Embarrassing Illnesses

There are various factors that need to be considered when treating dandruff, or seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp. These factors include:

• how old the patient is, and
• the severity of the condition.

The main aim when treating dandruff is to slow down the reproduction of skin cells, and counteract the yeast production that may be causing it.

Dandruff treatments

Shampoos and scalp preparations to help treat dandruff are available over-the-counter (OTC) from your local pharmacy, and most supermarkets. However, seborrhoeic dermatitis can be controlled by using these but not cured.

Antifungal shampoos work by inhibiting the growth of the fungi and yeasts. Before using an antifungal shampoo, you should try to remove any scaly or crusty patches from your scalp. This will help to improve the effectiveness of the shampoo.

For men, anti-dandruff shampoo can also be applied to your beard if it is affected.

You can buy anti-dandruff and anti-fungal shampoo over-the-counter (OTC). They are usually classified according to which active ingredients they contain. Most anti-dandruff and anti-fungal products contain one or more of the ingredients listed below.

• Zinc pyrithione, which reduces the production of yeast.
• Selenium sulphide, which suppresses the natural oils produced from your scalp glands.
• Coal tar, which contains a natural anti-fungal agent. However, if you have coloured, or treated hair, you should take care when using a product containing coal tar because long-term use has been known to stain hair.
• Ketoconazole, which is often the most effective anti-fungal ingredient in reducing and shedding the scalp of cells. In severe cases of dandruff, it may work when other anti-dandruff shampoos have had little, or no, effect. Shampoos that contain ketoconazole can also be used on people of all ages.
• Salicylic acids help to shed your scalp of skin cells, rather than slow down their reproduction. However, this may make your scalp dryer than before you used the treatment.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp in adults

Depending on how severe your seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is, your GP may prescribe additional treatments, such as steroid scalp applications. These will help to reduce inflammation.

In adults, dandruff often recurs following treatment, so further treatment may be required.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp in babies

Seborrhoeic dermatitis in babies usually clears up on its own, although it may take a few weeks or, in some cases, months, to clear up completely.