The secret to getting rid of dandruff once and for all is to keep the oiliness of the scalp under control. To do this, washing your hair with anti-dandruff shampoos or shampoos containing ingredients such as selenium sulphide, ciclopirox olamine or ketoconazole can be the solution, especially at times when there is more dandruff.
In addition, taking simple precautions such as avoiding washing your hair in very hot water, controlling stress and avoiding wearing hats can also keep dandruff under control for longer. The use of home remedies for dandruff, such as tea tree essential oil or castor oil, can also help, but it is important that they are advised by a doctor or herbalist.
The flaking and itching caused by dandruff can be mild, medium or severe. In all three situations, it is important to consult a dermatologist for the most appropriate treatment.
1. Anti-dandruff shampoos
The itching and flaking of dandruff can almost always be controlled with the use of shampoos. For mild dandruff, daily cleansing with a neutral shampoo is first recommended to reduce the build-up of oil and dead skin cells on the scalp.
In cases where there is no improvement with neutral shampoos or in cases of medium or severe dandruff, a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo can be used. Anti-dandruff shampoos can contain different substances:
- Zinc pyrithione: has an antifungal action and helps to remove and prevent the formation of oil on the scalp, keeping the area drier;
- Coal tar: acts by slowing down the rate at which scalp cells die and flake off, reducing the formation of dandruff;
- Salicylic acid: has an astringent action, as well as unclogging pores and balancing skin oil levels. In some shampoos, salicylic acid can be combined with ketoconazole because it improves the penetration of ketoconazole into the skin and its antifungal action;
- Ketoconazole: works by killing dandruff-causing fungi that live on the scalp and can be sold with or without a prescription;
- Selenium sulphide: has an antifungal and antibacterial action, as well as reducing the renewal of scalp cells, reducing the formation of dandruff and treating ringworm;
- Ciclopirox olamine: has an antifungal action, as well as sanitizing the scalp and preventing the appearance of dandruff.
These shampoos can initially be used one to three times a week to treat dandruff. If it improves, it can be reduced to once a week or less often for maintenance and prevention.
It is important to always read the instructions for use for each shampoo, as some must be left on the head for a few minutes to take effect and others must be used and rinsed off immediately. If one type of shampoo works for a while and then stops being effective, you can alternate between two types of dandruff shampoo.
2. Medicines
Other useful options for getting rid of dandruff are topical solutions containing salicylic acid, antifungals or corticoids, which can be recommended by a dermatologist in the case of dandruff with inflammation and itching.
The doctor may also recommend the use of medicines such as spironolactone which, although not indicated for this purpose, its side effects reduce the oiliness of the hair, making it useful for eliminating dandruff.
3. Home remedies
Some home remedies can help get rid of dandruff because they have antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, such as the essential oils of tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus or peppermint, for example. To use them, simply choose an essential oil and add 1 drop to every 10mL of shampoo you use on a daily basis. Another good option is to use coconut oil in shampoo by adding 1 drop of the oil for every 10mL of shampoo, as it helps to moisturize the scalp and reduce the inflammation that causes dandruff and itching.
See how to prepare a dandruff shampoo and check out other tips to help keep your hair clean:
Using natural shampoos made from herbs such as rosemary, thyme, celery, sage and eucalyptus can also be effective against dandruff, due to their antiseptic and antifungal properties.
4. Hair care
Some useful steps to get rid of dandruff more quickly are:
- Avoid bathing in very hot water, as this stimulates oiliness at the root of the hair;
- Avoid washing your hair every day, as the scalp can produce more oil to compensate for the removal of oil from the hair;
- Avoid using hair conditioner;
- Avoid foods high in fat;
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day;
- Avoid stress;
- Avoid sleeping with wet or damp hair;
- Do not rub the scalp with your nails, as this can cause head injuries.
- Massage with your fingertips in gentle, circular motions;
- Avoid wearing caps and hats.
Eating a healthy diet is an important factor in eliminating and preventing the reappearance of dandruff. It is therefore recommended to include fruit, vegetables and foods rich in zinc and vitamin B in your diet to control the oiliness of the scalp and to avoid citrus fruits, nuts and pickled foods.
In addition, rose water also has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that help control and combat dandruff.
Source: https://www.tuasaude.com/
