The problem of dandruff worries many people. Its manifestation not only looks unsightly, but also causes redness of the scalp and unpleasant itching. You should get rid of this disease using an integrated approach, which includes taking anti-dandruff tablets. Their action complements therapy, reducing the treatment period.
How to get rid of dandruff with tablets
Most people prefer to purchase an anti-dandruff remedy in pharmacies without finding out the root cause of the appearance of flaking. The appearance is provoked by various factors that determine the type of disease (oily, dry seborrhea, psoriasis, etc.) and the range of medications that allow it to be treated. In some cases, treatment with shampoos alone (sometimes with antibiotics) will be effective, but in certain situations it is necessary to use anti-dandruff tablets. New generation drugs help only in complex treatment; when taken independently, they are ineffective.
For successful therapy, there is a prerequisite - it is necessary to remove the root cause of scalp flaking in order to fight against the underlying disease and effectively suppress symptoms. The course of medications and agents should be selected taking into account the following rules:
- If the appearance of dandruff is a manifestation of a pathogenic fungus, then treatment should be aimed at restoring the microflora of the epidermis to its natural state.
- If the cause is seborrheic dermatitis, then treatment is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The tablets should strengthen the patient’s skin immunity
How does dandruff remedy work?
All tablets that help remove dandruff have a complex effect. Medicines of this type can be divided into 4 groups. Their action is aimed at:
- Stopping the growth of seborrheic fungus. The presence of antimycotic agents selenium disulfide, birch tar, ketoconazole, sulfur, climazone destroys seborrheic fungus. The action of the drugs is aimed at damaging the structure of the fungus.
- Slowing down reproduction. The tablets reduce the rate of formation of fungal cells due to zinc, which has an antiseptic and fungicidal effect. This stops the process of skin exfoliation and hair loss.
- Strengthening exfoliating effect. The components of anti-dandruff tablets remove “scales” and reduce their number.
- Restoring nutrition to the scalp and hair health. The substances in the medications are aimed at relieving irritation, narrowing pores, and reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands, which leaves the fungus without nutrition.
Antifungal tablets
Antimycotic drugs (antifungals) include many different types of chemical compounds that have a specific effect on the activity of pathogenic fungi. They are divided into several main groups, which are prescribed according to clinical use and chemical structure. There is also a difference in the spectrum of activity, but broad-spectrum antifungal drugs in tablets are often prescribed.
Taking anti-dandruff medications requires strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions and dosage regimen, which is prescribed individually. This is especially true when a child is sick and needs to take medications orally (by mouth). If the dosage is violated or pills are missed, then doubling it is prohibited. Premature termination and violation of the treatment regimen leads to an increased risk of relapse.
Nystatin
This anti-dandruff medicine is not taken orally, but acts as an additional substance to shampoo. To prepare the mixture, crush 2 tablets and dissolve in hot water (250 ml), shake the liquid several times. Apply the product to the scalp immediately after washing your hair with shampoo. Give a light head massage; it is not necessary to wash off Nystatin. It can be used not only for obvious manifestations of dandruff, but also as a preventive measure.
It is noted that after the first use of dissolved tablets, an increase in the amount of dandruff may occur, but it will be drier and finer. There is no need to worry about this, because this is a natural process of exfoliation of the fungus. You should be concerned if a similar effect is observed after 2-3 applications. In this case, the use of Nystatin should be discontinued.
Nizoral
The most effective anti-dandruff remedy is Nizoral, which can be produced in the form of a cream or shampoo. This remedy should be taken in tablet form if the symptoms of the disease are bright and pronounced. This will quickly improve the appearance of the scalp and stop the development of possible complications. A noticeable effect occurs after 1-3 months of taking Nizoral.
The dosage regimen must be prescribed by a doctor, but as a rule, tablets are used until clinical parameters and laboratory indicators indicate eradication of the pathogen. Premature discontinuation of Nizoral, even with visible external improvements, leads to the fact that dandruff will reappear after some time. The medication has a number of side effects that you should familiarize yourself with before taking it.
Miconazole
This medicine contains a substance of the same name. Prescribed as part of complex therapy, which is aimed at treating fungal lesions of the scalp. The dosage regimen is prescribed by the doctor individually. The action of Miconazole is aimed at:
- treatment of seborrhea;
- suppression of parasitic fungi that cause skin diseases;
- prevention of excessive peeling;
- strengthening the immune system.
Local treatment of dandruff with tablets
Not every person knows that aspirin can be used as anti-dandruff tablets. This is not an official use for it, but rather one of the home recipes for treating flaky scalp. The main active ingredient is salicylic acid, which is included in many shampoos for the treatment of dandruff. The main benefit of the tablets is their antifungal and antimicrobial properties. To prepare the product you need to do the following:
- Grind 2 aspirin tablets well to a powder.
- Add it to your shampoo before use.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and leave for at least 2 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat the procedure every other day until the symptoms of dandruff completely disappear.
How to cure dandruff on the head with vitamin preparations
One of the reasons for the development of dandruff symptoms may be a lack of vitamins in the body. To maintain a healthy hair appearance, it is necessary to obtain sufficient quantities of elements of groups B3, F, C, D. The latter can be obtained directly from a natural source - sunlight. In clear and sunny weather, go outside for at least 10-15 minutes. In this case, there are no contraindications (except for protection from sunstroke), the body will independently synthesize vitamin D in the required quantities. You can get the necessary elements from the following products:
- B3 – peanuts, fish;
- B6 – nuts, pork, vegetables;
- F – fish oil, mackerel, fruit, avocado.
In addition to the options for vitamin preparations with the target substance, you can use complexes that contain the entire necessary set of elements, for example: Pantovigar, Complivit, Aevit, Perfectil. All of these drugs are powerful multivitamins. Treatment of dandruff will be successful only with the combined use of vitamins, tablets and medicated shampoos.
Video: what helps with dandruff
Dandruff (or seborrheic dermatitis) is a disease on the scalp in which the functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted (excessive sebum production, or, conversely, its lack).
Accompanied by severe exfoliation of epidermal particles and itching. Dry dandruff if left untreated can lead to baldness (read about all types of dandruff).
In any case, treatment must be comprehensive: it is necessary to use means for external and internal therapy. To combat dandruff, first of all, special ointments, shampoos, creams, medications, as well as traditional medicine are prescribed, which are aimed at local elimination of the problem.
To treat from the inside, you will need to adjust your diet - eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins to strengthen the immune system. Tablets that will quickly help cope with the disease are used in a special way - crushed externally. We will consider which tablets to use for dandruff in this article.
Nystatin
Nystatin is a drug that actively fights fungal diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and vaginal candidiasis.
Therefore, it is imperative to establish the root cause of dandruff, since the effectiveness of medication treatment directly depends on this.
Another advantage of this drug is its low price and availability without a doctor’s prescription. It is worth adding that the components of the substance have a beneficial effect not only on the condition of the skin, but also on the hair itself.
Directly for the treatment of dandruff, use only in tablet form.
Using nystatin to treat dandruff is very simple. It is enough to crush 2-3 tablets of this medicine and add to a portion of the shampoo you use for one wash.
Rub into scalp using fingertips using massage movements. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse under running warm water. In order to get results, you need to wash your hair in this way 2 times a day for 14 days. If, after the expiration of the period, dandruff has not been eliminated, then it is worth changing the treatment method to another.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid is not only an antipyretic and analgesic, but it can also be used in the fight against dandruff.
Since dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) is mainly caused by Pityrosporum fungi, which are found on everyone’s scalp in small quantities.
They feed on sebum, which is secreted by the human sebaceous glands. When these glands malfunction, namely excessive production of sebum, the fungal population begins to increase rapidly.
This leads to flaking of the skin, as well as itching and redness. Acetylsalicylic acid, found in aspirin, has the ability to suppress the growth of fungus, thereby relieving a person of dandruff.
The easiest way to use aspirin against seborrheic dermatitis: crush 2 tablets of the drug and add to a portion of shampoo for one use. Wash your hair this way for 2 weeks, preferably every other day or two.
There are also several effective ways to get rid of dandruff using acetylsalicylic acid:
- Honey + aloe + aspirin. You need to dissolve 3 effervescent Aspirin Upsa tablets in 100g of warm water, add 2 tablespoons of aloe juice and the same amount of honey. Apply this mask to the scalp and leave for half an hour. After time, rinse with water. The course of treatment is 2 weeks of daily use.
- Yolk + burdock oil + lemon + aspirin. Mix one chicken yolk, 2 tablespoons of burdock oil, 3 crushed aspirin tablets and 2 tablespoons of lemon. Apply the resulting mixture to the affected parts of the head and leave for 30 minutes. Then just wash it off. Use this mask up to 3-4 times a week for 2 weeks.
- Calendula + castor oil + aspirin. To 2 tablespoons of castor oil, add 1 tablespoon of calendula alcohol tincture and 2 crushed aspirin tablets. Mix well and apply the mixture to the scalp. Leave for 20-30 minutes and rinse with warm water. Use this recipe every 4 days for 3 weeks.
Nizoral
Nizoral is one of the most popular and effective shampoos against dandruff on the scalp.
The active substance in this drug is ketoconazole, which actively fights fungal infections and dermatitis.
In addition, it contains hydrolyzed laurdimonium collagen (restores damaged epidermis) and hydrochloric acid (strengthens hair and restores acid-base balance).
Doctors speak positively about this medicinal shampoo. Its ability to cure dandruff quickly and for a long time is a definite plus.
In addition, the substances included in the composition do not penetrate into the blood, thus the use of shampoo is considered safe. But, despite this, this shampoo is prescribed to pregnant, lactating women and children with caution, since its effect on these population groups has not been fully studied.
When treating dandruff on the head, it is necessary to use Nizoral 2 times a week for 2-4 weeks, depending on the severity of the disease. Next, you should wash your hair with it for preventive purposes once a week or once every two weeks.
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is an active substance that is included in shampoos, ointments and pastes designed to combat dandruff and various skin dermatitis. It destroys the walls of the fungus that caused the disease, thereby blocking its ability to feed, and, consequently, to reproduce. As mentioned above, Nizoral medicinal shampoo is based on ketoconazole. Its effectiveness is high, unfortunately, as is its price tag (about 1000 rubles). Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with other drugs that will help get rid of dandruff and at the same time help you save money.
- Anti-dandruff shampoo ketoconazole 2%. Thanks to the main component, it gets rid of pathogenic fungus, eliminating dandruff. In addition, it contains zinc, which has an antibacterial effect, as well as thyme extract, which enhances the effects of the first two components and strengthens the hair. Recommended for all hair types. Costs about 200r
- Mirolla shampoo with ketoconazole. It is a product for frequent use. Does not have an irritating effect on the skin. It tends to accumulate in the upper layers of the epidermis, thereby preventing the reappearance of the disease in the form of dandruff. Eliminates itching, normalizes the microflora of the scalp, and actively fights fungus. Its cost is approximately 200 rubles.
- Paste with ketoconazole 2%. This paste is easy to apply to dandruff-affected areas and makes it easier to remove dry skin flakes. Helps cope with dandruff. The active ingredients in the composition are: ketoconazole, zinc and dwarf palm oil. The first two directly fight the cause of the disease – skin fungus. And the oil helps get rid of irritation on the skin, soothes it, and gives shine to the hair. The average price of such a paste is 300 rubles.
Despite the fact that the price of such drugs is quite attractive, it must be taken into account that their effectiveness may be lower than that of expensive analogues.
Antifungal tablets
Despite the fact that dandruff is most often treated with local remedies, in some cases it is appropriate to take special tablets that will help cope with the disease. Such drugs must be used in combination with the main therapy; on their own they are ineffective. Taking tablets enhances the effect of the main treatment and prevents relapses of dandruff.
Nizoral tablets
This drug is considered one of the most effective anti-dandruff tablets.
Nizoral should be taken in combination with external treatment with shampoo or cream against this disease.
You will be able to notice results after 1-2 months of using the medicine. After which it is recommended to continue taking it anyway to avoid relapses.
Has side effects and contraindications. To avoid harm to your health, consult your doctor. He will prescribe an individual course of treatment with Nizoral.
Miconazole-Darnitsa
This is an effective medicine containing the active substance miconazole, which actively fights microbes and fungi.
This drug copes well with seborrhea, relieves itching and flaking, and also strengthens the immune system.
Such tablets should be taken only after consultation with a doctor and in combination with other medications.
With long-term systemic use of miconozole, side effects may occur. Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
With a proper comprehensive approach to the treatment of dandruff, it is not difficult to get rid of this disease. The main thing is to follow your doctor’s advice. We should not forget that it is easier to prevent any disease than to fight it. Therefore, adhere to a healthy lifestyle and personal hygiene rules, monitor the balance of vitamins and microelements in your body.
Treatment of dry and oily seborrhea (dandruff) with tablets, creams and ointments:
Dandruff is a fairly common problem, and this is so-so news. But there is also a good thing: now there are enough products in the beauty arsenal to successfully solve this problem and keep the situation under control.
- What is dandruff
- How to determine the type of dandruff
- How to deal with dandruff and scalp discomfort
- How to choose a remedy for dandruff and scalp discomfort
- Review of cosmetic products for dandruff and scalp discomfort
What is dandruff
Dandruff is not just an aesthetic flaw. This is a signal of a violation of the skin microbiome, when some microorganisms become too numerous, while others are sorely lacking.
Types of dandruff
Peeling of the scalp, which people used to call dandruff, comes in different types and is most often a manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis.
Fat
The most common form. It has been proven that the Malassezia fungus, which is normally naturally present on the scalp, can significantly increase its population (up to 20 times) due to accelerated skin cell turnover. The result is scales of dead skin cells glued together with sebum.
A doctor should understand the causes of seborrheic dermatitis, since their spectrum is very wide.
- Genetic predisposition to increased sebum production and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Hormonal changes associated with an increase in the level of androgens, which stimulate the production of sebum: puberty, pregnancy, endocrinological abnormalities.
- Diseases of the digestive system and liverwhen the overall balance of microflora in the body is disturbed or problems arise with fat metabolism.
- Unbalanced diet which directly affects our microbiome.
“A love of spicy foods can lead to an oily scalp. Whole milk is also considered a provocateur of dandruff if you drink liters of it,” explains the Vichy medical expert Elena Eliseeva.
Another reason is improper care. For example, you cannot use shampoo for oily hair for weakened or colored hair (it is not designed to thoroughly wash out sebum).
“Cleansing bases that are too soft do not cleanse well, which ultimately inevitably leads to dandruff,” explains Elena Eliseeva, medical expert at Vichy.
A common occurrence is the careless use of styling products. They should not be allowed to get on the scalp, mixing with sebum. And of course, we must not forget about regular care: hair should be washed as it gets dirty, without waiting until it becomes greasy and sticky, and the skin begins to itch.
Dry
First of all, this is evidence of an extremely dry scalp. Causes:
- seborrheic dermatitis;
- improper carewhen dry hair is washed with an overly aggressive shampoo, or subjected to too frequent tests such as coloring, heat styling, perm;
- age-related hormonal changes and side effects of some medicines.
Hair should be washed as it becomes dirty, without waiting until it becomes greasy and sticky, and the scalp begins to itch. © iStock
How to determine the type of dandruff
In general, you don’t need to be an expert to distinguish dry dandruff from oily dandruff.
- Dry - very small, similar to specks of dust.
- Fat - larger and oilier, in the form of flakes or scales.
The sudden appearance of dandruff is a reason to consult a dermatologist and trichologist. Specialists will understand the reasons, prescribe examination and treatment. After all, as we found out, dandruff can often be a signal of malfunctions in the body.
How to deal with dandruff and scalp discomfort
Regardless of the type of dandruff and its causes, it is often accompanied by itching. “The hyperreactivity of the scalp is associated with the peculiarities of its structure,” explains Elena Eliseeva. “It contains a huge number of nerve endings and blood vessels. They are located close to the surface, so sensitivity is almost a natural condition of the scalp.”
Usually the discomfort disappears along with the dandruff. The main thing is to follow the doctor’s recommendations and carry out the full course of treatment, restore the skin microbiome and maintain it with special care.
Competent care means:
- selected with the help of a doctor shampoo;
- masks - cleansing (for oily dandruff) and moisturizing (for dry dandruff).
In some cases, it makes sense to resort to more serious professional means and cosmetic procedures (mesotherapy, microcurrents).
How to properly wash your hair with shampoo:
How to choose a remedy for dandruff and scalp discomfort
What ingredients to look for in anti-oily dandruff formulations? We answer.
- Antifungal components, since the cause is the uncontrolled growth of the Malassezia fungus: selenium disulfide, zinc.
- Exfoliating Ingredients (for example, salicylic acid) help cleanse the scalp of accumulated sebum, keratinized scales glued to it, and waste products of microorganisms. These are all the main causes of itchy skin.
- Antioxidants: vitamin E, green tea extract.
If we talk about flaky, dry scalp, then standard anti-dandruff products will not work. Softer antifungal and antiseptic ingredients will be required, because in any case we are talking about disruption of the skin microbiome.
“For sensitive scalps, sulfate-free detergent bases, for example, based on saponified lipids of coconut oil (these are often included in baby bathing products), are useful. They carefully clean damaged tissues, suggests Elena Eliseeva. — The composition should contain soothing ingredients: allantoin, bisabolol, panthenol, niacinamide, biotechnological molecules. They relieve the unpleasant symptoms of hyperreactivity: irritation, itching, discomfort.”
Review of cosmetic products for dandruff and scalp discomfort
Despite the high prevalence of dandruff, the reasons for its appearance vary from person to person. Care should also be chosen based on personal indications.
- Focus on your hair type and your scalp type.
- Carefully follow the instructions for use, especially when it comes to using shampoo as a course.
Intensive anti-dandruff care shampoo for normal and oily hair Dercos Technique, Vichy
Selenium disulfide is considered an effective anti-dandruff agent because it has antifungal properties. In combination with salicylic acid, it reduces the appearance of dandruff. Also contains vitamin E: softens the scalp and protects against negative environmental influences. Use 2-3 times a week for a month, then use a maintenance course once a week.
Intensive anti-dandruff care shampoo for sensitive scalp Dercos Technique, Vichy
The gentle soothing formula includes bisabolol and octopirox (a substance with antifungal properties). Does not contain sulfates.
Soft physiological shampoo-gel Kerium, La Roche-Posay
Reduces itching and discomfort. Contains components with a calming effect and glycerin, which has softening and moisturizing properties.
Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo with micro-exfoliating effect Kerium DS, La Roche-Posay
The emphasis in the action of the product is on exfoliation and thorough cleansing for seborrheic dermatitis. Efficiency is ensured by the combination of lipohydroxy and salicylic acids. Octopirox works against fungus, vitamin B3 soothes the skin and strengthens its barrier functions.
Anti-dandruff shampoo Fructis 2-in-1, Garnier
The product is intended for all hair types. The main active ingredient against dandruff is zinc pyrithione. Lemon extract refreshes the skin and saturates it with antioxidants.
Anti-dandruff shampoo Scalp Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Kiehl’s
Zinc pyrithione fights dandruff. Menthol, aloe juice, rosemary leaf oil refresh, moisturize and care.