Management of Dandruff - Anti-dandruff shampoos & Home remedies!

I have tried almost all the brands of anti-dandruff shampoo, but dandruff still comes back. What should I do?

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:

1. Aloe vera: diluted with water can be applied on scalp and rinsed off after an hour; alternatively aloe-vera based shampoos can be used.
2. Neem: Neem leaves have anti-fungal action and can be used after boiling them in water.
3. Tea tree oil- Tea tree oil is anti-septic and can be can be applied on scalp either alone or with other home remedies.
4. 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)