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Dandruff is a condition that affects both adults and children. Caused mainly by yeasts, it requires intervention because, if left untreated, it can have more serious consequences, such as excessive hair loss. A properly selected anti-dandruff shampoo should help to get rid of the problem, but in the case of frequent relapses, it is not necessary to visit a doctor, because dandruff may be a symptom of a disease developing in the body.
Dandruff – what is it?
Dandruff occurs when yeast builds up on the scalp. This mushroom is called Malassezia globosa. It nourishes the sebum on the scalp and produces by-products like oleic acid. There are many people who are sensitive to the presence of oleic acid. It accelerates the renewal of skin cells, which creates layers of dead skin cells on the scalp. They accumulate until they form visible flakes that become loose.
Dry skin may facilitate the development of dandruff, it is not the most common cause of dandruff. In fact, oily scalp is more prone to dandruff than dry scalp.
Dry dandruff in the form of unsightly flakes, which are easy to see on the hair and arms, most often affects people prone to allergies with a sensitive scalp. In this case, even a small contact with allergens or the use of an inappropriately selected cosmetic may cause this unpleasant ailment.
Oily dandruff (yellowish greasy scales on the scalp) is most common in people prone to seborrhea. It is favored by excessively secreted sebum. With this type of dandruff, scalp inflammation can occur frequently.
Anti-dandruff shampoo – what is it?
Dandruff is a common problem that can affect not only adults but also children. Anti-dandruff shampoos are designed to relieve your symptoms and prevent them from worsening. The anti-dandruff shampoo keeps the scalp healthy and strengthens the hair.
Over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos and medications help restore health to your hair. For chronic conditions such as dermatitis, you may need prescribed shampoos to soothe your scalp.
There are many causes of dandruff. You can treat this effectively by addressing the root of the problem. This is what the ingredients of anti-dandruff shampoos do. They can have therapeutic effects that can reduce dandruff and its symptoms.
Anti-dandruff shampoo – action
Shampoos remove dirt, excess sebum and product residues that stick to the hair and scalp. They provide nourishment, also stimulating the scalp to grow hair.
Your hair and scalp need the right shampoo to stay clean and healthy. To choose the best product, you need to consider your hair type and any concerns you may have.
Anti-dandruff shampoo – what will be the best for me?
Choose shampoos containing zinc pyrithione – zinc pyrithione is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Anti-dandruff shampoos containing this ingredient are particularly effective in the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis caused by fungi malassezia,
Consider tar-based shampoos – shampoos containing coal tar slow down the rate of death and exfoliation of skin cells, making them effective in the fight against dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis,
Use selenium sulfide shampoos – Selenium sulphide shampoos also slow down the rate of death and exfoliation of skin cells, similar to how tar shampoos work. In addition, selenium sulfide can also reduce fungi malasseziasuch as zinc pyrithione shampoos.
However, keep in mind that selenium sulfide shampoos can discolor blonde, gray, or color-treated hair. It is best to avoid such shampoos if your hair color falls into one of these categories. In addition, rinse these shampoos thoroughly from your hair to reduce the risk of discoloration.
Try shampoo with Salicylic acid – Salicylic acid is a relatively mild acid that can soften the skin and remove dead skin cells on the scalp. Results may vary with this type of shampoo; in some people, shampoos with salicylic acid may cause more dryness and peeling. If you experience dryness and excessive flaking with this type of shampoo, you may be able to alleviate the condition after each shampooing with a standard conditioner.
Try ketoconazole shampoos – ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that is active against a wide variety of fungi. It is often used as a last resort when other anti-dandruff shampoos do not solve the problem.
We recommend Capillus anti-dandruff shampoo with hemp extract, as well as Vianek anti-dandruff shampoo – both products are available on Medonet Market.
Anti-dandruff shampoo – how to apply?
Make a commitment to trial and error. No two anti-dandruff shampoos are exactly the same; likewise, no two people with dandruff are alike. The best anti-dandruff shampoo for one person may not be the best for you, so be prepared to try a few different options before you find one that works:
- zinc pyrithione shampoos tend to have fewer negative side effects and are generally well tolerated, making them a popular first option.
- if you have darker hair, tar shampoos and selenium sulfide shampoos are equally good options, as long as you strictly follow the instructions on the label.
- Since salicylic acid shampoos can cause extra dryness, they’re generally a less popular choice, but are still safe for most people,
- Ketoconazole shampoos are usually used when other types of anti-dandruff shampoo are either not working or stop working.
- For more specific recommendations based on your hair type and scalp needs, consult your dermatologist.
Massage the shampoo into the scalp – Always strictly follow the instructions on the label of any anti-dandruff shampoo you use, but as a general rule, apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage it thoroughly into the scalp with your fingers.
In most cases, you should leave the shampoo on the scalp for about five minutes before rinsing. Others, however, should be rinsed immediately after application (especially those containing selenium sulphide),
Use your shampoo regularly To manage severe dandruff, you will usually need to use an anti-dandruff shampoo once every one to two days.
Swap between two anti-dandruff shampoos as needed One shampoo can work for a while before suddenly becoming less effective. If this happens, consider switching between two different types of ingredients, using each of them at least once a week.
Anti-dandruff shampoo for children
Dandruff in children is caused by a yeast-like fungus. Occasionally, dandruff can be a symptom of allergies or atopic dermatitis, but not always. In children, it can occur in the usual form and seborrheic. The anti-dandruff agents in baby shampoo must not irritate the sensitive scalp and should be hypoallergenic.
Treatment of dandruff in children – anti-dandruff shampoo
Treatment of a child’s dandruff should be age appropriate. Other cosmetics are dedicated to infants with cradle cap, others can be used for preschool children, and still others for teenagers. Dandruff in children usually does not require medical attention, but its symptoms should not be ignored. The best anti-dandruff shampoo for a child should be recommended by a pharmacist, and if other symptoms (inflammation, red scalp) are added to the dandruff, a doctor should be consulted.