Seborrheic Dermatitis, or dandruff, is a common skin condition that affects an individual’s scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. It can also affect oily areas of the body such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest. With proper and repeated treatments which may include using the best shampoos, the symptoms may go away.
Daily cleansing with gentle soap and the best shampoos around can help reduce oiliness and dead skin buildup. Another familiar word that is synonymous with Seborrheic Dermatitis is dandruff. For infants, however, this condition is known as “cradle cap.” It usually goes away before they are a year old and comes back when they reach puberty.
This causes crusty, scaly patches on the scalp. Although nobody knows the exact causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis, it seems to be a combination of several factors including; stress, genes, yeast that usually lives on the skin, certain medical conditions, medicines, cold and dry weather. It does not come from an allergy or from being unclean. Proper hygiene and the best shampoos can aid in getting rid of and improving this condition.
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Who Needs Medicated Shampoo?
Medicated shampoos are needed by all individuals who are suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis or dandruff. Those with sensitive scalp and those who are likely to acquire hair or skin allergies on the scalp are the ones who are in need of this type of shampoos.
Newborns and adults aged 30-60 are more likely to get Seborrheic Dermatitis. It is more common in men than women. It is also more likely to occur in people with oily skin. However, over time, research shows that with proper hygiene and proper care of the scalp, this condition can go away. However, for this to happen, one must find and use a medicated shampoo. In short, people who have Seborrheic Dermatitis are the ones who need the best shampoos on the market that are medicated. Check out more info on dry eyelids home remedy here
What are Medicated Shampoos?
One truth about Seborrheic Dermatitis is that it will clear up by itself sometimes. However, often, it is a lifelong issue that clears and flares. It can last for years at a time, but one can usually control it with good skin and scalp care.
Here is where the best medicated shampoos come in. Medicated shampoos assist in the removal of flakes caused by an individual’s dandruff. These products are specially made to help remove the buildup of dry, flaky skin. Aside from that, these products are also used to relieve itching and scaling. Another thing about them is that they contain medication that can cut down on the frequency of future problems on the scalp.
What Are The Components of Medicated Shampoos?
Coal Tar. Coal tar is the active ingredient in one of the best shampoos called Neutrogena’s T-Gel Shampoo. As the name suggests, it is a byproduct of coal formed when the coal is converted to coke or gas. This ingredient is used to treat many scalp conditions that involve dandruff and other thick crust conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is advised that when using shampoo with coal tar, one should massage it and then leave it there for five minutes. Afterwards, the individual should rinse the hair and scalp thoroughly. Coal tar is a recommended ingredient for fighting against dandruff caused by mild or moderate psoriasis as it helps slow down the regeneration of cells.
Salicylic Acid and Sulfur. Salicylic acid and sulfur are both used in many products to treat a wide array of skin disorders. Dandruff is one of them. A known anti-dandruff shampoo that uses a combination of these two ingredients is Sebex. In fact, Salicylic Acid is one of the most common and oldest active elements found in the best shampoos for dandruff. It exfoliates the scalp and helps clear the area of dead skin cells. In addition to that, it is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.
Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is the most potent anti-fungal treatment you can find in the best shampoos over the counter. Nizoral shampoo uses this ingredient. Ketoconazole is a component that has anti-androgenic properties that can help reduce DHT which is a hormone that is associated with premature hair loss. Furthermore, since this component is a fungicide, it is used in shampoos to treat dandruff that develops due to yeast infection of the scalp. Shampoos that contain this ingredient are often best for severe fungal infections. When shampoo contains two percent of this ingredient, it can help control moderate dandruff. Just like any of the best shampoos, when one uses this, they must massage it gently into the scalp and leave it there for at least five minutes. However, it is advised that before one uses this, he or she should consult a doctor because this ingredient may cause liver damage.
Zinc Pyrithione. Zinc Pyrithione has been used for decades as an anti-fungal treatment in the best shampoos to combat dandruff. A popular shampoo that uses this component as their active ingredient is Head & Shoulders. This ingredient is an anti fungal ingredient that works to break down the dead skin cells of the individual. This powerful dandruff fighter has anti-bacterial properties that help reduce fungus growth on the scalp. Unlike the other components used in other anti-dandruff shampoos, zinc phyrithione is proven to be gentle enough to be used daily. For it remains effective, it is advised that one should use it at least twice a week. Once the condition is under control, the treatment can then be minimized to once a week.
Selenium Sulfide. A well-known dandruff shampoo that uses this component as part of their active ingredients is Selsun Blue. In this part of the formula, the shampoo works well to get rid of yeast that causes dandruff. To be precise, it controls dandruff in two ways.
First, like Zinc Pyrithione, it is an anti-fungal agent that is effective at killing and controlling the Malassezia yeast. Also, like coal tar, it inhibits skin cell regeneration. The recommended application of using this ingredient is by applying one or more teaspoons of the shampoo on the scalp, massaging it for a while, leaving it on the scalp for not more than three minutes then rinsing it thoroughly.
What Are The Precautions of Medicated Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Selenium Sulfide has many benefits, and as an anti fungal agent, it gets the job done to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp. However, perhaps if one is continuously using a Selenium Sulfide Shampoo, and still does not see results then one must be over-styling one’s hair with other products. Product buildup on an individual’s scalp can cause excessive dryness, which can lead to dandruff. That is why one must be aware of the precautions of medicated shampoos since they contain Selenium Sulfide.
Since Selenium Sulfide is a chemical compound, one must need to make sure that it does not get in the nose, mouth, and eyes. Another precaution that one should take is that one should always ask his or her doctor before using a Selenium Sulfide product especially if she is pregnant or breastfeeding, have severe allergies or sensitive skin. One more thing is that, when one uses medicated shampoos, regardless if they are the best shampoos around or not, the user should not leave any product on the scalp for a prolonged period or use it too often.
Also, as a medicated compound, Selenium Sulfide has some side effects that one needs to be aware of before using. They include; burning, stinging and redness caused by an allergic reaction, a temporary increase in natural hair loss, change in hair color, scalp discoloration, the unusual oiliness of the hair and scalp and the abnormal dryness of the hair and scalp. So be careful, the best shampoos can still cause harm if they are not correctly applied.
What Are The Best Medicated Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis?
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Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
Overview:
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Hair Care is a line of dermatologist-recommended shampoos formulated to treat itchy, flaky scalp. T/Gel products are strong enough to relieve itching and flaking for hours after rinsing, but gentle enough for everyday use.
It is the number one dermatologist-recommended hair care brand. With clinically-proven results, this is one of the best shampoos that offer complete scalp therapy from the very first time an individual uses it. It is excellent as a preventative measure to avoid letting one’s dandruff symptoms get worse. It takes effect after just one use and will keep working even if the individual is not using it. It controls excessive itching and flaking, treats severe symptoms of scalp conditions and works after long rinsing.
Pros
- Neutrogena is a trusted brand name; it is the number one dermatologist-recommended hair care brand
- It offers complete scalp therapy
- It controls excessive itching and flaking
- Neutrogena works immediately after use; one can use it once a week
- It works on multiple scalp conditions
Cons
- It is a bit more expensive than other medicated shampoos
- Daily use will not speed up the process
- May cause discoloration of hair in rare cases
- It does not have a floral fragrance like other cosmetic shampoos
- Most users say that it can leave the hair dried out and brittle
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Overview:
Nizoral is one of the most famous brands of Johnson and Johnson knew for its anti-fungal and anti-dandruff properties. This specific shampoo is typically used for severe cases of dandruff. Because there are so many anti-dandruff shampoos on the market, it is important to know which one will fit one’s needs specifically. Thus, the first step is figuring out what is causing the flaking problem. Once the individual already knows what is behind the itching, flaking, and irritation, he or she would know if a powerful agent like Nizoral A-D is right for him or her.
While it can work on almost any dandruff case, it is especially useful for people who are suffering the effects of fungus or yeast growth. The key ingredient that makes this shampoo so efficient is Ketoconazole (1%). This is a common anti-fungal agent that can either be taken orally or used in topical treatments like this. It kills fungus at the core and also keeps working in this particular formula by binding to the natural protein of one’s hair. These are the reasons why many people think that Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best shampoos on the market.
Pros
- It contains ingredients that are proven to be effective
- It does not require daily use
- It includes a potent formula
- It gives long-lasting relief
- Many like the pleasant smell it gives off
Cons
- It is more expensive than other dandruff shampoos
- Some say that a fungal infection must cause dandruff for it to be effective
- One may feel dryness in one’s hair after its first few applications
- This product is not like traditional shampoos and cannot be used daily
- The user may experience a few side effects like a bit of hair loss or dizziness after a few applications
Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Overview:
Selsun Blue is unquestionably one of the most popular dandruff shampoo brands in North America and is considered as one of the best shampoos on the market. Its formula uses 1% selenium sulfide as the active ingredient which is known to help relieve itching and flaking of the scalp. This product improves one’s scalp and hair and helps it stay healthy.
It also keeps one’s hair more manageable and soft without containing any harmful chemicals that may hurt a person’s skin. Since it only contains 1% selenium sulfide, the individual will not need a prescription to buy it. That is why this is one of the best shampoos around.
Pros
- It has a great mint smell
- It gives good value to money
- It contains coloring additives
- It has been proven to be effective by many
- Selsun Blue has an excellent reputation of being the best
Cons
- It contains many artificial ingredients
- It also contains only one true dandruff-fighting ingredient
- The new packaging makes controlling the amount of gel difficult
- If one has a severe skin problem, then a 2 percent concentration formula would be better instead
- Some users said that it removed dandruff but brought back skin itchiness
Head & Shoulders 2–in-1 Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
Overview:
The Head & Shoulders clinical strength product is a selenium sulfide shampoo that works against dandruff and itchiness on the scalp. By using selenium sulfide, it reduces the number of chemicals in its formula, which decreases the possibility of any skin reaction. It promises flake protection and currently, it is the number-one shampoo recommended by dermatologists worldwide.
It has a pH balanced formula that not only keeps one’s hair clean but dandruff-free as well. One percent of its method is selenium sulfide, which provides an effective solution against dandruff and prevents skin problems. Clinical strength uses an effective formula that fights dandruff and other skin problems. It has a 3-Action system, which first cleans your hair by removing flakes and oil. That is why it is one of the best shampoos around.
Pros
- Since selenium sulfide is one percent of the formula so buying, one does not require a prescription
- It works well against skin reactions, dandruff, and various yeast problems
- It has a three action system
- It is recommended as the number one product for fighting dandruff by dermatologists
- The shampoo has a pleasant fragrance
Cons
- It is not recommended for people who have severe dandruff problems
- Some users said that it dried their scalp after multiple uses
Clear Complete Scalp Care Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Overview:
Clear Complete Scalp Care Anti Dandruff Shampoo, one of the best shampoos, can relieve one’s scalp. Their Cucumber and Mint infused formulas give hair a good shine. It also contains Zinc Pyrithione to help eliminate flakes. Clinically proven to reduce dandruff symptoms, Clear Complete Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo nourishes the scalp deeply, making it resilient to flakes all day long, for strong and beautiful hair from root to tip.
With a fresh and invigorating scent, their Complete Scalp Care system helps soothe itchy, flaky scalp. This shampoo is infused with cucumber, known to alleviate dryness and mint and is designed to leave an individual’s hair, and scalp feeling nourished and refreshed. If used daily with the conditioner, the shampoo alleviates itchy, flaky scalp and the hair feels moisturized and will become free of visible flakes.
Pros
- The product is affordable
- It cleanses the hair and scalp nicely
- It also works wonders for oily hair
- It controls frizz and effectively gets rid of dandruff
- It has a pleasant smell, and it does not cause hair fall
Cons
- Some customers experienced dryness on the scalp
- Some users experienced temporary effects
- The product itself has many chemicals including silicon and sulfates
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Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
The choice for best medicated shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis is Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula. This is a line of dermatologist-recommended shampoos that is proven to be best formulated to treat itchy, flaky scalp. T/Gel products are strong enough to relieve itching and flaking for hours after rinsing, but gentle enough for everyday use.
It is the number one dermatologist-recommended hair care brand. With clinically-proven results, this is one of the best shampoos that offer complete scalp therapy from the very first time an individual uses it. It is great as a preventative measure to prevent one’s dandruff symptoms from getting worse. So if one knows someone or is experiencing Seborrheic Dermatitis or dandruff, let him or her use Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula to counter the problem.
