Embarrassing hair problem?

Question

I have dandruff and I've used like every dandruff shampoo out there and some of them reduce it, but none really get rid of it. It's really bad. What causes this and is there any treatment that can prevent it before it starts? Also, dandruff shampoo really makes my hair look like crap.

Answer 1

The most common cause of dandruff is probably the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. The fungus likes fat, and is consequently found most on skin areas with many sebaceous glands: on the scalp, face and upper part of the body. When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching. Other fungi may have a similar role in causing dandruff, as may certain bacteria.
There is a common misconception that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, or the drying effect of excessive shampooing. In fact, the opposite is true: people with oily scalps tend to suffer most from dandruff. According to Joseph P. Bark, M.D., chairman of dermatology at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lexington, KY, "this may be due to an oily scalp supporting the growth of yeast in the scalp, which is thought to be instrumental in the development of scaling and scalp irritation." He adds that "a large preponderance of males have dandruff, which may suggest some role of androgen hormones in dandruff."
Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Other causative factors include family history, food allergies, excessive perspiration, use of alkaline soaps, yeast infections, and stress. Even the season of the year can contribute to the problem: Cold, dry winters are notorious for bringing on dandruff or making it worse. Symptoms of dandruff can also be aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh shampoos, and hair dyes.
Dandruff is sometimes the symptom of a more serious condition. If dandruff flakes are greasy and yellow, the probable cause is the skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Redness and itching is actually seborrheic dermatitis, and it frequently occurs around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp. Dry, thick lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp.
Seasonal changes, stress, and certain diseases seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis. The cold, dry air of fall and winter often triggers a flare-up. Emotional stress can worsen the condition as well.
There is speculation that dandruff is linked with hair loss, as dandruff may indicate an unhealthy scalp.
Dandruff can in some cases be linked to poor nutrition particularly deficiencies in the mineral zinc.
There are shampoos available specifically for those who have dandruff. Head & Shoulders, which contains zinc pyrithione, Selsun Blue which contains selenium sulfide, Neutrogena T/Gel, which contains wood tar; and various generic products with the same active ingredients. For more persistent or severe dandruff, as well as dandruff due to seborrhoeic dermatitis, shampoo containing 1% or 2% ketoconazole, such as Nizoral, can be used. These anti-dandruff ingredients are either fungicides, which kill the Malassezia furfur fungus, or they are acidic and breakdown the oils on your scalp that lead to visible clumping of dead skin flakes. Household remedies to get rid of dandruff are apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Severe forms of dandruff, particularly if accompanied by flaking or scaling on other parts of the body, should be treated by a doctor.
Here are 5 important things you should do to control your dandruff problem.
1. Use a medicated shampoo. The medicated shampoo will reduce the speed of the growth of the cells on the scalp, thus lessening the cell replacement and decreasing the amount of dandruff. The shampoo should also have an antiseptic that will help prevent infection of your scalp so as to reduce itchiness.
2. Shampoo more often, up to three times a week using medicated shampoo until the situation is controlled. Then, continue use of the medicated shampoo once every week.
3. Stop using gels, hairsprays and hair-coloring products. If you must use them, do not use them excessively and learn the proper use of such products.
4. Don't scratch the scalp when it is itchy. This will cause the problem to worsen.
5. If the problem is severe, see your doctor for anti-inflammatory cream for your scalp or anti-dandruff tablets to ingest.

Answer 2

If you are using your dandruff shampoo everyday then that is your problem. You now have dry scalp not dandruff. It is so drying you should only use dandruff shampoo twice a week. Go to a salon and get their shampoo and conditioner. And use your dandruff stuff twice you will see a HUGE difference.

Answer 3

It's all about personal preference. Deodorant isn't a big deal, just pick a brand you'd like to try and a scent that smells good. I don't even use deodorant to be honest, I'm not a big sweater. Hair products depends on your hair, what can tame it and keep it healthy. If you have straight, curly, or color treated hair get a shampoo/conditioner made for it. If you style your hair a certain way, get a product that would help it. The brands you use are all up to you. Facial cleaners would depend on your skin type. If you have acne skin and are very sensitive, be aware of certain chemicals in products. If you have oily, dry or combo skin, buy things that are made for you. I can't tell you what you need in your daily life, only you can. Get things that you think are a necessity and appeal to you.

Answer 4

If it is serious talk to a doctor, but I am a stylist and I always recommend Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo and cond. My sister loves it, and she had dandruff before, now she can't live without it :) It also won't dry the hair out, because there is a cond. that goes with it. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Just try with Head & Shoulders ... It works with me! Use it a several weeks and don't change it! Changeing the shampoo makes dandruff.

Answer 6

You have to use the Head & Shoulders in the dark blue package. That'll take care of it! You shampoo first with any old product to get your hair clean, then you shampoo with Head & Shoulders and really massage it into the scalp. Leave it in for a while, to give it a chance to work. After that you can shampoo with a product that fits your hair type and finish off with a conditioner.

Answer 7

hi,have you tryed nizoral,i know this is a dandruff shampoo but if you stick to the directions given it could be a big help,i suffer from phorsais and occasionally if im stressed i break out i find this product to be a great help.

Answer 8

If it is really that serious, I think you might have to ask for professional advice like a doctor or people who are in the hairdressing/hair products industries. Personally I don't have this problem so I don't want to give you some unhelpful advice on this topic. Hope you will sort this problem out soon.

Answer 9

you can go to your dematologist and they can prescribe something for you. also try not to wash your hair everyday and try not to use your blowdryer as much. that stuff can really dry out your scalp and create lots of dandruff!

Answer 10

Try going to a dermatologist, he can recommend a good treatment.