Treatment Dandruff

This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.

Please check all ingredients if one are allergic or sensitive to them.
Treatments are not allowed on mouth, lips, eyes/ears, genitals and/or anus
For external use only
All treatment takes time to work, so please be compliant
Products can be highly flammable, keep away from naked flames

Aim:

To slow down the skin renewing itself process and by killing the fungus that causing the dandruff and reduce the itching and soreness.

Please be patient with the treatment, they do take time to control dandruff, it can come back anytime or flare up.
Dandruff can have a big impact on ones lives, if one needs advice, see your pharmacist or medical doctor.

Treatments can be used regularly to prevent dandruff, but talk to your pharmacist or a medical doctor first.

There are a number of products available:

Anti-fungal shampoo

Ketoconazole

It by disrupting the fungal cells (they break down the wall of the yeast cell, the cell membrane by stop producing a product called ergosterol).
It stop the growth of the fungus that is believed to cause the dandruff.
It also have antibacterial properties and are useful if a bacterial infection has occurred in a yeast infection and can be used on large areas.
To be effective use it according to the length the manufacturer states.
Please note ketoconazole containing products can interact with warfarin.

Zinc pyrithione

These stop the growth of the fungus that is believed to cause the dandruff.

Salicyclic acid

Salicylic acid belongs to a group of drugs called keratolytics.
It works by bringing moisture to the top layer of the skin and works by softening keratin, a protein which is found in the skin structure.
It removes the outer dead layer of the skin and tends to loosen and lift scales of dandruff.
As a result it helps other medicinal treatments to penetrate more into the skin making them more effective, hence it is used in many products as a combination.
It should not be used by anyone who is sensitive to salicylates.

Selenium sulphide

This product relieves the itching, flaking of the scalp and helps to remove the flaky scalp.

Coal Tar Preparations

Used for many years and is thought to reduce the turnover of the skin, though it is not clear how they work.
It also seem to have anti-scaling properties and reduce inflammation.
It should not to be used in direct sunlight or if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Beware it can stain clothes, hair, skin and bedding.
Use the correct dose as it can burn the skin.

Sulphur

These are medicated shampoo for dandruff only and are normally combined with salicylic acid.

Eyelid wipes/lotions

These help by gentle cleaning of the edges of the eyelids.

Vitamins

Multivitamins are not intended to prevent long term conditions, reduce infection and is not proven (or data is weak) to help with cancer.

These are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to function properly.

Sulfur

Herbal

Sage
Yucca

Vitamins - If depressed