YSK if you're washing your hair with anti dandruff…
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YSK if you're washing your hair with anti dandruff shampoo, you're doing it wrong
Why YSK: A common - but wrong - belief is that dandruff is just a thing that randomly happens to some people. In reality, it's actually a symptom of an underlying medical condition; your skin is dying prematurely and flaking off because something is wrong. The cause is usually a chronic condition, like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, but unless it's so bad that it's affecting your quality of life you've probably never considered going to a doctor.
#What is anti dandruff shampoo?
Anti dandruff shampoos are an over the counter version of prescription treatments for the aforementioned conditions. Each major brand (Nizoral, Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, T Gel, etc.) has a different active ingredient because they're designed to treat different things.
Medications for skin are typically suspended in a lotion or salve - the actual mixture is 0.5-3% medicine and the rest is just a carrier to get it on your skin. Scalp conditions though present a unique problem: how do you get medicine to the skin, and then safely remove it, without damaging the scalp? A lotion can easily be wiped off of your arm, but it would be difficult to wash lotion out of long, thick hair. Excess washing could even make the skin more irritated! The solution was to use a carrier that's already considered safe for hair - shampoo. **So *medicated shampoo* isn't actually for washing your hair, it's simply a carrier to get the medicine on your skin.**
#How are you supposed to use anti dandruff shampoo?
The first step is to wash your hair with regular, non medicated shampoo. This removes oils and any loose, dead skin. Don't scrub or use your nails. Next, lather the medicated shampoo of your choice with your hands. Work the suds onto your scalp - if you have long hair, remember that you're not washing your hair. Put some extra suds in the crease behind your ears. Let it sit on your skin for 5 minutes, then rinse. After that, use a moisturizing conditioner and apply a small amount to your scalp. Let sit for 2 minutes before rinsing. Repeat the treatment at least once a week and at maximum once every other day.
The cause of your dandruff can also spread to the skin on your face, chest, shoulders, and back, presenting as dry/ashy skin, itchy skin, and acne. Use the medicated shampoo in these areas if needed. However, don't use conditioner on hairless skin - use a face lotion after your shower instead.
Avoid using a hair dryer if possible and change your pillowcase twice a week.
#Should you see a doctor?
Probably not. The vast majority of people can treat their condition with OTC medicine and never need a proper diagnosis. But if you're a self proclaimed "snow globe", you may need a round of steroids prescribed. If your scalp itches so bad it's distracting, burns, smells bad, develops acne, or isn't improving after a few weeks, see a dermatologist. You may need a prescription strength, or it could be a different issue like an allergy or infection.
Obligatory scientific source: https://uihc.org/educational-resources/anti-dandruff-shampoos
Why YSK: A common - but wrong - belief is that dandruff is just a thing that randomly happens to some people. In reality, it's actually a symptom of an underlying medical condition; your skin is dying prematurely and flaking off because something is wrong. The cause is usually a chronic condition, like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, but unless it's so bad that it's affecting your quality of life you've probably never considered going to a doctor.
#What is anti dandruff shampoo?
Anti dandruff shampoos are an over the counter version of prescription treatments for the aforementioned conditions. Each major brand (Nizoral, Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, T Gel, etc.) has a different active ingredient because they're designed to treat different things.
Medications for skin are typically suspended in a lotion or salve - the actual mixture is 0.5-3% medicine and the rest is just a carrier to get it on your skin. Scalp conditions though present a unique problem: how do you get medicine to the skin, and then safely remove it, without damaging the scalp? A lotion can easily be wiped off of your arm, but it would be difficult to wash lotion out of long, thick hair. Excess washing could even make the skin more irritated! The solution was to use a carrier that's already considered safe for hair - shampoo. **So *medicated shampoo* isn't actually for washing your hair, it's simply a carrier to get the medicine on your skin.**
#How are you supposed to use anti dandruff shampoo?
The first step is to wash your hair with regular, non medicated shampoo. This removes oils and any loose, dead skin. Don't scrub or use your nails. Next, lather the medicated shampoo of your choice with your hands. Work the suds onto your scalp - if you have long hair, remember that you're not washing your hair. Put some extra suds in the crease behind your ears. Let it sit on your skin for 5 minutes, then rinse. After that, use a moisturizing conditioner and apply a small amount to your scalp. Let sit for 2 minutes before rinsing. Repeat the treatment at least once a week and at maximum once every other day.
The cause of your dandruff can also spread to the skin on your face, chest, shoulders, and back, presenting as dry/ashy skin, itchy skin, and acne. Use the medicated shampoo in these areas if needed. However, don't use conditioner on hairless skin - use a face lotion after your shower instead.
Avoid using a hair dryer if possible and change your pillowcase twice a week.
#Should you see a doctor?
Probably not. The vast majority of people can treat their condition with OTC medicine and never need a proper diagnosis. But if you're a self proclaimed "snow globe", you may need a round of steroids prescribed. If your scalp itches so bad it's distracting, burns, smells bad, develops acne, or isn't improving after a few weeks, see a dermatologist. You may need a prescription strength, or it could be a different issue like an allergy or infection.
Obligatory scientific source: https://uihc.org/educational-resources/anti-dandruff-shampoos
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