Shedding Light on Dandruff: Understanding and Overcoming Scalp Flakes
You or someone you know may have experienced dandruff in the past. Some people find it embarrassing, especially when others point it out with the common question - ‘What are those white flecks on your clothes?’ What makes it more awkward is that you may try to brush the dandruff off your clothes with a sense of urgency, yet the flecks do not seem to move!
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a very common scalp condition. It is caused by an increase in the scalp’s cell turnover, resulting in a flaky, itchy, and potentially sore or sensitive scalp. The white—grey flecks are the dead skin cells that have been shed by the scalp.
Although dandruff may not look aesthetically pleasing, be assured that it is not an indication of poor hygiene or contagiousness. The severity of dandruff can vary from one person to another and also over time. Some people may be unaffected by dandruff, yet for others, it can affect their self-confidence and quality of life.
Over-the-counter treatments for dandruff
Products Containing Ketoconazole
- Helps reduce scaling and shedding
- Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Suitable for anyone over the age of 12 years
- Leave in the shampoo for 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Use every 3-4 days for 2-4 weeks.
- Thereafter use once every 1-2 weeks.
Products Containing Coal Tar
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Coal tar has a particular smell and can stain clothing and cause irritation. Care should be taken when going out into the sun.
- Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo
- Use as required. Reduce usage when symptoms improve.
- Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
- Suitable for anyone over the age of 12.
- Apply liberally to the scalp, and then wash the product out. Repeat twice. Symptoms should improve after 6 weeks.
Dermax Therapeutic Shampoo
- Suitable for severe dandruff
- Use as required.
- Reduce usage when symptoms improve.
Alpecin Range
- Alpecin Dandruff Killer Shampoo
- Apply a walnut-sized quantity evenly to wet hair and massage in. Rinse out immediately.
- Alpecin Shampoo Double Effect
- Massage into the scalp and leave for 2 minutes - from application to rinse.
NOTE: It is important to bear in mind that not all products are effective for everyone; hence you will need to find a product that works for you. It may take a few weeks for a product to be effective. Regular treatment is required when symptoms have subsided, as a preventative measure.
When should I see my GP?
- Redness, swelling or tenderness to the scalp.
- Symptoms that have not resolved with OTC treatment.
- Sudden or unexplained hair loss.
- An odour to the scalp.
- Hair loss.
- Feeling generally unwell or have a weakened immune system.
- Crusting, burning or discharge.
- Abnormal growth on the scalp.
- A rash that has spread to other parts of the body.
- You are concerned about your symptoms or you have other symptoms which were not mentioned above.
