3 ways to prevent and treat dandruff

Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis are common skin conditions that can affect the scalp, ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, and beard. You can get it when you are a baby (called cradle cap), adolescence and adulthood. Dandruff presents as dry, thin, scaly skin on the scalp or other parts of the body, with pink or red, inflamed skin. If you are affected by this problem, you will definitely notice white flakes on your shoulders or chest, especially when wearing dark clothes. Severe or chronic dandruff can be frustrating and embarrassing, but it can also be very itchy and very uncomfortable. You can treat your dandruff with commercial or drugstore products and home remedies. You can also take steps to prevent them from appearing on your scalp or other parts of your body. The goal of treatment is to reduce the yeast as well as the inflammation caused by fungi, which is usually done with a topical agent.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use professional products

Step 1. Try a dandruff shampoo

If you have a lot of dandruff, you can use different dandruff shampoos with the ingredients that kill the fungi partly responsible for the problem. Note that you should only try one at a time to see which one works best for you. Look in pharmacies for shampoos that contain the ingredients below.

Zinc pyrithione: this ingredient helps kill Malassezia yeast which is partially responsible for the development of dandruff. It's found in brands like Head & Shoulders, Jason 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, and DHS Zinc Shampoo.
Salicylic Acid and Sulfur: This ingredient helps soften the dead cells on your scalp, allowing them to break away from the skin. It is found in T / Sal shampoos from Neutrogena and Sebulex. Be aware that you may experience dry scalp after using any product containing salicylic acid. You can apply conditioner after shampooing to keep your skin hydrated.
Selenium Sulfide 1% to 2.5%: This ingredient helps slow the production of skin cells on your scalp and kills the fungi that cause dandruff. It is found in Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, and Elseve Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. However, it is not recommended for people with blond or chemically treated hair, as it can discolor them.
1% Ketoconazole Shampoo: This shampoo has a strong antifungal effect which can treat and prevent dandruff. You'll find it in Nizoral A-D Shampoo.
Coal Tar Shampoo: These shampoos help slow the production of dead cells and prevent dandruff. Coal tar is found in Neutrogena T / Gel, Polytar Scalp Shampoo and Tegrin Shampoo.
You should not use certain types of dandruff shampoo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always read the label directions before doing anything and consult your doctor if you have any concerns about using shampoo.

Step 2. Apply shampoo according to package directions

Once you have chosen a dandruff shampoo, it is important that you apply it correctly for the most effective treatment. You can use it once a day or every other day until your dandruff is under control. The exception to the rule is ketoconazole shampoo, as it should only be applied twice a week.

Pick a type of shampoo and use it for a few weeks to see if it works. Do not use several different products at the same time.
Massage the shampoo onto your scalp and leave it on for at least 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to take effect.
If the dandruff shampoo seems to be working, reduce your use to 2-3 times per week.
If the shampoo doesn't work after several weeks and your dandruff is still plentiful, you will need to ask your doctor for prescription treatments.

Step 3. Use over-the-counter medicated creams

In addition to dandruff shampoos, you can try medicated creams to apply to your scalp to treat dandruff. There are 2 creams you can use.

Corticosteroid creams: These creams can reduce any inflammation or dryness in the skin and are available over the counter at 0.5% or 1% strengths. You can apply them to your scalp on damp hair after using dandruff shampoo.
Antifungal creams: These creams are effective because they can reduce the amount of yeast living on your skin, including your scalp. Look for over-the-counter products that contain 1% clotrimazole and 2% miconazole. You can use antifungal creams 1-2 times a day.

Step 4. Apply mineral oil

If you have a lot of dandruff on your scalp, you can also apply lukewarm mineral oil at bedtime to help loosen the dander. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wear it through the night. Then apply a medicated shampoo when you wake up.

Method 2 of 3: Use home remedies

Step 1. Apply aspirin to your scalp

Aspirin contains salicylates which are an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos with salicylic acid. It's a quick and easy way to treat dandruff at home.

Take 2 aspirin tablets and crush them into a fine powder. Mix everything into your shampoo.
Apply shampoo with aspirin to your hair, lathering it and massaging your scalp. Leave it on for 1 to 2 minutes before rinsing it off.
Wash your hair again with shampoo only to remove all traces of powder.

Step 2. Use natural oils

Natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil can help keep the scalp moist and prevent the development of dandruff.

Heat a cup of your choice of natural oil in a bowl so it's warm to the touch, but not boiling. Then apply it all over your scalp, massaging well.
Use a towel to wrap your hair as well as your scalp and leave on overnight.
When you wake up, rinse your hair to remove the oil.

Step 3. Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent. It can keep your scalp from scaling and filling with dandruff fungus. You can rinse your hair and scalp with it after shampooing.

Mix 2 cups of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of fresh water.
Lean over a sink or bathtub and rinse your hair with the mixture.
You can also apply white vinegar to your scalp and wrap your head in a towel. Leave the vinegar on overnight and rinse your hair with your regular shampoo the next day.

Step 4. Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great home remedy for dandruff.

Instead of shampoo, use baking soda to wash your hair. Just take a handful and rub it through your hair and scalp. Then rinse well with hot water.
You can continue to use baking soda instead of your regular shampoo to wash your hair and treat your dandruff.

Method 3 of 3: Prevent dandruff

Step 1. Wash your hair regularly

Good hair hygiene can help prevent the development of dandruff and keep your scalp and hair healthy. Try to wash your hair once a day, especially if you have an oily or itchy scalp.

Step 2. Avoid hairspray and hair gel

Styling products such as hairsprays, gels, foams and hair waxes can cause oil to build up on the hair and scalp, causing dandruff to develop. Cut down on your use of these products, especially if you already have an oily scalp or are starting to develop dandruff.

Step 3. Spend more time in the sun

Studies have shown that sunlight can help prevent dandruff. However, you should always put sun protection or an SPF product all over your body before going outside to avoid harmful UV exposure.