What Are the Treatments for Dandruff?Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than shampooing more frequently. Daily cleansing with a dandruff shampoo to decrease oil and cell buildup can keep moderate dandruff in check.
Not all dandruff shampoos are alike, so you may need to experiment with them to find the one that works best for you. Here are some examples of some effective over-the-counter shampoos you can try:
- Coal-tar preparations (Neutrogena T/Gel)
- Pyrithione zinc (Suave Anti-Dandruff, Pert Plus Anti-Dandruff, Head & Shoulders)
- Salicylic acid and sulfur (Neutrogena T/Sal, Sebulex)
- Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral A-D), available as a 1% over-the-counter shampoo and a 2% prescription-strength shampoo.
You may need to alternate between types of shampoos if one type controls the dandruff at first but later loses its effectiveness. If you find that you are still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. You may be using the wrong shampoo for your condition. For really stubborn dandruff cases, you may need to use a prescription shampoo.
How often you use dandruff shampoo depends on the brand but can vary from daily to a couple of times a week. When shampooing your hair, rub the shampoo into your scalp well and leave the lather on for 5 to 10 minutes.
Once your dandruff is under control, you may be able to use the dandruff shampoo less frequently. Be sure to rinse thoroughly; shampoo and soap residue can aggravate skin problems.
Brush your hair from your scalp outward with steady, firm strokes. This will carry oil from your scalp, where it can cause dandruff, along the hair strands, where it's needed to keep the hair shiny and healthy.
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