A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune condition in which skin cells grow too quickly, causing thick, scaly patches to form on the skin. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is designed to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and scalp psoriasis. A type of common fungus called Malassezia is found on the skin of every human being. In some people, it can trigger an inflammatory response that produces dandruff or other conditions, such as eczema.
- Read and follow the directions on each bottle of shampoo you try.
- Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that may help fight dandruff-causing fungi.
- People with drier hair would benefit from less frequent shampooing and a moisturizing conditioner for the hair or scalp.
- Treating a dry scalp usually involves switching to a gentle, unmedicated shampoo that contains as few additives as possible that may remove moisture from your scalp.
- Once the time is up, wash out the aloe vera with shampoo.
The signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis tend to flare with stress, fatigue or a change of season. If a shampoo causes side effects — such as redness and irritation, or a rash — stop using it immediately and speak with a medical professional. If one type of shampoo isn’t effective or loses its effectiveness over time, try another kind. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 50 percent of people who have psoriasis also have scalp psoriasis.
If you have an excessively oily scalp and it’s causing wet dandruff, you may need to wash your scalp and hair more often. This will help prevent sebum from accumulating on your scalp, which causes wet dandruff. Shampoos containing tea tree oil are an alternative remedy for dandruff.
Oiling your scalp “Certain oils applied to the scalp can cover the scale, but worsen the flaking and itching response,” notes McMichael. By Sherry ChristiansenSherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the 1 groups and substance abuse treatment substance abuse treatment hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer’s research. Dandruff is normally diagnosed by a history and physical examination. There are usually no lab tests needed for diagnosis, but a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.
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Arnica is an herbal remedy that can be used for various forms of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis. If you have dandruff, wash your hair often with an antidandruff shampoo. No matter which dandruff shampoo you try, read the instructions on the bottle and follow them carefully. If you’re not sure which shampoo to use or how often to use it, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
You may have to try two or three products before contacting a specialist. Treating a dry scalp usually involves switching to a gentle, unmedicated shampoo that contains as few additives online therapy for addiction as possible that may remove moisture from your scalp. Research has shown that aloe’s enzymes and vitamins could help reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness on the scalp.
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A doctor or healthcare professional will determine whether you have dandruff by looking at your scalp and hair. They can rule out conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which can also cause flaky skin on your scalp. Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin flake off of the scalp. If you have dark hair or you’re wearing dark colors, you may notice the flakes in your hair or on your shoulders.
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This type of dandruff is often caused by a dry scalp, and it can be worsened by cold, dry weather. If the OTC shampoos don’t alleviate your dandruff symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider about the possible use of a prescription shampoo. You don’t need any special preparations for an appointment to diagnose dandruff. Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose your dandruff simply by looking at your scalp and skin. You can treat both types of dandruff with special shampoos that have active ingredients designed to reduce irritation and rehydrate the scalp.
It comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agent. If you’ve used medicated shampoo regularly for several weeks and still have dandruff, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. You may need a prescription-strength shampoo or a steroid lotion. Hair and scalp products, both medicated and nonmedicated, are available as solutions, foams, gels, sprays, ointments and oils.
You might have to try a few brands before you find one that relieves your dandruff. A type of fungal yeast called Malassezia is part of the skin’s natural flora (microorganisms that live naturally on the skin). When there is excess sebum, Malassezia is known to proliferate because it grows in sebum.
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If the itchiness becomes severe, you may have a more serious skin condition that requires a medical professional’s care. This professional dermatologic organization is dedicated to promoting awareness of (and excellence within) the dermatological care of skin of color. Mayo Clinic dermatologist, Dr. Dawn Davis says there are two common causes for dandruff flakes on the scalp. Tea tree oil is included in a number of shampoos, but there is no strong evidence to support its use for dandruff control.