Ditch the Itch: Exclusive interview with Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra

Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, renowned dermatologist talks about effectively treating dandruff to keep it at bay. Read on to know how.

When you see an active dandruff on the scalp like white flakes and these white flakes which in extreme cases fall on your clothes or sometimes these white flakes do not fall. When these white flakes are in abundant it is called a dry dandruff, but when the white flakes turn yellowish because of the excessive moisture in the scalp they call it the moist dandruff. The moist dandruff is worse than the dry dandruff because it sticks like yellow scales on the scalp, it reduces the aeration of the scalp and makes it a breathing ground for bacteria and fungus. This means that your scalp is asking for help!

Dandruff needs to be treated because if untreated it can be a major cause of discomfort, sensitive scalp as well as hair fall. Dandruff again is associated with fungal infection because on the scales lives a fungus which perpetuates the dandruff or the infection of the scalp.

If the dandruff is very initial you can use anti-dandruff shampoos which are available in the market and to the person who is suffering from mild dandruff, they can suffice with washing the scalp 3 times a week can be enough with an anti-dandruff shampoo but the way to use this shampoo is a little different- wet the scalp, massage the shampoo on the scalp and not on the stands and just leave it on for about 5 mins and then rinse it off.

Now if the dandruff has progressed to moderate or to a severe condition it is important to consult a dermatologist. The dandruff can be treated with some anti-dandruff lotions which can be used on the scalp directly. Just wet the scalp and apply the anti-dandruff lotion, massage it and let it be on for about 5-7 minutes, rinse and then shampoo with either an anti-dandruff shampoo or any shampoo of your choice.

Sometimes when the dandruff is very severe, the doctors use ingredients that help exfoliate the superficial layer of the scalp which help remove the dandruff scales. We can also use exfoliating lotions or a lotion which has anti-dandruff, anti-fungal as well as exfoliating ingredients.

Besides this your doctor will advise you a lotion which is containing an anti-fungal solution which you can apply on the scalp at night for a period of about 2 weeks to get the dandruff under control.