Use this advice from dermatologists and hair professionals to fight flakes and itching:
*If your scalp is dry: Before moving to an antidandruff shampoo, try washing less frequently — say two or three times a week — with a shampoo for dry hair and scalp, followed by a moisturizing conditioner. Never use plain soap as shampoo.
*If your scalp is oily: Buy a shampoo formulated for very oily hair. Avoid greasy, waxy styling products that trap more oil and irritate skin.
*Avoid excessive styling. Heat from blow-dryers and curling irons may increase flaking, while hair dyes destroy normal bacteria that reduce skin infections.
*Brush well. Move from the scalp outward with a soft, natural bristle brush to distribute oil from the scalp all along the hair shaft.
*Eat right. Microscopic yeasts on the scalp thrive on sugars and fats in the bloodstream, and they’ll irritate skin if they grow out of control. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, try a fish oil supplement, and drink plenty of water.
*Experiment with (safe) home remedies. Some people have had luck massaging their scalp with vinegar, aloe vera, lemon juice or skin moisturizers before a wash, as well as alternating rinses with cold and warm water.
*Relax. Research has linked stress and lack of sleep to dandruff.
*See a dermatologist. Dandruff that lasts more than a month or is severe could be a sign of a serious skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.
— Alison Johnson, special to Tribune Newspapers
