Tips to Treat Dandruff and Restore Scalp Health

Dandruff is an itchy, flaky white substance on the scalp that can lead to hair loss and other scalp conditions if not treated. However, the causes of dandruff are not fully known. Seasonal changes, exposure to environmental pollution, lack of hair hygiene, the growth of yeast—Malassezia (a type of fungus)—stress, and hormonal factors can result in dandruff.

In cases of mild dandruff, a couple of washes with a medicated shampoo will eliminate the flaky substance from your scalp. However, severe dandruff requires long-term care. It makes the scalp oily and itchy, with red patches and flaky scales all over. In fact, some people may have dandruff on the back of their ears, in their eyebrows, and on their chest as well.

Dandruff should not be confused with scalp psoriasis, eczema, or contact dermatitis. Consult a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and effective Dandruff Treatment in Delhi.

A few tips for dandruff treatment are listed below.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

The best shampoo for dandruff and scalp care are medicated shampoos that have been a treatment method for dandruff for many years. Choosing a shampoo with the right ingredients that suit your skin is important; this is because some ingredients may cause irritation. These are a few ingredients that can reduce dandruff and promote scalp health.

• Tar-based shampoos

Coal tar has antifungal properties and reduces excessive oil produced by the skin cells on the scalp. However, it can also result in a dry scalp and change the hair color with long-term use. Tar-based shampoos can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen or cover the head with a hat when outside.

• Pyrithione zinc shampoos

Zinc pyrithione, also called ZPT, is an active ingredient used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. It targets yeast (fungus), which is responsible for dandruff and improves scalp health. However, it may cause redness and burns on sensitive skin.

• Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid removes excessive dead skin cell deposits from the scalp and is used to treat dandruff, psoriasis, etc. It breaks down the lumps of skin cell deposits to relieve itching and dandruff after a few uses.

• Fluocinolone

Fluocinolone is used to treat severe dandruff as it contains corticosteroids (low to medium potency). It provides relief from redness, flakiness, and itching on the scalp. Fluocinolone also reduces inflammation on the scalp.

• Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfide has antifungal properties and reduces dandruff by limiting the production of natural oil by the scalp glands. This shampoo should not be used every day, as it can result in side effects like dry hair and hair fall.

• Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is another active antifungal ingredient that can reduce dandruff with regular use. It also works on other skin conditions like sweat rash, seborrhoeic dermatitis, jock itch, athlete’s foot, etc. Ketoconazole may take up to four weeks to show good results.

Apply Scalp Serum

When taking care of your hair, you should nourish the scalp as well. Scalp serums have active ingredients that seep into the skin’s layers and strengthen the hair follicles. The serums will reduce the risk of dandruff by preventing fungal growth. However, you should choose the serum based on your hair and skin type to get the best results. Consult a dermatologist for a recommendation.

Limit Hair Styling Products

Hair styling products like gels, perfumes, etc., can build up layers of dirt on the scalp and result in oiliness. This increases the risk of dandruff and hair fall. Limiting hair styling products is an effective way to reduce dandruff.

Consume a Healthy Diet 

A healthy diet is crucial for healthy skin and hair. Include zinc, vitamin B, and omega-6 fatty acids in food intake. Consume protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to nourish the hair from the inside. Lack of proper diet and stress are common causes of dandruff. Avoid this by eating good food and getting enough rest.

Stress Management

Practice stress management to reduce anxiety, which causes dandruff and many other health conditions. Stress can result in hair loss, weight gain/loss, and affect your body and mind in several ways. If you already have dandruff, stressing about it can worsen the condition.

Haircare Routine

Identify your hair type and create a haircare routine accordingly. Follow it religiously to keep the scalp free of deposits and build-up. Wash your hair regularly and nourish it with serums/ masks. Cover your head to limit exposure to sunlight and pollution.

Dandruff in Babies

Dandruff usually occurs in young adults and adults up to their middle ages. However, there’s something called cradle scalp, which causes dandruff in newborn babies. It can be seen in two-month-old babies and may last for some months. The newborn's scalp can have greasy and yellow/ white patches on it. Consult a dermatologist if the condition persists or worsens into itching, swelling, infection, cracks, or bleeding on the scalp. Do not try and remove scales forcibly from the baby’s scalp skin.

Dandruff can be treated with proper care and effort. Book an appointment with a senior dermatologist at Mehektagul Dermaclinic to get your scalp thoroughly tested for various conditions. Get tailored, effective ways to treat dandruff permanently improving scalp and hair health.