti-dandruff shampoo once or twice a week, even when symptoms are not present
  • Rotate between different types of anti-dandruff shampoos to prevent resistance
  • Keep your scalp clean and free from product buildup
  • Manage stress levels through regular relaxation practices

Scalp-Friendly Hair Care Routines

  • Avoid overwashing or underwashing your hair
  • Use lukewarm water when washing your hair
  • Pat your hair dry instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel
  • Choose hair products that are suitable for your scalp type

How long does it take for dandruff to go away completely. With consistent treatment, many people see improvement in their dandruff symptoms within a few weeks. However, complete resolution may take several months, and some individuals may require ongoing management to prevent recurrence.

By understanding the causes of dandruff and implementing effective treatment and prevention strategies, most people can successfully manage this common scalp condition. Remember that persistence and patience are key when dealing with dandruff, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if home remedies aren’t providing sufficient relief.

Dandruff – NHS

Dandruff is a common skin condition. It’s not harmful and you cannot catch it.

Check if it’s dandruff

Dandruff causes white or grey flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair.

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/256156/view

The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp onto your shoulders.

Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.

How to treat dandruff yourself

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat dandruff. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets.

Look for a shampoo that contains 1 of these ingredients:

  • zinc pyrithione
  • salicylic acid
  • selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
  • ketoconazole
  • coal tar

A pharmacist can tell you how to use the shampoo.

Use the shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff gets better. You might need to try more than 1 type to find a shampoo that works for you.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you still have dandruff symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month
  • your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy
  • your scalp is red or swollen
  • you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body

The GP can check your scalp for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff.

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly.

Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.

A list of conditions that cause dandruff and their main symptoms.
SymptomsPossible causes
Scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the bodySeborrheic dermatitis
Red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair lossTinea capitis, known as ringworm
Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the bodyEczema
Red, irritated skin, may also have blisters and cracked skin; reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or moussesContact dermatitis
Red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scalesPsoriasis
Greasy, yellowish crusts on baby’s scalp, eyebrows and nappy areaCradle cap

Information:

Do not worry if you’re not sure what’s causing your dandruff. Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if things do not get better in a month.

Page last reviewed: 23 December 2022
Next review due: 23 December 2025

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Was this helpful?

Dandruff can have many causes, including fungus and shampooing too often or not enough. Dandruff shampoos typically loosen flakes or target fungal overgrowth.

Dandruff is related to seborrheic dermatitis (SD), which causes itchy and flaky skin, but it only occurs on the scalp. It’s so common that it affects about half of the global adult population.

Most people focus on the flakes. Itching, on the other hand, may be the most uncomfortable side effect.

So what exactly is your scratchy scalp trying to tell you? Read up on the most common symptoms of dandruff and ways to get your scalp healthy again.

Flakes and an itchy, scaly scalp are the main symptoms of dandruff. White, oily flakes typically accumulate in your hair and on your shoulders and often get worse during the fall and winter months, when the air is dry.

Additional symptoms can include:

  • erythema, which is red patches on the skin of the scalp, and sometimes on the face
  • eyebrow dandruff
  • hair loss
  • dry flakes on the skin of the face

Getting rid of dandruff can consist of taking medications that you can get both through prescriptions and over the counter. There are also some home remedies you can try.

Treatment

The best way to get rid of dandruff is to use dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends taking the following steps:

  1. Follow instructions. Since there are many different types of dandruff treatment shampoos, and each comes with its own instructions, it’s important that you carefully read and follow the directions of the product of your choice. Be sure you know if you’re supposed to leave the shampoo on your scalp for a certain amount of time before washing, or if you should wash out immediately.
  2. Different skin and hair types require different care. African American people may only need to wash once a week with a dandruff shampoo. Asian American people and those who are white may need to alternate between different dandruff shampoos that contain different ingredients to achieve the best results. Your best course of action may be to speak with a board-certified dermatologist who can recommend the best products for your hair and skin type, and the frequency with which you should use them.

Shampoos for dandruff can be medicated (which requires a prescription to purchase) or available over the counter. Usually, this means that the amount the medication in medicated shampoos is just higher.

Typical ingredients include ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione. These ingredients usually loosen the dandruff flakes from the scalp or they fight the overgrowth of the Malassezia fungus, which may play a role in the development of the dandruff.

Some specific products you may see on the shelves include:

  • Head & Shoulders and Jason Dandruff Relief contain zinc pyrithione, which is antibacterial and antifungal. Dandruff is not caused by fungus, but these shampoos can help to slow the production of excess skin cells.
  • Neutrogena T/Gel is a tar-based shampoo. Coal can ease conditions from dandruff to psoriasis by slowing how quickly your scalp’s skin cells die and flake off. This type of shampoo can discolor hair, so be careful if you’re blonde or gray.
  • Neutrogena T/Sal has a dose of salicylic acid and may lessen the amount of scale you have. It can leave your scalp dry, however. If you find that your scalp is particularly dry, make sure you follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
  • Selsun Blue has the power of selenium sulfide. It can slow your skin cells from dying and also reduce Malassezia. This type of shampoo may discolor lighter shades of hair.
  • Nizoral is a ketoconazole shampoo, meaning it contains a broad-spectrum antifungal. You can find this type of wash over the counter or by prescription.

However, the AAD warns about using coal tar shampoo. This kind of shampoo can discolor light hair and make your scalp more sensitive to the sun. If you use it, make sure you take extra precautions when you’re exposed to sunlight.

Home remedies

If you want to try some natural remedies before you turn to medicated solutions, you can consider the following options:

  • Baking soda. Gently rub it into your scalp in the shower and rinse after a few minutes.
  • Apple cider vinegar. Mix 1/4 cup with a 1/4 cup of water. Apply to your hair for 15 minutes to 1 hour, and then rinse out. Do this twice a week.
  • Coconut oil. Rub 3–5 teaspoons into your scalp and leave for 1 hour. Then shampoo your hair and wash out.
  • Lemon juice. Rub 2 teaspoons into your scalp and rinse out. Then rub one more teaspoon mixed with 1 cup water. Do this every day.
  • Aloe vera. Rub into your scalp before you wash your hair.
  • Olive oil. Rub 10 drops into your scalp. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave overnight. Shampoo and wash your hair in the morning.

Many factors can contribute to the development of dandruff, so pinpointing the exact cause of your itchy, flaky scalp can be difficult. Here are a few likely culprits:

  • secretions from your sebaceous glands
  • fungal colonization on the surface of your skin
  • not shampooing enough, which may cause skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching, or alternatively overshampooing and overdrying the scalp.
  • Overbrushing the hair on the head, creating too much friction with the sensitive skin on the scalp
  • yeast called Malassezia, which aggravates your scalp and causes excess skin cell growth
  • different personal care products may cause contact dermatitis, which makes your scalp red and itchy
  • too much exposure to sunlight
  • excessive pressure on the scalp from hats
  • what you eat routinely
  • exposure to dust or dirt

Some people may be more predisposed to dandruff than others for reasons that are unknown. However, it’s known that men develop dandruff more frequently than women.

People who tend to have oilier hair or live with certain illnesses (such as Parkinson’s disease or HIV) are also at higher risk. You may have started to notice symptoms around puberty, but dandruff can develop at any age.

You may find it hard to tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, as they can both present similarly. Both can cause flakes and an itchy sensation on your scalp.

But while dandruff is related to seborrheic dermatitis, dry scalp is simply related to your skin losing too much water. This can happen when you’re not getting enough fluids.

But, it can also happen from some hair products that you might be using on your scalp that may be stripping your scalp of its natural oils. If you live in a cold and dry climate, you may also be more susceptible to having a dry scalp.

Treating a dry scalp usually involves switching to a gentle, unmedicated shampoo that contains as few additives as possible that may remove moisture from your scalp.

Here are some tips for things you can do to avoid dandruff:

  • Practice good hygiene. Do your best to resist the urge to touch your scalp, especially if it’s already itchy. Scratching can increase irritation and lead to a vicious cycle. When you touch and scratch, you can also introduce dirt into the mix that can make dandruff worse.
  • Find the right shampooing balance for your scalp. Shampoo often enough to keep oils at bay, but don’t use too many products in your hair as that can irritate the scalp.
  • Reduce stress. Stress can aggravate or even worsen dandruff for some individuals. While Malassezia is not introduced to your scalp by stress, it can thrive if your immune system is compromised, which is exactly what stress does to your body. Do your scalp a favor and relax. Try taking a restorative walk or practicing yoga. You may even find it helpful to keep a log of stressful events. Write down what they are and how they impact your dandruff. That way, you can do your best to avoid potential triggers in the future.
  • Breath fresh hair. Research shows that including regular exposure to the outdoors, especially where the air is more fresh, can help reduce oil buildup on the scalp.
  • Massage your scalp. This may also help prevent dandruff symptoms.
  • Brush those locks. Brush your hair when it’s damp (not wet) at least twice daily.
  • Limit friction. Limit the wearing of hats and scarfs, especially those of synthetic materials.

The good news is that many cases of dandruff can be treated effectively with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and other lifestyle measures.

That being said, dandruff isn’t the only reason you may have an itchy scalp. If your dandruff is particularly stubborn or itchy, you may have psoriasis, eczema, or a true fungal infection. Your doctor can help.

If your itch isn’t letting up or your scalp becomes red or swollen, speak with your doctor. Check in as well if shampoos don’t help, redness and flaking spread to your face or other areas on the body, or the itching starts to interfere with your everyday life.

Sometimes the symptoms can indicate other, more serious, conditions such as Actinic keratoses (AKs) or Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), and it’s best to be checked out to get the best treatment.

Q: When should I see a specialist for dandruff? What kind of specialist treats it?

Anonymous

A: Consider speaking with a dermatologist if flaking from the scalp persists even after you’ve consistently followed the recommended habits below and used OTC remedies.

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo for a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks. If you don’t experience an improvement, switch to a product that has a different active ingredient. You may have to try two or three products before contacting a specialist.

Speak with a doctor if you experience:

  • patches of redness or rash on your scalp or hairline
  • bleeding when the flakes come off your scalp
  • signs of infection, such as pain or pus

Angelica Balingit, MD, board certified, internal medicineAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

While dandruff can be annoying and embarrassing at times, it usually doesn’t indicate a more serious health issue. The itching and flaking often respond well to OTC shampoos and treatments. Keep trying different brands and types until you find something that works for you.

causes, what it looks like, symptoms, signs, treatment, how to get rid of dandruff at home

Causes

Classification

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Dandruff – small scales of the epidermis, which, after peeling off, remain on the scalp. Almost every person has experienced this unpleasant condition. These small scales are formed due to the accelerated growth of the main cells of the epidermis in the process of renewal of the cellular layer of the skin.

Dandruff is considered a mild manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis. It is not contagious, most often occurs in people aged 15-25 years and very rarely in the elderly. It is believed that this is the result of non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. However, in most cases, dermatologists define this condition as the result of a disease.

Causes and triggers

Dandruff never appears on its own, there are always certain reasons for this. The main of them is the defeat of the scalp with a yeast fungus of the genus Malassezia furfur (Pityrosporum ovale). The favorite localization of these fungi is areas of the skin where sebum is present in large quantities.

Among the predisposing factors are:

  • heredity – if there are people in the family who suffer from such a problem, then with a high probability it will be in children;
  • increased work of the sebaceous glands, especially in the transitional adolescence with the onset of sex hormones;
  • seborrhea – excessive formation of sebum;
  • diseases of the nervous system;
  • taking certain drugs used in the treatment of mental illness;
  • emotional overload;
  • intestinal dysbacteriosis;
  • diseases of the digestive tract;
  • avitaminosis;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • the use of chemicals and thermal effects on the scalp.

Why does dandruff still appear? It can occur when using cheap and low-quality shampoos, which include aggressive surfactants, and also be the result of too frequent or, conversely, too rare shampooing.

Dandruff in young children is often the result of an allergic reaction, as well as the wrong choice of scalp care products. In adolescents, it is associated with the transition period and the strengthening of the hormonal system. Often it is diagnosed along with too oily facial skin, as well as acne.

Classification

According to the international classification, dandruff belongs to seborrheic dermatitis. It is customary to distinguish three options:

  1. Oily dandruff (seborrhea) occurs against the background of increased sebum production. At the same time, the skin and hair are oily and shiny. This type of dandruff is divided into thick and liquid. In the first case, the scales stick together, the hair becomes hard and rough, there are comedones on the skin. The second is distinguished by enlarged pores and shiny skin, the scales fit tightly to the skin, and the hair sticks together in strands.
  2. Dry dandruff (seborrhea) is the result of minimal sebum secretion by the scalp, which is associated with its increased viscosity. Because of this, the scalp becomes too dry, and the hair is thin and brittle, severe itching appears.
  3. Mixed form (seborrhea) – when signs of both oily and dry seborrhea appear.

As a result, a lot of scales appear on a person’s head, their number significantly exceeds the norm, so they become visible to the naked eye. If this is accompanied by itching and irritation, and foci of redness appear, then the diagnosis is “Seborrheic dermatitis”. Scales are easily separated from the scalp, fall on clothes. The hair itself becomes thin, brittle, they have split ends.

Dandruff on the head is always an unpleasant phenomenon, and it will not be possible to cope with this problem with cosmetics. It is necessary to consult a dermatologist or trichologist and prescribe medications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dandruff are easy to identify. It does not go unnoticed and is a real aesthetic problem for people with this diagnosis. Excessive shampooing and combing, as well as the use of a hair dryer, other chemical and thermal agents, will only exacerbate the existing problem.

The signs of dandruff are especially noticeable in people with dark hair, as against such a background, white scales will be clearly visible both throughout the scalp and along the length of the hair. Among the main manifestations are oily sheen of hair and peeling of the scalp with flaking of a large number of skin flakes. Also, patients note severe itching, redness and increased sensitivity of the skin. Some people start to lose their hair.

A large number of scales in the hair and on clothes is a clear sign that ordinary shampoos cannot cope with the problem. Moreover, their accumulation is not observed everywhere, but only in places of high pressure and in the forehead.

Complications

If dandruff of the scalp is not treated, then in the future, with the aggravation of the process, all kinds of complications can develop. Their list includes:

  1. Sebopsoriasis with the transition of scaly plaques to other areas of the body.
  2. Hair loss associated with the overlap of hair follicles with scales, due to which they do not receive oxygen. Sometimes this leads to the death of hair follicles, and then baldness forms in places where such dead tissues are concentrated.
  3. Pyoderma as a result of constant scratching of itchy skin with nails. An infection gets into the wounds, which can cause suppuration with the formation of boils, abscesses.
  4. A sebaceous gland cyst that develops due to blockage of its duct, and all the secret of the gland will accumulate inside it.

All this causes severe psycho-emotional discomfort, and a person with such a diagnosis tries to appear less in society. Even with daily shampooing, the problem remains unresolved.

Diagnostics

Identifying dandruff on hair is not difficult at all. It is important to conduct a survey, find the cause and provoking factors that will lead to the further development of seborrhea. Some patients are advised to take a blood test for glucose, thyroid hormones. Examination is performed using a dermatoscope. If necessary, consultations are held with a gastroenterologist, trichologist, endocrinologist.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with psoriasis, irritant dermatitis, trichomycosis, lichen.

Treatment

How to get rid of dandruff forever? Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question. The first thing to do is to identify and eliminate the cause of the disease.

Dandruff is treated at home using special shampoos, which are bought only in pharmacies. The most popular and effective are:

  1. “Kertiol” – with sulfur and salicylic acid in the composition. With regular use, it helps to get rid of flaking of the scalp, relieves itching and irritation, and eliminates oiliness.
  2. “Seligel” – recommended for the treatment of dry dandruff in men. Thanks to selenium disulfide, it has a pronounced antifungal effect. The therapeutic component helps for a long time to eliminate the cause of increased peeling – a fungus.
  3. “Friderm zinc” – has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal activity. Gradually accumulating in the cells of the epidermis, zinc does not allow fungi to reactivate and again lead to inflammation.
  4. “Kelual DS” – recommended for use in case of exacerbation of the disease. Most often used for dandruff in women in the autumn-winter period. Helps to neutralize the action of the fungus, reduces the production of sebum, eliminates itching and redness of the scalp.
  5. Nizoral is one of the popular antifungal agents. However, after stopping use, the risk of recurrence of symptoms is high. Recommended for use in teenagers.
  6. “Sebozol” is a popular remedy in the treatment of diseases caused by fungi that live on the skin and scalp. It also helps in the treatment of seborrhea and lichen.

Use dandruff shampoo only need a therapeutic effect. With it, you should wash your hair 2 times a week, and you need to not only apply the product to your hair, but also carefully rub it into the scalp, and then leave it for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water. There is also a soap for dandruff, which can be based on the same medicinal ingredients as in shampoos. Most often, doctors recommend tar and sulsen for use.

If within 3 weeks of this treatment the number of skin scales does not decrease or does not disappear at all, you should seek medical advice.

What else should I do if I have dandruff? Dandruff remedies can be supplemented with a balanced diet, avoiding fatty and sugary foods. The diet must contain fermented milk products, as well as vitamin-mineral complexes and fiber.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there are actually no effective measures to prevent dandruff. Despite the fact that it is not so difficult to eliminate the main symptom, scales on the hair, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause of the disease. On the recommendation of a dermatologist, it is necessary to wash your hair often using a selected shampoo, eat right, not expose yourself to severe stress and give up bad habits. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, then over time this problem will develop into a more severe form – dermatitis.

The author of the article:

Shapovalova Valeria Olegovna

cosmetologist, dermatologist, trichologist

work experience 4 years

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