What is Dandruff? Dandruff is simply dead skin shedding from your head at a fast rate. Almost everyone has had dandruff at some point to one degree or another. People with a strong degree of dandruff will experience an itchy scalp.
Dandruff - that dry, itchy, white flaking of the scalp, It results from skin cells reproducing too rapidly, producing visible flakes. Dandruff is worse in dry climates and when the hair is not washed often. Mild dandruff can be kept under control with shampoos containing zinc pyrithione such as Dan Gard. What happens when these do not work?
An effective option for these stubborn cases is shampoos containing tar which have a triple action - they dissolve the scales, are antiseptic (fight bacteria), and soothe itching and redness.
Many people think that flaking occurs because their scalp is too dry, and stop using shampoo because they believe it makes the condition worse. This is not true. The flaking occurs due to the increased turnover of skin cells.
Here are some general tips to follow:
Shampoo at least 3 times a week with a non-medicated shampoo or an anti-dandruff shampoo (depending on severity), massaging scalp gently
Three times a week, do the following: use an anti-dandruff shampoo first to clean your scalp, then rinse well. Follow with a trusted medicated shampoo like Polytar; Make sure you leave it in contact with your scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing
If your scalp condition does not improve within 2 weeks of this regimen, see your physician or pharmacist.
