Dandruff cure is not easy. However for almost all the cases the disease can be controlled, although at times it may require patience and persistence for satisfactory results. It may take long time for satisfactory result and may have to be continued for long (several years or even decades). Generally what is required for management and control of dandruff is daily cleansing of hairs and scalp by use of shampoo to prevent buildup of dead skin cells, especially in milder cases.
If use of regular shampoo fails to control dandruff satisfactorily, you may think of buying medicated shampoo from your nearby drug store which are usually available over-the-counter. There are various medicated anti-dandruff shampoos available and you need to try which works for you best. Because one that worked for your friend may not work for you and you will wonder what is wrong. Same shampoo may not work for everybody. If you develop any problem with a shampoo (such as allergic reaction or itching, stinging, redness or burning), stop using it immediately and seek medical attention and change to another one.
There are many medications used for treatment/management of dandruff such as ketoconazole (antifungal medicine), selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, shampoo containing salicylic acid etc.
Ketoconazole shampoo:
Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent (broad-spectrum antifungal) that may work for you when other shampoos fail. Ketoconazole available as over-the-counter shampoo as well as by prescription.
Selenium sulfide shampoo:
This is another commonly used anti-dandruff shampoo. It may slow down death of skin cells of scalp as well as reduce yeast like fungus malasazzia in scalp. Selenium sulfide cause discoloration of hair, especially of blond, gray hairs or chemically treated hair and should be used cautiously for this matter.
Zinc pyrithione shampoo:
Zinc pyrithione has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This can help reduce fungus from scalp and also seborrheic dermatitis.
Shampoo containing salicylic acid:
Shampoo containing salicylic acid help to eliminate scales from scalp. However they live your scalp dry and may encourage further scale/flake formation. To prevent this problem, conditioners should be used after using shampoo.
These medications used for dandruff control and management are also available as cream, lotion etc. and can be used instead of shampoo as the user may find suitable. There are also several herbal and other preparations available for management of dandruff. One has to work to find which suits him/her for dandruff control. So with trial and error one can certainly find solution for dandruff.
