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How to Get Rid of Dandruff for Good

January 17, 2018
By: Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

Dandruff is an issue that impacts many people, with effects ranging from discomfort to lowered self-esteem and embarrassment.

Dandruff is typically characterized by an itchy, flaky scalp and the appearance of white flakes, which can especially make it more difficult to wear darker clothes. Fortunately, there are ways of stopping dandruff, helping you live your life without worrying about flakes coming from your hair.

The most common cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which is a rash that can happen during both childhood and adulthood. While it is commonly thought that this comes from a dry scalp, that is not the case. It actually is caused by an overreaction to the yeast that is found on the skin, which can cause certain oils to overproduce, causing irritation and the creation of the white flakes.

Though this is the most common cause, it’s not the only possible reason you are experiencing dandruff. Illnesses and other dermatological conditions can also be at fault, as well as everyday things such as stress, hair products, or diet. For these reasons, it is beneficial for those suffering from dandruff to make an appointment to see a skincare specialist to get to the root of the problem.

While your Frisco dermatologist will recommend specific dandruff treatment based on your individual condition, there are a few common remedies. The first is dandruff shampoo, which can help exfoliate, decrease inflammation, or decrease certain types of bacteria and yeast on the scalp. The easiest way to figure out what will help certain symptoms is by reading the labels to search out which ingredients are active in the shampoo. Talk to your dermatologist to determine which ingredients you should be looking for when shopping.

Over the counter medications often help, there are times when a prescription medication is needed to help combat dandruff. One example is a topical steroid solution, such as hydrocortisone, which can decrease scalp inflammation to fight dandruff. Other simple remedies include tea tree oil which can help unclog pores to reduce itchiness and oil. Another possible solution is apple cider vinegar, which can help to diminish the irritation on the skin.

One important note is that many people feel like they should shampoo less often when they have dandruff, but this is not a recommended strategy. Since dandruff is an overproduction of oil, shampooing daily can dry your hair and clear the oil. It can also help to brush your hair a few times per day, which can help distribute the oils.

At Dermatology Consultants of Frisco, we know your skin the best, with comprehensive dermatology services for patients of all ages. If you are suffering from dandruff, contact us, or book an appointment right through our website for one of our three locations. Dandruff is not a permanent condition, and there are ways we can help. Let us help you feel confident again that dandruff will not be in control.