What should you know about head dandruff treatment?

Dandruff is a flaky, irritated scalp pattern. Treatment may reduce excess scale, slow the growth of scalp yeast, or calm inflammation. A product that helps one person may irritate another, so tell a clinician about eczema, psoriasis, allergies and any recent hair dye or styling product.

If the scalp is very inflamed, has greasy yellow scale, or the rash affects the face and ears, seborrheic dermatitis may be involved. Thick plaques, pain, pus, broken hairs or patchy hair loss suggest that another diagnosis should be checked.

Choose a medicated shampoo recommended for your symptoms. Massage it gently into the scalp, follow the label contact time, and rinse thoroughly. Use it on the schedule provided rather than washing repeatedly in an attempt to remove every flake. A gentle ordinary shampoo can be used between medicated washes when needed.

Avoid picking scale, scratching with nails and applying undiluted oils or home remedies. If shampoo alone is insufficient, a clinician may discuss topical antifungal treatment or another scalp medicine. Stop and seek advice if a product causes burning, swelling or a spreading rash.

Book a medical review when symptoms continue despite careful use, keep returning quickly, or interfere with sleep. Seek prompt care for bleeding, pus, fever, severe pain, swollen glands, or areas where hair breaks or falls out. A scalp examination can separate dandruff from infection, psoriasis or dermatitis.

Ask which shampoo ingredient fits your scalp, how often to use it, whether you need a leave-on medicine, and what signs mean the diagnosis should be reconsidered. Bring the names of products that have caused reactions.