How to Treat Dandruff in Kids

Children get dandruff, too, on occasion.

Dandruff is embarrassing at any age, but especially for children. There's nothing worse than being teased about an itchy, flaky scalp at school or around the neighborhood. There are a variety of causes for kids, including hygiene, shampoo choice and diet. There are a few things you can do at home not only to treat dandruff but potentially to prevent it as well. Luckily, the main remedy -- antidandruff shampoos -- are available over the counter.

Instructions

1. Shampoo regularly and rinse with warm or cool water. Lack of regular shampooing can cause buildup of extra skin on the scalp. Hot-water rinsing can agitate the scalp and cause dandruff.

2. Shampoo with a special dandruff shampoo formulated for children, following the directions on the product.

3. Eliminate any hair products that are alcohol-based. These tend to be drying and can cause dandruff.

4. Ensure that your child is eating a healthy and nutritious diet.

5. Apply a moisturizing oil on the scalp, such as tea tree oil, to help eliminate dryness.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child is under a year old, what may seem like dandruff is probably something called "cradle cap." It is a harmless condition, but you can treat it by rubbing baby oil on your child's head after shampooing and then brushing the scales out.

• If your child tries an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo for several weeks and shows no improvement, ask your doctor for a prescription dandruff shampoo, which may be more effective.

References

• HealthHype.com: Itchy Scalp, Pictures, Causes and Treatments
• MayoClinic.com: Dandruff Causes
• Hair Cosmetology: Getting Rid of Dandruff in Children