Why is it that one thing so pure, so commonplace, like a easy pores and skin situation remains to be so embarrassing? The itchy, flaky reality is numerous folks take care of dandruff sooner or later or one other, and it does not imply you’ve got received unhealthy hygiene habits and it actually does not imply you are doomed to a stay a life the place you possibly can’t put on black.
“Dandruff is rather more widespread than folks understand; 13 million Individuals have had it,” says Francesca Fusco, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “In response to a current research performed by Unilever, most shoppers who’ve had dandruff have suffered long run, with 51 p.c having had dandruff for greater than two years.”
Forward, specialists break down what dandruff is, deal with dandruff at house, and what to do when over-the-counter cures do not give you the results you want.
Specialists Featured in This Article
Francesca Fusco, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at New York’s Wexler Dermatology.
Gilberto Alvarez, MD, is a dermatologist based mostly in New York Metropolis who specializes within the remedy of pores and skin circumstances.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a light type of a pores and skin situation referred to as seborrheic dermatitis — also referred to as a pink and itchy rash that causes scaly patches to type.
“Though most individuals assume [dandruff] is a dry pores and skin situation, it is the other,” says Gilberto Alvarez, MD, a dermatologist who specializes within the remedy of pores and skin circumstances, together with dermatitis. “This situation happens in areas of the physique which have many oil-producing glands, the scalp being the most typical one. Nevertheless, some folks can get it of their eyebrows, chest, and higher again.”
Though the trigger shouldn’t be utterly clear, Dr. Alvarez says that probably the most accepted concept is that this extreme oil manufacturing leads to yeast overgrowth, which in flip could cause irritation.
Dandruff, due to this fact, can happen in somebody who religiously washes their hair and follows hygiene protocol to a T. It should not be confused with product buildup or dry pores and skin, that are two separate points that may be remedied by way of scalp hydration and anti-residue shampoos.
Learn how to Deal with Dandruff
First issues first. A go to to the dermatologist will serve you properly when you’re coping with dandruff. When you’ve already been, otherwise you’re merely trying to find an over-the-counter treatment, you do have a couple of choices.
“If somebody has dandruff — or a pre-disposition to dandruff — one of the simplest ways of controlling it’s to cleanse the hair commonly with a product that has an ingredient like zinc pyrithione, which helps to clear and management the dandruff,” says Dr. Fusco. “I like to recommend Dove DermaCare Scalp Soothing Moisture Shampoo ($6) and Conditioner ($6) as a result of each merchandise comprise zinc pyrithione, so you possibly can shampoo and situation as you usually would, however deal with dandruff on the similar time. The opposite benefit of utilizing a conditioner with ZP in it’s that you simply will not wash out the ZP you simply handled your scalp with when utilizing a shampoo.”
She additionally suggests utilizing the conditioner as a deep conditioning masks. Merely warmth it for 20 seconds within the microwave, or till it is tepid, and add in a drop or two of lavender important oil for added moisture and a relaxing impact. Apply generously, cowl with a bathe cap, and let it set for about 20 minutes. This hydrates the scalp and it permits the ZP within the conditioner to have extended contact with the scalp.
Constant utilization of a ZP-infused shampoo and conditioner is essential to treating and controlling dandruff, notes Dr. Alvarez. In truth, he really useful washing your hair about three to 4 occasions every week, and even each day if potential. Keep in mind — dandruff is an oily scalp challenge, not a dry scalp challenge.
Prescriptions For Dandruff
“If somebody’s dandruff has change into too extreme or can’t be managed with over-the-counter merchandise, I individuate remedy for them with prescription drugs,” says Dr. Fusco. “This would possibly embody ketoconazole shampoo or cicloprox shampoo and a really restricted utility of a light topical steroid for a couple of days.”
Dr. Alvarez provides, “There are additionally anti-inflammatory options, foams, and lotions that may assist, and might be prescribed when there may be average to extreme itching or irritation.”
Backside Line
When you’ve received dandruff, there’s actually no have to be embarrassed. The extra we come to grasp this pores and skin situation, the much less stigma we see related to it.
“There was a time when folks had been involved that having dandruff was a sign of poor hygiene or that it was contagious, however we all know now that it’s actually not the case and anybody can get dandruff at any time,” says Dr. Fusco.
Your only option for remedy is to persistently use merchandise with zinc pyrithione, and to seek the advice of a dermatologist if you cannot appear to get it underneath management by yourself.
Wendy Rose Gould is a way of life author and photographer. She is a former contributing editor at XoVain and has written for Refinery29, ModCloth, InStyle, The Klog, and others.
