Severe dandruff solutions: Dandruff Treatments and Remedies

11.08.202306.07.2023 by alexxlab

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Dandruff Treatments and Remedies

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on February 21, 2023

Dandruff Shampoos
Home Treatments for Dandruff
When to See a Doctor for Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff treatments are ways you can get rid of or control itching and flaking on your scalp. The first two to try are brushing your hair and using a dandruff shampoo.

Brush your hair from your scalp down with steady, firm strokes. This carries the oil away from your scalp, where the buildup of it and skin cells can cause dandruff. Moving it along the hair strands helps keep your hair shiny and healthy.

Not all dandruff shampoos are alike. Some have different active ingredients, such as:

Coal tar preparations (Denorex Therapeutic Protection, Neutrogena T/Gel, Scytera)
Pyrithione zinc (Selsun Blue for Itchy Dry Scalp, Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control Dandruff Shampoo, Head & Shoulders)
Salicylic acid and sulfur (Sebex, Sebulex)
Salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal )
Selenium sulfide (Dandrex, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength, Selsun)
Ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral A-D, Xolegel)

You may need to switch between types of shampoos if one type controls the dandruff at first but later loses its effectiveness. And if you decide to try a shampoo that has coal tar in it, you’ll need to use care. Coal tar treats dandruff by making the skin cells on your scalp die and flake off more slowly, but there are things you should know:

Some people have an allergic reaction to it.
It can change the color of lighter-colored hair, fingernails, skin, and clothes.
You’ll need to keep it away from any cuts, broken skin, or infections, as well as your eyes.
It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should stay out of the sun for 24 to 72 hours after using it.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use it.

How to use dandruff shampoos

When shampooing:

Rub the shampoo into your scalp well.
Leave the shampoo on your head for 5 minutes, or as directed.
Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover shampoo may irritate your skin.

How often you should use dandruff shampoo can vary from daily to a couple of times a week:

For white and Asian American people, the best approach is to shampoo every day but use dandruff shampoo only twice a week. If that doesn’t get rid of it, you might try alternating shampoos that have different treatment ingredients.
For Black people, it’s usually best to use a dandruff shampoo only once a week. You also might want to talk with a dermatologist about which one would work best for your hair. Consider a conditioner as well as a hot oil treatment twice a month. If you want to relax the kinks in your hair, go to a professional hair stylist for chemical relaxers (no more than once every 2-3 months). You also can use a ceramic comb or iron on the lowest possible temperature to straighten your hair at home (no more than once a week).

Once your dandruff is under control, you may be able to use dandruff shampoo less often.

Aside from dandruff shampoos, a few other things may help control it. For example, managing your stress could help with flaking, or you might try some of these natural treatments. They’re either moisturizing or they might be helpful against bacteria or fungi:

Coconut oil. Start by rubbing 3 to 5 teaspoons of this into your scalp, then wait an hour and shampoo your hair.

Aloe vera. Rub a bit into your scalp just before you shampoo your hair.
Apple cider vinegar: Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well.
Aspirin. Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. Let it sit for 2 minutes then rinse it out.
Baking soda. Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.
Lemon juice. Rub 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Follow that by mixing another teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water and pouring it over your scalp.
Olive oil. Rub several drops of olive oil into your scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, then sleep on it. In the morning, shampoo your hair.

Some studies have shown that tea tree oil, a by-product of the Australian tea tree, may help with dandruff, but more research is needed. In some cases, it can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.

If you’re still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. For really stubborn dandruff cases, you may need to use a prescription shampoo or topical medication.

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How to Get Rid of Dandruff: 9 Home Remedies

There are a variety of ways to attempt to get rid of dandruff, from medicated shampoos and corticosteroids to alternative remedies like tea tree oil and baking soda.

Dandruff, which is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with. It may also cause other symptoms, such as greasy patches on your scalp and tingling skin.

However, it’s easy to treat and relatively common, with some reports estimating that this condition affects up to 42% of infants and 1–3% of adults worldwide (1).

Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on your scalp (2).

Though there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies are often just as effective.

Here are 10 simple home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff.

Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne and psoriasis.

It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff (1, 3, 4).

In fact, according to one older review, tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff (5).

Another study found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus (6).

What’s more, in an older study, 126 people with dandruff used a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo daily. After 4 weeks, tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41% and improved greasiness and itchiness, compared with the placebo (7).

Still, more high quality research is needed.

Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.

summary
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity and symptoms of dandruff.

Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

It may work by improving skin hydration and preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.

According to some research, coconut oil may be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration when applied as a moisturizer (8).

Other research suggests that coconut oil aids the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.

One older, 8-week study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema characterized by itching and inflammation — by 68% (9).

In a 12-week study in 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp led to significant improvements in the scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff (10).

Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some test-tube studies, although researchers have not yet examined the effects on the specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff (11).

summary
Coconut oil may improve skin hydration and reduce dryness, thereby combating symptoms of eczema and dandruff.

Aloe vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.

When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores (12).

According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff (13).

Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections (14, 15).

Test-tube studies have also found that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which may relieve symptoms (16).

Despite these promising results, additional studies are needed.

summary
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may reduce inflammation and decrease dandruff symptoms, but more research is needed.

Stress is believed to affect many aspects of health and wellness, influencing everything from chronic conditions to mental health (17).

While stress itself doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms such as dryness and itching (1).

Long-term high stress levels may alter or suppress your immune system’s activity, which may impair your body’s ability to fight off some fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff (18).

In fact, in a study in 166 people with seborrheic dermatitis — one of the most common causes of dandruff — approximately 28% reported that stress was a trigger for dermatitis symptoms (19).

To keep stress levels under control, you can try stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or aromatherapy.

summary
Stress may weaken your immune system and decrease your body’s ability to fight off infections that cause dandruff. Furthermore, stress often precedes episodes of seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common causes of dandruff.

Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

That’s because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff.

However, no studies support these claims. Many of the supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence.

In fact, one small study in 22 people found that applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the skin topically didn’t improve eczema or skin barrier integrity — and even worsened skin irritation (20).

That said, test-tube studies show that apple cider vinegar and its compounds may prevent the growth of certain types of fungus (21, 22).

If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.

summary
While no research backs these claims, apple cider vinegar is anecdotally said to remove dead skin cells and balance the pH of your scalp to reduce dandruff.

Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin that’s responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties (23).

This acid is also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos.

It works by helping to get rid of scaly skin and loosening flakes so they can be removed (24, 25).

In an older, 4-week study, 19 people with dandruff used two shampoos containing either piroctone olamine and salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione. Both shampoos decreased dandruff, but the one containing salicylic acid was more effective in reducing the severity of scaling (26).

Another small study showed that a shampoo containing salicylic acid — along with other ingredients such as glycolic acid and urea — significantly improved irritation and itching in 10 people with scalp inflammation (27).

For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair.

summary
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. This acid has been shown to be effective in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in your body.

Not only do they make up the cell membranes that surround your cells, but they’re also crucial for the function of your heart, immune system, and lungs (28).

Plus, omega-3s are vital to skin health. They help manage oil production and hydration, promote wound healing, and prevent premature aging (29).

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can cause an array of symptoms, including dry hair, dry skin, and even dandruff (28).

Although more research is needed, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation, which may, in turn, relieve irritation and dandruff symptoms (30).

Fatty fish like salmon, trout, and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take a fish oil supplement or increase your intake of other omega-3-rich foods, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

summary
Omega-3 fatty acids are important to skin health and may help reduce inflammation. Deficiency can cause dry skin, dry hair, and dandruff.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that have been linked to numerous health benefits, including allergy protection, lower cholesterol levels, and increased weight loss (31, 32).

These bacteria may also enhance immune function, which may help your body fight the fungal infections that cause dandruff (33).

In fact, one study showed that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduced dandruff severity in 60 people (34).

Probiotics have also been shown to help treat and prevent skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, especially in infants and children (35, 36, 37).

Probiotics are widely available in supplement form for a quick and convenient dose. They can also be found in many fermented foods, such as kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut, and natto.

summary
Probiotics may help enhance immune function and have been shown to reduce dandruff severity.

Baking soda is a quick, convenient, and readily available dandruff remedy.

It’s believed to act as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It also has antifungal properties that may benefit dandruff treatment.

An older test-tube study measured the antifungal effects of baking soda on some of the most common strains of fungus that cause skin infections and found that it completely inhibited fungal growth in 79% of specimens after 7 days (38).

Another older study looked at the effects of baking soda on 31 people with psoriasis. Treatment with baking soda baths significantly reduced both itchiness and irritation after just 3 weeks (39).

However, more research is needed, as one study found that baking soda had no effect on psoriasis, skin hydration, or skin redness (40).

For best results, apply baking soda directly to wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes, and then continue shampooing your hair as usual.

summary
Baking soda has antifungal properties and may help relieve itching and skin irritation. However, more studies are needed.

Although more research is needed on the relationship between diet and dandruff, some people may find that limiting consumption of certain foods relieves inflammation, which may help improve scalp health.

Furthermore, some studies suggest that dietary modifications prevent fungal infections by controlling the growth of yeast and improving the gut microbiome, which may aid in the treatment of dandruff (41, 42, 43).

Some foods that you may want to limit are (44):

refined carbs such as white bread, white pasta, tortillas, and crackers
red meat
processed foods
fried foods
sugary foods and beverages

Additionally, certain foods may trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, which may contribute to dandruff.

While specific trigger foods vary from person to person, some of the most common are white flour, gluten-containing products, and nightshades such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes (45).

summary
Making changes to your diet may reduce inflammation and prevent fungal infections, which may help treat dandruff. Some foods may also trigger symptoms of eczema, which may cause itchy skin and dandruff.

Although many home remedies for dandruff are available, additional treatment may be necessary in some cases.

Many OTC medicated shampoos and scalp treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to decrease dandruff.

If these products don’t work after 2–3 weeks, you may want to consult a dermatologist to determine whether other prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.

Healthcare professionals often prescribe topical antifungal medications, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators to treat dandruff and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dermatitis (1).

summary
While home remedies are often beneficial, you may need topical medications or shampoos to treat dandruff.

Although dandruff can be a difficult problem to deal with, a variety of natural remedies may reduce symptoms and provide relief.

The next time you start spotting flakes, try a few of the natural remedies above to support scalp health and decrease dandruff naturally.

If these remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long lasting relief.

Just one thing

Try this today: Switching up your diet is a simple and effective way to support your scalp. Check out this article for a list of 14 healthy, delicious foods that may promote scalp health and hair growth.

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What is dandruff: symptoms, causes and treatment of dandruff

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Dandruff is a skin problem that is hard to hide and affects about 50% of the adult population in the world.
If you or someone you know suffers from dandruff, it is important to know about its causes and, most importantly, what to do about it.

What it is?

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a very common scalp problem that comes in two forms.
Oily dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis is when greasy yellow flakes or scales form on the scalp and stick to the skin and hair.
Dry dandruff is when dry white flakes or scales form on the scalp, which easily fall off the skin and hair.
Other symptoms include itching, redness, and oily or dry scalp.

Main reasons

The main causes of dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the process of cell renewal of the scalp is accelerated, which leads to increased desquamation of the cells of the stratum corneum, which stick together into visible flakes.

The cause of this process, known as hyperproliferation of skin cells, is the activation of a microorganism called Malassezia globosa, which begins to multiply intensively using natural lipids or fats produced by the scalp.
This microorganism irritates the scalp, causing micro-inflammation and itching.

All of these symptoms can be caused by a number of factors, including:

genetic predisposition – dandruff often has a family history;
climatic conditions, eg exposure to sun, cold, heat, wind;
physical or emotional stress;
hormonal changes;
lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy diet or alcohol use.

Microinflammations and scalp

What is microinflammation?

These are small inflammations in the skin.
In fact, they are so small that they are not detected even during a clinical examination.
However, when microinflammatory skin tissues are examined, the presence of inflammatory cells of the immune system can be detected; in other words, the skin reacts to irritation by becoming inflamed and thereby trying to recover.
If these skin cells are further irritated, a “true” inflammatory skin response may ensue.

How does this relate to scalp problems?

There is growing evidence that micro-inflammation of the scalp is associated with the most common scalp problems, from thinning hair and dandruff to dryness, itching and sensitivity.
If you suddenly notice increased hair loss or brittle hair, the cause may be a health problem, such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or an autoimmune disease.
Some medications also cause hair loss.
In any of these cases, you should consult a dermatologist for more information.

Common myths

Common myths about dandruff

Dandruff causes thinning or hair loss
Dandruff is a sign that the hair and scalp are dirty
Dandruff can be treated with vinegar, natural oils or baby shampoo

There is no evidence that these claims are true.

Solution

Do you have dandruff?

You can get dandruff if…

There are greasy yellow or white flakes that stick to the hair and scalp: this is typical of oily dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

There are dry white flakes that fall off the hair and scalp: this is typical of dry dandruff.

You suffer from itching or irritation of the scalp and noticeable flaking or flaking: Many people with oily or dry dandruff also have these symptoms.

You may have other scalp problems if…

You feel dry, itchy or irritated, but no visible flakes: you may have a dry, itchy or sensitive scalp.

Pink plaques with silver scales appeared on the scalp: psoriasis may be the cause.

Call your doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned, have severe symptoms, or have an inflamed, wet, or sore scalp.

edited by Yulia Sokolovskaya

Doctor, Eucerin brand expert

Treatment of dry dandruff – Publications – An-Tek Laboratory

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Dry dandruff is a common problem in 30% of people over 12 years of age. It is an aesthetic problem, spoils the appearance of the hair and requires treatment.

Normally, the epidermis of the scalp is renewed every two weeks, and dead dry particles are easily removed when washing. The microbacteria of the fungus, which are normal on the scalp, feed on the secreted fat and take part in the exfoliation of the skin. Excessive production of fat leads to the accelerated appearance of particles of the epidermis. There are a lot of these particles, and as a result they stick together into dense dry flakes, clearly visible on the hair.

Dry flakes are small in size but abundantly cover the forehead and crown area, cause dryness, irritation, weaken hair and make it thinner. Dry scales fall on clothes and cause additional problems. Combing or washing dry dandruff is impossible – as soon as the hair dries, dandruff becomes noticeable again. This situation requires treatment, as well as compliance with certain rules, without which dandruff will return again.

What is the main problem with dandruff? Not in an aesthetic defect, although the untidy appearance of hair due to dandruff is very upsetting for both men and women. But the main disadvantage is the formation of a dry layer of keratinized particles on the scalp and the deterioration of oxygen access due to dandruff to the hair follicles. This is fraught with damage to the hair follicle – a reversible condition that requires long-term treatment.

Fighting dandruff can and should be done to prevent more serious problems. It is important to get professional advice from a trichologist, who will select the appropriate treatment regimen and preparations for the care and fight against dry dandruff.

Causes of dry dandruff

It is difficult to determine the exact cause of dandruff, dry or oily, but it is important to determine the factors contributing to the development of the disease. Among them:

hormonal failures of the body;
metabolic disorder;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
lack of vitamins and minerals;
taking strong drugs;
stresses;
moving to another climatic zone;
adherence to strict diets or unhealthy eating habits.

Dandruff, especially dry dandruff, can also appear due to improper care. Excessively dry scalp reacts to this condition and accelerates cell renewal even more, leading to the formation of dandruff.

Treatment methods

If you have dandruff, see a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment. It may include:

medicinal preparations for external use;
specialized shampoos;
normalization of the diet.

A dandruff treatment plan may include changes in daily routine – more walking, more fresh air, as well as increasing the amount of protein in the diet and reducing fat. This helps to moisturize the skin and normalize the production of sebum, which reduces the likelihood of dandruff. Dry skin becomes softer, and keratinized scales are removed naturally.

Prevention of dandruff

How to prevent dandruff? It is most effective to monitor the state of the body as a whole, so that later you do not treat dandruff as a result of certain problems. To do this, it is worth:

follow a diet, eat enough vegetables and fruits;
regularly make hair masks, selected by type;
limit the use of hair dryers, irons, styling products;
take vitamin complexes twice a year – in the autumn-spring period;
play sports and monitor metabolism.