Dandruff is a non-medical term for a scaly scalp. Many different conditions can cause a scaly scalp. The most common skin condition that causes dandruff is Seborrheic Dermatitis, followed closely by Atopic Dermatitis. Seborrheic Dermatitis tends to flare during stressful periods.
The first step in treating dandruff is to decide which condition is causing the dandruff.
If the cause is Seborrheic Dermatitis the treatment is as follows:
Step 1:
Shampoos containing ketoconazole, e.g. Nizshampoo.
The shampoo is used 3-4 x per week and left on for a few minutes before rinsing off. Some people need to continue this process for years. If ketoconazole shampoo is not sufficient to control the dandruff the treatment in Step 2 is added.
Step 2:
Scalp lotions containing corticosteroids, e.g. Advantan scalp lotion, Synalar gel and Dermovate scalp lotion.
These lotions are best applied after washing the hair, while the scalp is still moist.
Step 3:
Shampoos containing corticosteroids, e.g. Clobex shampoo. Clobex shampoo is applied on dry hair. The Clobex shampoo can be washed off with the Ketoconazole containing shampoo.
Step 4:
Oral medications containing antifungals, e.g. Nizoral tablets or Sporonox tablets.
Most often, step 1, the ketoconazole containing shampoo, is all that is required