If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Show
Even before puberty hit, we knew to dread dandruff—thanks to TV commercials, which taught us that those flakes on the collar or shoulders are a fearsome social scourge. First, it’s not as bad as all that. Dandruff is perfectly normal, and there are several over-the-counter solutions that can clear it up. Doctors have been working on them since ancient times. In a book written in the early 1900s, pioneering French dermatologist Raymond Sabourad wrote 280 pages on the history of dandruff (unfortunately not available on Amazon). The ancient Greeks called it pityriasis, Middle Ages physicians called it tinea, and they argued for centuries about what caused it while taking the occasional whisk broom to their shoulders. Luckily, they settled on the causes in the modern era, paving the way for those anxiety-inducing commercials—along with some very effective treatments. Prescription dandruff shampoo, delivered It’s time to feel good about your hair. Learn more What is dandruff?Dandruff is flaking of the skin on the scalp, usually accompanied by itchiness. The flakes can be yellow or white. Dandruff is more common after puberty, and it’s more common in men than women. We can thank male hormones for that. It’s caused by skin cells on the scalp reproducing too quickly. They build up, then combine with scalp oils to form the telltale yellow or white flakes. Dandruff can be caused by several things. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include; not shampooing enough; a yeastlike fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults; dry skin; sensitivity to hair care products (called contact dermatitis); and other skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. Most of the time, a mild, over-the-counter shampoo will get rid of dandruff (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Anti-dandruff shampoosA good first step for getting rid of dandruff is to try an over-the-counter shampoo with pyrithione zinc (such as Head & Shoulders) or selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue). Their active ingredients are antibacterial and antifungal agents that can cut down on flaking and itching. They’re very mild and unlikely to cause scalp irritation. If those don’t work, you can try a ketoconazole shampoo (brand name Nizoral). This fights the fungus believed to be a source of dandruff. Researchers believe that ketoconazole has the additional benefit of disrupting DHT’s destructive effects on hair follicles, helping stem male pattern baldness when used in conjunction with finasteride (brand name Propecia; see Important Safety Information) (Hugo Perez, 2004; Roman-a, n.d.) If those don’t work after a few weeks, you can try an exfoliating shampoo containing salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal, DHS Sal) or coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel, TeraGel). At this point, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist or your primary care provider. DHT blocker shampoo: can a shampoo stop hair loss?Hair loss Last updated: Aug 02, 2021 5 min read How to get rid of dandruff naturallyA number of home remedies are touted for dandruff online.
How to get rid of beard dandruffOh joy: Dandruff isn’t just limited to your scalp. It can also appear on your eyebrows, mustache, and beard. That’s because the skin under your beard tends to dry out and become prone to flaking. You can prevent this with:
How to get rid of dandruff: tips, remedies, and treatmentsDandruff Last updated: Jun 04, 2021 5 min read Is there a connection between dandruff and baldness?In the vast majority of cases—95%—thinning hair is caused by male pattern baldness. Dandruff doesn’t cause male pattern baldness: The culprit there is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a male sex hormone that miniaturizes hair follicles. But some conditions that cause dandruff can cause hair loss, including seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, both of which cause a scaly, flaky rash on the scalp. And untreated regular old dandruff can lead to constant scratching that can damage your hair follicles and lead to hair shedding. This type of hair loss is usually temporary. Minoxidil and dandruffSome men who use minoxidil—a liquid or foam rubbed into the scalp—to treat male pattern baldness will experience a dry scalp or itching and flaking (Roman-b, n.d.). That’s because mixtures of minoxidil may contain alcohol, which can irritate some people’s skin. If you experience any of those symptoms, talk to your doctor about what’s going on, and the two of you can decide on your best treatment plan going forward.
How do you get rid of dry minoxidil?Try to wash your hair daily before the use of minoxidil. If your flakes are not reducing, you can use a medicated shampoo that contains ketoconazole. Make a practice of washing your head daily. If you can't make it then at least wash your hair on alternate days.
Can I put oil on my scalp after minoxidil?All you need to do is apply the minoxidil first, making sure your scalp and hair are dry, then allow an hour - or longer if possible - for it to sink in to your skin. After this time it is fine for you to apply scalp oil.
Does minoxidil dry out scalp?Hair Loss Medications and Dandruff
Green says minoxidil, which is used to treat thinning hair, can cause dandruff-like flaking as a side effect. The alcohol in minoxidil can dry out your scalp, and after a few months of treatment, dandruff may set in.
|