Hair Solution

Hair Dandruff Solution

I have hid the fact for many years but unfortunately, I have not been able to escape the condition: I have dandruff. The term dandruff is used to describe several common dermatological conditions which result in itchy scalps and flakes. Dandruff is not contagious and although it is typically not a serious condition, it is very irritating and embarrassing. Depending on the cause or type of dandruff you have, the best treatment for dandruff will differ. Finding the best treatment for dandruff depends on the cause of the dandruff and you should address your specific condition rather than wasting time and money on treatments that will not work for you.

Dry Skin - This is usually the most typical cause of the tiny, dry flakes that are sometimes associated with dandruff. Try a moisturizing shampoo such as Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo.

Oily Hair & Scalp - The opposite problem to a dry scalp is an oily scalp. If you do not shampoo enough, the oils and skin can build up on your scalp causing dandruff. The best solution to this is to shampoo more frequently and thoroughly. Make sure that you scrub your scalp thoroughly and rinse completely.

The following causes for dandruff are more difficult to treat:

Malassezia - This is a yeast-like fungus that exists on the scalp and is not normally a problem. However, there are times when this fungus may grow rapidly causing the skin on the scalp to become irritated. More skin grows causing the dead skin cells to clump with oils from your scalp and hair and fall off the scalp onto your clothes and hair. Although it is not known why the fungus will overgrow, diet, stress, hormones or sensitivity to the fungus could be the culprits.

Seborrheic Dermatitis - This type of dandruff refers to red, oily skin that has white or yellow scales cover the skin and can affect other areas of the body that have oil glands.

Psoriasis and Eczema - If you have either of these skin conditions, they could develop on your scalp. Psoriasis symptoms include thick scales of dead skin while eczema will cause severe itching and irritated, dry skin.

The treatments for these types of dandruff is usually medicated shampoos. The problem with medicated shampoos is that they contain different active ingredients, that while all have been successful in treating dandruff, which may or may not work for a specific individual. I can only recommend that you try them one at a time until you find the medicated dandruff shampoo that treats your specific case of dandruff. I found that if I alternate weekly between two dandruff shampoos, I get the best results.

1. Zinc pyrithione - This is an antibacterial and antifungal agent to treat the fungus on your scalp. Head & Shoulders shampoo contains this medication.

2. Tar-based shampoos ­Coal tar has been shown to be effective in slowing the rate that skin cells on your scalp die and flake off thereby controlling the amount of dandruff that you have. There are several tar-based shampoos that you can try.

3. Selenium sulfide -This medication is effective in treating malassezia by slowing the rate that skin cells die; however, it is very strong and should only be used as directed to avoid damage to color treated hair (fading, dulling, etc.) Selsun shampoo contains this anti-dandruff ingredient.

4. Ketoconazole - I was prescribed shampoo containing this agent when other dandruff shampoos would not work. It cleared up the dandruff and I know alternate this shampoo with another dandruff shampoo every other week. It is an antifungal that fights the overgrowth of fungus. You can now get this over the counter in Nizoral shampoo.

TIP: Check out the shampoo's website and sometimes you can get a free