by Shawnte Pierce

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: January 11, 2011

The scalp is skin. Just like the skin it is subjected to fungal infections. Unfortunately, dandruff is a fungal yeast infection of the scalp that creates thick white or yellow crusts on the skin. Dandruff accompanied by red bumps is called seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is embarrassing and can cause temporary hair loss if not dealt with.

Use the Right Shampoo

Soap should never be used to wash the hair. The two main reasons for this is that soap is too drying for the scalp and it can leave a film on the scalp that will irritate it, hence soap definitely will give you a dry, itchy scalp and do nothing to remove the dandruff. A shampoo with zinc pyrithione, sulfur, coal tar or selenium listed as its main active ingredient should be used. Unlike other shampoos, a shampoo containing these ingredients needs to be massaged into the scalp and left on it for several minutes. This gives the ingredient a chance to penetrate the scalp fighting the fungus and dissolving the dead skin, dandruff. A good length of time to leave the shampoo in is between three to five minutes. After this rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly and follow with a complimentary conditioner or a moisturizing conditioner.

Moisturize the Scalp with Anti-Itch Oils

For more severe cases of dry itchy scalp, the scalp will need to be moisturized at least twice a week. Tea tree oil is a known natural oil that relieves itchy scalp, is an antifungal essential oil and also provides protective moisture for the hair. Tea tree oil comes in a bottle that can either be poured into the hand or in a spray that can be sprayed directly on the scalp. Other natural and essential oils such as virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil also alleviate the dryness and itch but they are not as effective in relieving itch as tea tree oil is. These can be massaged directly into the scalp or used as a hot oil treatment. Sulfur based moisturizers or hair dressings relieve dry, itchy scalps. Sulfur 8 is a great scalp conditioner that cures dry, itchy scalp; however, the product has a strong sulfur odor to it.

Consult a Dermatologist

These remedies can solve the needs of most cases of dandruff. However, if you have seborrheic dermatitis, this is a chronic condition so regular treatment will be needed. Remember that a healthy scalp promotes healthy hair, so take care of it.

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