Using Medicinal Treatments For Dandruff

1. Use a zinc pyrithione shampoo

Zinc pyrithione is an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent, so it can reduce any bacterial or fungal infection on your scalp that may be causing your dandruff due to seborrheic dermatitis. The Malassezia furfur fungi is thought to be partially responsible for dandruff in some people. As such, buy some from your local grocery store or pharmacy and use it instead of your regular shampoo.

• The most common cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis (or seborrhea), which usually occurs on the scalp, ears, face and upper torso. mid-chest, and mid-back.
• Seborrhea produces itchy, reddish plaques on skin (scaling), which flakes off as dandruff.
• Common zinc pyrithione shampoos include Head & Shoulders, Selsun Salon,Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1, and Neutrogena Daily Control Dandruff Shampoo.

2. Try a shampoo that contains coal tar

Coal tar slows down the rate of decay the skin cells on your scalp undergo — it essentially prevents skin cells from dying and forming scaly plaques. Less plaque formation equates to less dandruff. The main downside to using shampoos with coal tar is they don't smell very good and cause painful irritation if you get some in your eyes.

• Coal tar is actually a by-product from the process of manufacturing coal. It's considered effective for preventing dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
• Remember that eczema is characterized by an itchy red rash, whereas psoriasis involves raised patches topped by silvery scales.
• Commonly available shampoos that contain coal tar include Neutrogena T/Gel, Denorex Therapeutic Protection, and Scytera.

3. Consider selenium sulfide shampoos

Selenium sulfide is another compound that slows down the rate at which skin cells on your scalp die or "turn over", thereby reducing scaling and dandruff production. Although unlike coal tar, selenium sulfide is also an anti-fungal and thought to be able to combat malassezia fungi. As such, selenium sulfide shampoos are a little more versatile because they can treat a wider range of causes. The main downside to using these types of anti-dandruff shampoos is that they can discolor blond, gray, or chemically colored hair.

• In order to reduce the potential for hair discoloration, only use these shampoos strictly as instructed — don't leave them on your scalp for too long and thoroughly rinse your hair with water.
• Shampoos that contain selenium sulfide as an ingredient include Selsun Blue, Dandrex, and Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength.

4. Check out shampoos that contain salicylic acid instead

Salicylic acid (the main medicinal ingredient in aspirin) is also capable of reducing scale and eliminating dandruff because it can soften dead skin, exfoliate your scalp and reduce inflammation. The main downside to salicylic acid is that it can dry out your scalp if its over-used, which can actually trigger more dandruff and become counterproductive.

• To minimize the drying out effect of salicylic acid, use a scalp conditioner after shampooing.
• Commonly available shampoos that contain salicylic acid acid include Ionil T and Neutrogena T/Sal.
• Some salicylic acid shampoos also contain sulfur, such as Sebex and Sebulex. Be aware that these brands have stronger odors and may leave your hair smelling unpleasant.

5. Experiment with shampoos containing ketoconazole if others fail

Ketoconazole is a powerful broad-spectrum anti-fungal agent that works well against most types of fungi and yeast. These types of shampoo are usually recommended or experimented with when the ones mentioned above are not effective — kind of a last resort treatment. They're available over-the-counter as well as by prescription, and tend to cost more than the other anti-dandruff shampoos.

• Unlike most other anti-dandruff shampoos, products containing ketoconazole usually only need to be applied 2x per week at most.
• Commonly available shampoos that contain ketoconazole include Nizoral, Extina and Xolegel.

6. Talk to your doctor about prescription strength shampoos and creams

While over-the-counter dandruff shampoos are usually effective, severe cases of dandruff may require a prescription-strength shampoo. Prescription shampoos don't contain any different ingredients than mentioned above, just a higher percentage, which makes them stronger. However, there's no scientific evidence that prescription anti-dandruff shampoos work better than common over-the-counter varieties.

• Ketoconazole is the compound most often used in prescription shampoos.
• Your doctor can examine your scalp to determine the actual cause of your dandruff. You may need a referral to a skin specialist (dermatologist) for a diagnosis.
• If your dandruff is caused by an inflammatory condition, such as psoriasis or eczema, your doctor may recommend and prescribe a lotion or cream containing a corticosteroid. Betamethasone is the most common steroid used for dandruff and is found in brands such as Bettamousse and Betnovate.