I have tried almost all the brands of
anti-dandruff shampoo, but dandruff still comes back. What should I do?
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| Photograph taken from Google images |
Anti-dandruff
shampoo might help dandruff but not sebbhoreic dermatits, for the later
dermatologist prescription is recommended. To know the difference between the
two and what is the reason behind your dandruff, read Dandruff - understanding the basics!
How can I manage dandruff at home?
Management
of dandruff involves regular use of anti-dandruff shampoos available
in the market; switching of brands might be helpful (no scientific evidence). If this is not working
anymore, shift to medicated anti-dandruff
shampoo available at the chemist. If dandruff still refuses to say goodbye, you
might be having sebbhoreic dermatitis; for the management of later
Dermatologist visit is recommended. Kindly note dandruff is usually associated
with oily hair; management of flaky scalp associated with dry hair is different
because chemicals in anti-dandruff shampoo will aggravate your problem.
How does anti-dandruff shampoo works?
Anti-dandruff shampoos act by stopping the growth
of fungus with the help of following active ingredients-
- ZPTO or Zinc pyrithione is the active agent in most
anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market like Head & Shoulders.
Besides anti-fungal action, it reduces oil production and normalizes skin
turnover.
- Nutrium 10 is
present in Clear shampoo. The manufacturer
claim that Nutrium 10 is innovative technology that treats dandruff at the
root; nourishes the scalp to eliminate flakes, soothes dryness and repairs
the scalp barrier to strengthen its natural resistance and has the
benefits of pro-vitamins, minerals and sunflower oils. (Source- Clear
website).
- Selenium sulphide- available as Selsun shampoo at Chemist.
- Salicylic acid- loosens adhesion between skin cells and thus
reduces dandruff.
- Anti-fungal drugs like Ketaconazole (Nizral shampoo),
Cyclopiroxolamine, Climbazole are usually available under prescription.
How should I use anti-dandruff shampoo?
Dandruff is usually
associated with oily hair; you should wash your
hair daily or as soon as your hair gets greasy. Leave ZPTO containing anti-dandruff
shampoo on your scalp for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Since these shampoos are
drying, conditioner should be applied but only on the strands of hair starting
at the level of your ears. Conditioning the scalp or oiling is not recommended.
If OTC anti-dandruff
shampoos are not working, you will need medicated anti-dandruff shampoos, which should be used twice a week only. Here are the
steps in details:
STEP 1- Thoroughly clean scalp with ZPTO based anti-dandruff
shampoo.
STEP 2- Apply medicated anti-dandruff shampoo on scalp and not
on hair length. Keep the lather for 5-10 minutes followed by rinsing.
STEP 3- Since these shampoos are drying,
conditioner should be applied on strands of hair starting at the level of your
ears.
STEP 4-You might need a drop or
two of serum to settle fizzy and dry hair because most of the medicated
shampoos are drying.
Are there any home remedies for
Dandruff?
The list of home remedies is huge but
I am listing the one with some scientific evidence:
- Aloe vera: diluted with water can be applied on scalp and rinsed
off after an hour; alternatively aloe-vera based shampoos can be used.
- Neem: Neem leaves
have anti-fungal action and can be used after boiling them in water.
- Tea tree
oil- Tea tree oil is anti-septic and can be can be applied on scalp either alone or with other home remedies.
- Lemon
juice or vinegar- Either of these can be used after dilution in water or oil.
Discontinue these remedies if theyb irritate burn or reden your scalp and see your dermatologist.
Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.
Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin.
Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)
The incidence of
pimples is increasing beyond 25 years of age especially in females; is this due
to increase in stress levels or because more and more females are now becoming
more conscious about their looks or due to more sedentary lifestyle? All of
these factors are implicated in increase incidence of Adult onset acne. In this
article we would be discussing the reason behind getting pimples beyond teens
along with treatment options available with dermatologist.
