Dandruff

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can often diagnose dandruff simply by examining your hair and scalp. No special tests are usually needed.

Treatment

You can usually treat mild dandruff at home. Start by washing your hair frequently with a gentle shampoo to remove extra oil and dead skin from the scalp.

If this doesn’t help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Most people can use it 2–3 times a week, though those with curly or textured hair may need it less often.
If any shampoo causes itching, burning, or stinging, stop using it. Seek medical help immediately if you experience an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, or breathing difficulty.

You can buy medicated shampoos without a prescription. Their effectiveness depends on active ingredients, such as:

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral Anti-Dandruff)

• Pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders, Jason Anti-Dandruff, others)

• Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders, others)

Other shampoos help reduce itching, scaling, and flaking, including:

• Salicylic acid (Denorex Extra Strength, Neutrogena T/Sal, others)

• Coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel, DHS Tar, others)

Note: Coal tar shampoos can darken or stain light-colored hair and increase scalp sensitivity to sunlight.

Always follow the directions on the shampoo label. Apply it directly to the scalp and leave it for a few minutes before rinsing. You can alternate between different dandruff shampoos to find what works best.

Once your dandruff improves, reduce usage to once a week to prevent recurrence.
If symptoms persist after a few weeks, consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. Prescription-strength shampoos or steroid lotions may be needed.