How do dandruff start

The itching and flaking of dandruff can almost always be controlled. For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.

People with drier hair would benefit from less frequent shampooing and a moisturizing conditioner for the hair or scalp. Hair and scalp products, both medicated and nonmedicated, are available as solutions, foams, gels, sprays, ointments and oils. You may need to try more than one product to find the routine that works for you. And you'll likely need repeated or long-term treatment. If you develop itching or stinging from any product, stop using it.

If you develop an allergic reaction — such as a rash, hives or difficulty breathing — seek immediate medical attention. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to the medication they contain. Some are available in stronger formulations by prescription. If one type of shampoo works for a time and then seems to lose its effectiveness, try alternating between two types of dandruff shampoos. Once your dandruff is under control, try using the medicated shampoo less frequently for maintenance and prevention.

Read and follow the directions on each bottle of shampoo you try. Some products need to be left on for a few minutes, while others need to be rinsed off quickly. If you've used medicated shampoo regularly for several weeks and still have dandruff, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.

Although infrequent shampooing can make dandruff more obvious, researchers are still studying the causes, which appear to be complex.

Follow these tips from dermatologists to get the best results:. Follow the instructions on the dandruff shampoo bottle. There are many different dandruff shampoos, and each contains different active ingredients for controlling symptoms. To get the best results, always follow the instructions on the bottle.

For example, some dandruff shampoos require that you lather the shampoo into the hair and scalp and leave the shampoo in for about five minutes before rinsing.

Others should not be left on the scalp. If you are Caucasian or Asian, shampoo daily and use dandruff shampoo twice a week. If using one dandruff shampoo does not bring relief, try alternating between dandruff shampoos with different active ingredients.

If you are African-American, only shampoo once a week using a dandruff shampoo. But Dr. Internet suggests using apple-cider vinegar as a home remedy for many things and a base for many products, among them a toner , a hot-water salve , and a treatment for dandruff.

Dermatologists are a bit divided on this. Gabriel suggests combining half a cup of apple cider vinegar with one and a half cups of cool water. Pour the mixture onto the hair in the shower after shampooing and rinse out. For the occasional dandruff attack, Dr. Gabriel has another home remedy. You can try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo. Unfortunately, dandruff shampoos can dry out your hair, in addition to your scalp.

Weiser says that you should apply your special shampoo only to the scalp. Particularly if you have long, sharp nails, scratching can cause open scalp wounds which lead to infections. Try a ponytail or updo. When your hair is down and has freedom of movement, the flakes will fall. An over-the-counter version of a prescription shampoo containing ketoconazole, an anti-fungal treatment.

It is a big hit within the dandruff community on Reddit , and has a barely-there scent. Plus, it has a pretty, sort of salty lemon smell. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

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