How to Get Rid of Bad Dandruff

Bad dandruff often responds best to medicated shampoos.

Dandruff, also known as Seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that involves an itchy and flaky scalp. Dandruff can be easily controlled, and is not contagious. It appears as flakes throughout the hair, often falling onto the shoulders, and tends to be worse during the fall and winter due to indoor heating which tends to dry the skin. Risk factors for dandruff include age, sex, diet and certain illnesses.

Instructions

1. Use dandruff control shampoo daily or every other day. Zinc pyrithione, tar-based, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and salicylic acid shampoos are particularly effective for the treatment of bad dandruff.

2. Cut back on the use of styling products as this can lead to oil build up.

3. Consume a diet rich in zinc, B vitamins and healthy fats to help prevent the appearance of dandruff.

4. Manage stress by performing activities you enjoy and performing physical activity. Stress can exacerbate dandruff.

Tips & Warnings

• If dandruff persists after shampoo treatment, contact your doctor or dermatologist.

References

• MayoClinic.com; Dandruff; November 2010
• PubMed Health; Seborrheic Dermatitis; July 2007