What Chemicals are Used to Treat Dandruff?

What Chemicals are Used to Treat Dandruff?

Hello Readers, in our previous articles you might have read about the natural and home remedies which help to get rid of dandruff. But, if you still feel that your issue is not getting resolved don’t worry we have a solution for you. Dandruff can be resolved by using natural solutions and chemical solutions. If you think your issue is not resolved then you can try these chemical solutions and gain results. So, let’s quickly discuss these chemical solutions.

Overview of Dandruff

Dandruff is a well-known hair condition that requires no introduction. It affects around half of all people globally at some point in their lives, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes flaking and/or itching. Because of surface dirt and oil on the scalp, dead cells on the scalp tend to cling together. This produces flakes and an itchy scalp, as well as hair shedding at a higher than-typical rate. Dandruff is most common between puberty and middle age since this is when the sebaceous glands are most active. 

The intensity of dandruff varies with the season, but it commonly worsens in the winter. If left untreated, it can cause fungal infections of the skin and severe hair loss. Home remedies and pharmaceutical medicated shampoos are frequent dandruff treatment solutions.

Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff irritation and flaking can almost always be controlled. To minimize oil and skin cell buildup, consider regular cleaning with a light shampoo first. If this solution doesn’t work, consider using a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can use a medicated shampoo two to three times per week, with ordinary shampooing on other days if necessary. Less frequent shampooing and a moisturizing conditioner for the hair or scalp would benefit people with drier hair. Medicated and non-medicated hair and scalp products are available in the form of solutions, foams, gels, sprays, ointments, and oils. You may need to try many products before settling on a schedule that works for you. You will very definitely require ongoing or long-term care.

Stop using any hair care product if you experience itching or stinging. Seek emergency medical treatment if you develop an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. Dandruff shampoos are categorized based on the medication contained within them. Some are accessible by prescription in stronger forms.

Pyrithione zinc shampoos

These include zinc pyrithione, an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Tar-based shampoos

Coal tar reduces the rate at which skin cells on your scalp die and flake away. This shampoo may cause discoloration if you have light-colored hair. It might also make the scalp more sun sensitive.

Shampoos containing salicylic acid

These products aid in the removal of scaling.

Selenium sulphide shampoos 

These have antifungal agents in them. Because these products might darken the hair and scalp, use them as instructed and rinse thoroughly after shampooing.

Ketoconazole shampoos

This shampoo is designed to fight fungi that cause dandruff on your scalp.

Fluocinolone shampoos

A corticosteroid is present in these treatments to assist alleviate itching, flaking, and irritation.

If one type of shampoo seems to work for a while and then loses its effectiveness, consider switching between two types of dandruff shampoos. Once your dandruff seems to be under control, use the medicated shampoo on a less frequent basis for maintenance and prevention. Then, read and follow the directions on each shampoo bottle you try. Some products must be kept on for a few minutes, while others must be rapidly rinsed off. Consult a dermatologist or doctor if you’ve been using medicated shampoo for a few weeks but still have dandruff. A prescription mentioning strength shampoo or steroid lotion may be required.

Dandruff Complications

Dandruff should not be underestimated because

  • It could be a sign of an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia, which, despite being present on most people’s scalps, does not cause any symptoms.
  • It has the potential to halt hair growth.
  • It denotes a microinflammation, which may go unnoticed because there are no obvious symptoms.

So, if you have dandruff or an itchy scalp with white flakes, see a dermatologist to determine the source and get it treated before it worsens.

Wrapping Up

For some of us, home remedies will help to resolve the solutions. But this remedy doesn’t work for everyone. If you experience extreme dandruff then chemical-based solutions such as chemical shampoos are the only solution that will help you to overcome dandruff. But, if still it doesn’t work for you we recommend you consult the doctor and get rid of dandruff.

About Author

Dr. Anish M Kurias

Dr. Anish M Kurias has more than 20 years of experience and is a gold medalist from Ashwini Ayurveda Medical College, Davanagere, hails from a 131 years old traditional ayurvedic toxicology family in Kerala.

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