The aim of treatment is to reduce the level of the yeast pityrosporum ovale on the scalp. Dandruff responds well to the use of medicated, anti-fungal shampoos, especially those containing, in order of effectiveness:
- Selenium sulphide
- Zinc pyrithione
- Coal tar
- Ketoconazole
The shampoo should be massaged into the scalp and left on for 3-5 minutes before being thoroughly rinsed. The hair and scalp should be shampooed with this type of shampoo 1-2 times a week.
Dandruff should improve within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment, but will commonly recur if treatment is stopped. |
