How to Get Rid of Dandruff

If you’re wondering how to get rid of dandruff, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Not only is the skin condition incredibly common for all hair types, but it also has a variety of potential causes. That said, constant white flakes of dead skin cells on your clothes can get pretty frustrating.

But first: What is dandruff? Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff is an inflammatory response to an imbalance in the scalp microbiome. “This causes the overgrowth of Malassezzia, a normal yeast found on the scalp,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “This overgrowth causes an inflammatory reaction, which leads to scalp flaking and itching.” While there is no known cure for dandruff, there are plenty of treatment options. Ahead, everything you need to know about how to get rid of dandruff.

What causes dandruff?

According to Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist, there isn’t one clearly defined cause for the scalp condition. “While we do not completely understand all of the causes of dandruff, we do know that the oils on our skin [sebum], a friendly yeast that lives there [Malassezia], and our sensitivity to the interaction between the two can all play a role in how likely we are to get dandruff,” she explains. “Areas of high sebum production such as the scalp, parts of the face, and the center of the chest are the most common areas where we see dandruff.”

How to treat dandruff

First, Dr. Robinson recommends washing your hair with an over-the-counter shampoo formulated with salicylic acid to address the condition. “I often recommend starting with Neutrogena’s Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff collection, because it has four different salicylic acid formulas to effectively help with flakes and control many of the symptoms of dandruff,” she says. If dandruff shampoo doesn’t help, Dr. Robinson suggests visiting a health care provider like a board-certified dermatologist for medicated shampoo and topicals. “I will often treat my patients with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, a more severe form of dandruff, with prescription topical anti-inflammatory solutions and prescription shampoos to gain control,” she says.

Dr. King agrees, adding she may prescribe dandruff treatments such as a topical cortisone for the scalp and affected areas.

What ingredients fight dandruff?

“For dryness and flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff shampoos, which include ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione, can be a big help,” says Iris Rubin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Seen Hair Care.

Dr. King adds that you’ll want to look for the following antifungal ingredients to fight the overproduction of Malassezia.

• Selenium sulfide: Has antifungal properties; can decrease irritation and itching
• Pyrithione zinc: Has antimicrobial and antifungal properties; also helpful inflammation and itchy scalp
• Salicylic acid: Helps to reduce scaling on the scalp
• Ketoconazole: Is an antifungal with mild anti-inflammatory properties
• Coal tar: Suppresses fungus; decreases inflammation; may reduce sebum production
• Tea tree oil: Has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties

Dry scalp vs. dandruff

While dandruff can cause a dry scalp and a dry scalp can come with a lot of dandruff symptoms, the conditions are not one and the same. A dry scalp can also result from other common skin conditions such as contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction to hair care products. To find the definitive cause, you should seek medical advice. “If you’re unsure whether your dry, itchy scalp is due to dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist,” says Dr. Rubin. “Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that causes the skin cells to grow extremely fast and become patches of dry, itchy, flaky skin,” adds Robinson. “Psoriasis often requires management with prescription therapy, which is why I recommend speaking to your dermatologist if you suspect that you might have this.” Source