Before using any treatments for dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, get advice from your GP or pharmacist.
Dandruff treatments aim to slow down the reproduction of skin cells and counteract the yeast production that may be causing the condition.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or pharmacist before you use any treatments for dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
A number of different products are available that are effective in treating both dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Medicated shampoos for either dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis
Shampoos and scalp preparations to help treat dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are available over the counter from your local pharmacy and most supermarkets.
Medicated shampoos (shampoos that contain specific anti-infective and antifungal ingredients to treat conditions affecting the skin and scalp) that contain the ingredients below are effective in treating both skin conditions.
Zinc pyrithione
This antifungal treatment reduces the production of yeast.
Salicylic acid
This ingredient belongs in a group of medicines called keratolytic agents and helps soften and shed the skin cells on your scalp (although this may make your scalp dryer than before you used the treatment).
Selenium sulfide
This is an anti-infective ingredient that relieves itching and flaking of the scalp and removes dry flakes (discuss this with your GP or pharmacist before using it, and do not use on children under two years of age).
Ketoconazole
This is often the most effective antifungal ingredient in reducing and shedding cells from the scalp. In severe and persistent cases of dandruff, it may work when other antidandruff shampoos have had little or no effect.
Shampoos that contain ketoconazole can be used on people of all ages. Ketoconazole works by preventing the growth of the fungi and yeasts. Before using an antifungal shampoo, try to remove any scaly or crusty patches from your scalp. This will improve the shampoo’s effectiveness.
Coal tar
Products that contain coal tar (a thick, black liquid extracted from coal) are also effective in treating dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. However, there are a number of factors to consider before you decide to use this treatment:
- Coal tar has an odour that is similar to road tar, which you may find unpleasant.
- Coal tar can increase your chance of getting sunburnt for up to 24 hours after use.
- Coal tar should not be used for long periods without consulting your GP.
Medicated shampoos for dandruff only
Medicated shampoos that contain the following ingredients are effective in treating dandruff only:
- sulfur
- salicylic acid combined with sulfur
In adults, dandruff often reoccurs after treatment and further treatment may be required. Antidandruff shampoo can also be applied to beards if you have a beard that is affected by dandruff.
Medicated shampoos for seborrhoeic dermatitis only
Adults
Treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis will help control the skin condition, but will not cure it completely. Treatment may have to be used for months or even years, because seborrhoeic dermatitis often reoccurs and you may experience flare-ups.
As well as the treatments mentioned above, other treatments are available for tackling severe seborrhoeic dermatitis. Depending on the severity of your condition, your GP may prescribe steroid scalp applications (in the form of lotions and gels). These will help reduce itching and redness.
Babies and infants
Seborrhoeic dermatitis in babies (often called cradle cap) usually clears up on its own and treatment is usually not necessary. However, it may take a few weeks, or in some cases a few months, to clear up completely.
The symptoms of cradle cap can be managed effectively with:
- mild baby shampoos
- baby oil
- olive oil
- coconut oil
See Cradle cap - treatment for more information about how to manage this condition.
