Brief Answer:
Treatment of dandruff explained below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service,

I carefully read your query.

Dandruff can be treated with shampoos. There are several causes of dandruff and the treatment needs to address the specific cause in the case of the patient. So, sometimes the patient may try a few shampoos before he finds the one that is effective in his case.

One of the first shampoos to try is a shampoo with zinc such as Head and Shoulders or Dermazinc. This is used every other day.

If there is not a good enough effect with one of these shampoos in 2 weeks, a shampoo with coal tar or salicylic acid is tried. In this case, Neutrogena T/Gel or Neutrogena T/Sal is used.

The next step would be a shampoo that contains an antifungal such as selenium sulfide or ketoconazole (Nizoral shampoo).

You will need to shampoo your head often. When you have some control over dandruff, you may use the medicated shampoo (mentioned above) 1-2 times a week and the shampoo you use normally the other times you shower.
Gently massage the head, do not scratch your scalp with nails as this may cause more scales.

Tea tree oil is helpful in some patients.

If dandruff is not under control with the above measures you will need to talk to your doctor and rule out other causes of scaly dry scalp.

I hope I have answered your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

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