Several dandruff remedies can relieve itchy, scaly scalp

By SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist
Published: 1/24/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 1/24/2009 2:36 AM

Dear Pharmacist: I've had dandruff for years and it's so embarrassing. Can you help me? I'm fed up to my head and shoulders! S.J., Toms River, N.J.

Answer: OK, funny man, I got that but don't quit your day job just yet. Head & Shoulders is just one popular shampoo for dandruff and it works by reducing a fungus thought to cause dandruff called "malassezia." This fungus and another yeast called pityrosporum ovale could probably be found on every scalp, but some unlucky folks are more susceptible to infection.

The flakes you see are just dead skin that has come off, and it causes itchiness and redness. A more severe type is called "seborrheic dermatitis" or "cradle cap" in babies.

Sensitivity to wheat protein, which is called gluten-intolerance or celiac disease, is often associated with this condition.

Read labels on dandruff products to see what the active ingredients will do for you:

Salicylic acid or sulfur: Helps prevent flakes and scalp build-up. Sebolux is a sulfur-based shampoo and Neutrogena's T/Sal contains salicylic acid (which should not be used if you're allergic to aspirin).

Ketoconazole: This is an antifungal found in Nizoral A-D shampoo, which is sold over-the-counter. It helps deal with the fungus malassezia, so it gets to the cause rather than the symptoms.

Selenium sulfide: Reduces the amount of fungus on the scalp. You will find it in Selsun Blue shampoo (1 percent) and in the prescription

product selenium sulfide (2.5 percent).

Coal tar: This agent slows down skin cell production so you don't flake as much. You will find it in products such as Denorex and Zetar shampoo.

You're probably itchin' to know what home remedies might work. Rub a mixture of apple cider vinegar and lime juice (equal parts) into your scalp for 3 minutes, then shampoo/rinse. Or you can massage coconut oil into your scalp for 5 minutes, then shampoo/rinse. Do this several times a week.

By SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist

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