Hello Doctor, How Does Someone Treat Dandruff?
Several shampoos effective in dandruff and their use explained below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
Dandruff is very common and may be caused by several reasons such as oily skin, seborrheic dermatitis or fungal infection.
Treatment should be directed towards these causes so different shampoos are available and patients may try a couple of them till they find the one that works in their case.
One of the shampoos to start with is Heads and Shoulders or DermaZinc. You may use it up to three times a week. Follow the instructions on the shampoo if it should be left a few minutes on the scalp or be rinsed off right away.
If you notice no improvement in 2 weeks of regular use then you may try Neutrogena T/Gel or Neutrogena T/Sal. The same precautions (up to 3 times a week and follow the instructions on the label if it should be left on the scalp for a while or rinsed off soon).
If none of this helps then shampoos that have an antifungal such as Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, or Ketoconazolecan be used.
Most patients should see great improvement with one of these shampoos. If one shampoo seems to lose effectiveness with time, then alternate between two different shampoos.
If one shampoo helps and your dandruff is better, with time you may try to reduce the frequency you use it to up to once a week.
When using the shampoo, massage the scalp gently and make sure you apply it all over the scalp.
If you do not notice improvement with any of the above measures in 6 weeks, a doctor's visit is necessary. This is the case even if you have areas of hair loss (spots without hair).
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician