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Shampoos for dry dandruff

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 10.08.2022
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Problems with the scalp happen everywhere: in some people they are associated with excessive oiliness and greasiness, while in others - with excessive dryness. In this case, it is the dry form of seborrheic dermatitis that is more common, when dandruff appears in the form of small scales. How to deal with adversity? Are there effective shampoos for dry dandruff? Yes, there are, and now we will tell about them. [1]

Indications Shampoos for dry dandruff

Dry dandruff is small scales of a whitish or slightly gray tint that easily fall off the surface of the skin. The formation of such scales occurs for various reasons:

  • painful conditions in which there is a weakening of the immune system, immunodeficiency (including HIV);
  • hormonal changes - for example, as a result of diseases, pregnancy and lactation, age-related characteristics (puberty, menopause, etc.);
  • genetic features (for example, hereditary seborrheic dermatitis);
  • frequent or prolonged stress;
  • digestive disorders, metabolic disorders, immunity failure.

One of the basic factors in the appearance of dry dandruff is the yeast-like opportunistic fungus Malassezia furfur, which is normally present on the skin, however, under certain conditions, it begins to actively grow and develop, causing symptoms such as dry dandruff, itching, skin dryness and peeling..  [2]

In these cases, special shampoos for dry dandruff help to suppress unpleasant symptoms, producing a pronounced therapeutic effect. [3]

Release form

Without exaggeration, a wide range of dry dandruff shampoos provides an opportunity to choose the best option for yourself. It is much easier to do this if you familiarize yourself in advance with the most popular medical and hygienic products, compare them using separate evaluation criteria. Choose a product for yourself that is not only suitable for the type of hairline: it is desirable that the shampoo is of high quality, is not contraindicated for a particular situation, does not contain parabens and other potentially dangerous components.

Of course, it is far from always necessary to immediately pay attention to the most expensive product line. However, in some cases, the price really reflects the quality of medical and hygienic products - and above all, this applies to the cheapest products, since in most situations their quality is doubtful. Focus on customer reviews, consult with sellers and pharmacists, carefully read the composition - and do not forget about intuition. Sometimes it is possible to find a fairly effective drug for relatively little money.

The following dandruff shampoos for dry hair are the most popular:

  • Squanorm, Squanorm - shampoo from Ducray, contains zinc pyrithione, glycerin and guanidine glycolate. The basic action of the remedy is the destruction of the pathogen that provokes the formation of dry dandruff. Users say that the problem disappears after the first application of the product. However, despite such a rapid effect, the course of shampoo therapy should continue for 4 weeks. Ducray Shampoo should not be used to wash the hair of children under 3 years of age.
  • Klorane shampoo with nasturtium from the manufacturer Pierre Fabre Dermo cosmetique, in addition to the plant extract, contains B vitamins and salicylic acid. The tool perfectly heals, eliminates microdamages on the skin, relieves dry dandruff. As a pleasant addition - a noticeable relief of combing, moisturizing and facilitating hair styling. The use of such a shampoo is possible, both for the treatment and for the prevention of the formation of dry dandruff. For therapeutic purposes, the product is used twice a week, and for prophylactic purposes - once every seven days.
  • Vichy shampoo from the manufacturer Dercos contains tocopherol and ceramide P, as well as salicylic acid. In addition to eliminating dry dandruff, the product significantly improves the condition of the hair, accelerates tissue repair processes, and eliminates pathogenic microorganisms. The course of application of such a shampoo is designed for four weeks: after each application, the product should be left on the scalp for about 2-3 minutes, and only then rinse with warm water. There are practically no contraindications to the use of the product: the exception is individual intolerance to the composition.
  • Sulsena shampoo contains the substance selenium disulfide. It has a multifaceted effect: it stabilizes the function of the sebaceous glandular system and accelerates the renewal of the epidermis, inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microflora, changing the conditions of existence under which the development of bacteria and fungi becomes impossible. Sulsena has a pleasant smell, after application there is a pleasant feeling of freshness and cleanliness. By the way, a positive result from the application comes quickly enough: itching and flaking disappear for a long time, and the hair itself is strengthened and softened. Among some of the “minuses” of the remedy are the likelihood of recurrence of dry dandruff after a course of therapy, not quite economical consumption of shampoo, as well as its ability to bleach dyed hair.

Pharmacodynamics

As a rule, dry dandruff shampoos have a rich composition, since in the complex many substances have the most beneficial effect. The user should not be alarmed by a large number of chemical components in the shampoo: this is often necessary for the full effectiveness of the remedy.

To choose the best product for yourself, you need to pay attention to the presence of at least one of the following substances in the composition:

  • antifungal agent (ketoconazole, clotrimazole, etc.);
  • zinc pyrithione;
  • selenium sulfide;
  • salicylic acid;
  • Birch tar;
  • ciclopirox;
  • ichthyol, etc.

The basic action of these substances is antifungal, antiseptic, soothing, moisturizing. Complete vitamin complexes, plant extracts, natural oils, glycerin well complement the listed properties.

Shampoos for dry dandruff stop the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria, stabilize the sebaceous function, relieve the effects of increased fungal reproduction, strengthen and improve the appearance of the hairline.

Pharmacokinetics

What is dry dandruff, many people know firsthand. It is also known that it is quite difficult to deal with such a problem, so a quality shampoo can be a real salvation. How do such remedies work, and is there a chance to get rid of the misfortune forever?

It rarely happens that any one reason is “to blame” for the appearance of dry dandruff. Often, the "culprits" are both external and internal factors - for example, prolonged exposure to frosty air against the background of a genetic predisposition, or a decrease in immunity against the background of hormonal changes in the body.

In any case, the appearance of the problem is closely associated with a change in the production of sebum, which, in turn, consists of several components - these are both triglycerides and squalenes, as well as wax and cholesterol esters. These substances can become food for various microorganisms that are normally present on the skin. And the danger appears when the human immune defense loses control over their growth and reproduction. As a result, the bacterial balance is disturbed, and the opportunistic flora becomes simply pathogenic - that is, one that can cause a disease (for example, dry dandruff).

Shampoos for dry dandruff have an exclusively external effect, without any systemic effect. For this reason, there is no need to study the kinetic properties of such external agents.

Dosing and administration

As a rule, one full course of application of a medicated shampoo is enough to eliminate dry dandruff. However, each case with dandruff is individual, so it is necessary to correctly select the remedy and, if necessary, replace it in a timely manner with a more suitable one.

Dry dandruff shampoo is used only externally. The agent is applied in an amount sufficient for good foaming, evenly distributed over dry hair (the entire length of the hair is treated from the tips to the roots, as well as the skin). Massage the skin, not forgetting the areas behind the ears and on the back of the head, for three or five minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly, dry with a towel and comb.

It is advisable to repeat the procedure every three or four days until dry dandruff disappears completely. Some shampoo manufacturers advise washing your hair about 2-3 times a week for the first month, then once a week for six weeks.

If during the washing process there are unpleasant sensations, then you should not use this shampoo: you need to think about replacing it.

You also need to understand that each specific manufacturer may provide its own recommendations for the use of medicinal products, so it is important to carefully study the annotation. In particular, some shampoos for dry dandruff should be washed out immediately, while others should be left on the scalp to enhance their effect. Don't expect an immediate effect: most shampoos take more than one week to improve the health of the scalp. However, too much effort is also frowned upon: there is no need to wash your hair more often than indicated in the instructions for the product, or leave the shampoo on your hair for longer than the recommended time. These errors can lead to skin irritation, and even aggravation of the condition.

Experts do not recommend using medicated shampoo all the time. It is optimal to undergo the recommended course of therapy, and then change the remedy from therapeutic to prophylactic.

And one more practical advice: if the selected shampoo for dry dandruff produces an insufficient effect, then it can be alternated with another therapeutic shampoo with a different composition.

Consultation with an immunologist, correction of physical and emotional stress, revision of nutrition and the establishment of a sleep and rest regimen can bring additional benefits. Often, dry dandruff appears in excess at a time when the body is extremely weakened, and its immune defenses lose the ability to suppress the growth of microorganisms. And a deficiency of certain nutrients can cause not only dandruff, but also a deterioration in the health of the skin and hairline in general.

Application for children

You should not use "adult" dry dandruff shampoos for washing hair in children, otherwise you can only add and exacerbate the existing problem. First of all, the washing and healing product should be suitable for the child according to the age category. Of course, there are universal remedies that are approved for use at any age. But there are relatively few of them, so it is important to pay attention to this nuance and carefully read the annotation (or take the advice of the seller).

If the child is prone to allergies, then shampoos containing fragrances and dyes should be excluded from consideration. In addition, the package must contain a special mark “hypoallergenic product”.

Such ingredients of baby shampoo for dry dandruff are welcome:

  • glycerin - soothes sensitive skin, moisturizes;
  • ichthyol - promotes the healing of damaged epidermis;
  • zinc - has an antifungal effect;
  • vegetable extracts, oils - improve the structure of hair and skin;
  • vitamins and minerals - nourish, optimize metabolic processes at the local level;
  • salicylic acid - acts as a disinfectant, but is not recommended for use in children under 1 year old.

Baby shampoos for dry dandruff usually completely eliminate the problem within a few weeks of use, and the first positive effects can be seen after 3-4 procedures: itching decreases, and dandruff gradually disappears.

The most famous shampoos for dry dandruff for children are Friederm Zinc, Sulsena, Sebopirox, Sebozol, Nizoral, La Cree, Mustella, Chikko.

Use Shampoos for dry dandruff during pregnancy

Problems such as dry dandruff or seborrhea are best addressed before pregnancy. However, often troubles appear as a result of powerful hormonal changes, and in such a situation, a therapeutic shampoo has to be selected only on the background of a consultation with a doctor, and it should be used only according to a clearly established schedule.

What you need to pay attention to when choosing a remedy for dry dandruff during pregnancy:

  • The composition of the surfactant should contain their mild representatives - for example, TEA-lauryl. The presence of ammonium lauryl and laureth sulfate is undesirable.
  • It is good if the shampoo has a hypoallergenic composition.
  • The choice of organic cosmetics is welcome, which will be indicated in the annotation.
  • The presence of propylene glycol, phthalates, formaldehyde, diethanolamine is undesirable. These components can cause deterioration of the scalp, and even cause hormonal disorders.

Consulting a doctor about choosing a dry dandruff shampoo should be mandatory.

Contraindications

Dry dandruff shampoos are definitely contraindicated if there are open lesions, wounds, scratches, rashes, etc. On the scalp.

In addition, you can not use the shampoo if itching, redness of the skin, rash, burning sensation appears after its use. Such symptoms may indicate an increased sensitivity of the body to any component of the remedy.

Please note that some detergent products are not approved for use by pregnant and lactating women. To avoid misunderstandings, it is important to always carefully read the annotation for shampoos - and this should be done even before buying the product.

Side effects Shampoos for dry dandruff

As with the use of any other hygienic cleanser, treatment with dry dandruff shampoos may cause signs of local irritation, itching or contact dermatitis (as a result of irritation or an allergic process). Hair can change its fat content, although this phenomenon is quite rare.

In some users (mainly people with gray or chemically altered hairline) there is a change in the shade of the hair.

Even more rare are the following manifestations:

  • the formation of hypersensitivity, rashes like urticaria;
  • hair loss, the appearance of areas of skin irritation and increased dryness.

In most cases, no adverse symptoms are found, but you should be aware of all possible scenarios in order to take timely action.

Overdose

The standard use of shampoos for dry dandruff does not imply an overdose, since such products are intended for external use only. If the shampoo was accidentally swallowed, then special emergency measures are not required here either. In order to prevent aspiration of the agent, it is forbidden to provoke a gag reflex, or to wash the stomach. It is optimal to consistently drink a sorbent and a laxative.

Interactions with other drugs

When applying and foaming shampoo for dry dandruff, it is necessary to avoid getting it on the mucous membrane of the eye. If the agent does get into the eyes, then they should be rinsed well with running water.

Taking medicines inside goes well with the external use of shampoos. If it is intended to apply other external agents to the area of the scalp, then it is better not to treat with two drugs at the same time: you should alternate the agents, after consulting with a specialist.

Storage conditions

Shampoos for dry dandruff are usually stored in rooms with a temperature of +8 to +25 ° C, away from open flames and direct ultraviolet rays, in dry places. The bottle should be carefully closed, keeping children away from the places where detergent products are stored.

Shelf life

Most dry dandruff shampoos are usable for 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. However, one should not be guided by general figures: one should pay attention to the expiration date indicated on a specific medical product, since there may be exceptions. For example, organic cleansers and treatments may have a shorter shelf life, while shampoos with a predominantly chemical composition may have a longer shelf life.

Analogues

With relatively severe manifestations of dry dandruff, it is advisable not to immediately start using special shampoos, but first to treat with similar, but more effective drugs - for example, 10% sulfuric ointment. The treatment course is carried out as follows:

  • within a week, every evening, sulfuric ointment is rubbed into the skin on the head (the hair is divided into strands and the agent is rubbed into each parting for at least 4-5 minutes);
  • on the 8th day you need to give your hair a rest (including from detergents);
  • on the 9th day, the head is washed well with dry dandruff shampoo;
  • then, for 4-5 days, the skin on the head is treated with water with the addition of boric acid (150 g of warm water and 2 tsp of the drug) - the treatment is carried out in the evenings, after which they wrap their hair with a scarf and go to bed;
  • after such a course, after about a week, they switch to the course use of a therapeutic shampoo, however, the indicated treatment can be carried out again (it can be repeated no more than three times with an interval of one week).

If we consider mild cases of dry dandruff, then it is possible to improve the condition of the skin on the head without the use of special products. Stabilization of the function of the sebaceous glands occurs after a revision of lifestyle and nutrition. For example, it is often enough to limit the consumption of fatty, starchy and sweet foods, walk more often in the fresh air, allow hair and skin to “breathe” without weighing them down with hats and thick scarves.

In addition to shampoos, essential oils also help get rid of dry dandruff - for example, it can be cedar, eucalyptus, cypress oil. One selected product or a mixture of them is rubbed immediately after washing, or oil is added to your favorite shampoo.

  • Burdock oil has a good effect: it is used in the form of masks, rubbing into the root area daily for three weeks. The mask is kept on the head for about half an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water.
  • Tea tree oil helps with dry dandruff: it is heated, mixed with any shampoo and distributed over the hair and skin. Further, the mass should not be washed off for 20 minutes, you can even wrap your head with a film or put on a rubber (oilcloth) cap. Procedures should be repeated regularly, until a noticeable improvement in the condition.
  • Instead of dry dandruff shampoo, many people use regular olive oil. For a therapeutic effect, they take a little oil, treat the curls and the area of \u200b\u200bthe hair follicles with it, leave it for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water with any shampoo. Instead of olive oil, some users have used castor oil or flaxseed oil with success.

Dry dandruff shampoo reviews

Many users have decided on the obvious "pluses" of using special shampoos for dry dandruff:

  • they eliminate itching;
  • remove peeling;
  • stabilize the function of the sebaceous glands;
  • get rid of dandruff;
  • inhibit the development of fungal flora;
  • get rid of specific plaques on the skin;
  • sometimes can be used as a means for taking a shower;
  • improve the structure of the hair, being an excellent care product;
  • economical to use;
  • available, as they can be presented in different price categories, ranging from budget funds to more expensive ones.

Some users still note certain disadvantages of dry dandruff shampoos. The fact is that some of these drugs can cause the development of allergic processes, or are not suitable, for example, for pregnant and lactating women, or for children. In addition, many reviews about specific types of shampoos are quite contradictory. This is usually associated with the mass production of fakes, or with the presence of an individual hypersensitive reaction in the user. Therefore, it is advisable to select shampoos for dry dandruff exclusively by experience, while not forgetting to consult with professionals.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Shampoos for dry dandruff" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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