Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp and causes it to flake. It is noticeable because a person with dandruff has white or gray flakes on the scalp or in the shoulders. It is not harmful but it is embarrassing and sometime itchy. There are different types of dandruff and it is important to identify it correctly before starting any treatment.

Dry skin dandruff is the most common type of dandruff. It usually appears during the cold months. This period the weather is cold, you use hot water to shower and as a result you have a dry and flaky scalp.

Oil related dandruff happens because of the accumulation of the oil on the scalp. The oil produced by the scalp together with the dead cells of the skin forms itchy flakes.

Fungal dandruff is caused by a fungus named Malassezia, which is in the scalp of us all. This fungus produces oleic acid, which makes skin cells to clump together causing flakes.

Disease related dandruff happens as a result of other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema ecc. Seborrhoic dermatitis is a more serious condition. It causes severe redness and itchy scalp. It usually appears in the back of the head or in the neck.

What causes dandruff?

There is not only one factor that causes dandruff, but there are a lot of factors that may cause it:

• Stress can trigger dandruff in some persons;
• Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema;
• Poor hygiene;
• Using hot water during shower;
• Dry or oily skin;
• A fungus called Malassezia;
• Allergies;
• Bad diet;
• Alcohol or smoking.

Dandruff treatment

To treat dandruff correctly at first you should diagnose it. So, you should know which type of dandruff you have. The most effective way to treat it is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo and local scalp treatments.

1. At first choose a normal anti-dandruff shampoo. If you don’t see any results then choose a shampoo that contains: zinc-pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or coal tar. Use coal tar carefully because it may change the color of your hair. If dandruff is caused by a fungus choose a shampoo that contains an antifungal substance such as ketoconazole. Use your shampoo for at least one month before you decide if it is what you need.
2. When you have dry scalp you should also restore the moisture of your scalp. Use creams or lotions with moisturizing properties.
3. When you have oily dandruff it is recommended to shampoo often, because it keeps oils at bay. Don’t scratch when you shower. Eliminate the extra oily styling products that you may be using.
4. Avoid stressful events and situations.
5. If all of this is not enough to improve the situation then your dermatologist may prescribe to you local cortisone. It reduces itching and improves the situation within some days. In severe cases your dermatologist may also prescribe oral antifungal medicines.

Below you are going to see photos of products that you may use to treat dandruff.

1. Ducray Anti-dandruff shampoo for dry dandruff

2. Ducray anti-dandruff shampoo for oily scalp

3. Ducray Kelual DS anti-dandruff shampoo for itching scalp

4. Froika climbazole anti-dandruff shampoo is useful for the persistent dandruff, scaling and itching problems of the scalp.

Home remedies with anti-dandruff properties

• Apple cider vinegar can be very helpful in the treatment of dandruff if you use it properly.

Add apple vinegar in water (equally) and keep it aside. Wash your hair and then apply the mixture in your wet hair. Massage gently and leave it for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water. It should be used every two days.

• Combine coconut oil with lemon: it will keep your hair nourished.

Take two tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it equally with some mixture of lemon juice. Apply on the scalp and massage it gently. Leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse off.

• Use orange peel.

Take the orange peel and squeeze some lemon juice on it. Add all of this to a grinder and mix it till it turns into a paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and leave it to dry for 30 minutes.

• Green tea is known for its antioxidant and antifungal properties.

Add two green tea bags in hot water and leave it for 20 minutes. Let the decoction to cool down and then apply it to the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

• Aloe Vera and tea tree oil may be also very useful for dandruff treatment.