Dealing with Dandruff? Here's What To Do

Dandruff is a common and harmless scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin flake off. Here is a quick breakdown on what you need to know about dandruff and flaky scalp.

Malassezia, a yeastlike fungus that lives on the scalp, is thought to be a primary cause of dandruff. Flaking of the scalp however may be caused by a number of things, including dry, irritated skin, conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis).

One way to treat and control dandruff is to use over the counter dandruff shampoos. There are a variety of active ingredients that may help. Some will work better for certain people so it may require a bit of trial and error. Popular ingredients to consider are: Zinc Pyrithione , Selenium Sulfide, Ketoconazole, Salicylic Acid, and Coal Tar.

It is important to leave shampoo on for enough time to be effective (generally 5 minutes). It is also a good idea to rotate your dandruff shampoos so that your scalp doesn’t get used to a particular active ingredient. If you continue to have symptoms after using a dandruff shampoo, consult a board-certified dermatologist.