Dandruff: What Your Itchy Scalp Is Trying to Tell You

Ketozal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 
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When it comes to dandruff, most people focus on the flakes. Itching, on the other hand, may be the most uncomfortable side effect. So what exactly is your scratchy scalp trying to tell you?

Symptoms and Causes

Flakes and an itchy, scaly scalp are the main symptoms of dandruff. White, oily flakes typically accumulate in your hair and on your shoulders and often get worse when the air is dry.

Pinpointing the exact cause of your itchy, flaky scalp can be difficult, but here are a few common culprits:

  • Irritated and oily skin, a condition also known as seborrheic dermatitis (a more severe form of dandruff)
  • Not shampooing enough, which causes skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching
  • A yeast called Malassezia, which aggravate your scalp and cause excess skin cell growth
  • Different personal care products may cause contact dermatitis, which makes your scalp red and itchy
What exactly is your itchy scalp trying to tell you?

1. Not all shampoos are the same

If your scalp is itchy, you may be able to get some relief by using over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos that are formulated to help with dandruff. Getting the right fit may take some trial and error, so if you haven’t had luck in the past, try again. Sometimes alternating two or more shampoo types can also help.

Some products you may see on the shelves include:
  • Head & Shoulders contain zinc pyrithione, which is antibacterial and antifungal. Dandruff is not caused by a fungus, but it still helps by slowing the production of excess skin cells.
  • Neutrogena T/Gel is a tar-based shampoo. Coal can ease conditions from dandruff to psoriasis by slowing how quickly your scalp’s skin cells die and flake off. This type of shampoo can discolour hair, so be careful.
  • Neutrogena T/Sal has a dose of salicylic acid and may lessen the amount of scale you have. They can leave your scalp dry, however. 
  • Selsun Blue has the power of selenium sulfide. It can slow your skin cells from dying and also reduce Malassezia. This type of shampoo may also discolour lighter shades of hair.
  • Ketozal is a ketoconazole shampoo, meaning it contains a broad-spectrum antifungal. You can find this type of wash OTC or by prescription. 
To get dandruff under control, you may need to use special shampoo when you do shampoo (optimal frequency varies based on hair type). Once things are under control, you may only need to use the shampoo occasionally to maintain the good effect.
(Personally, I will suggest Ketozal. It does not discolor hair nor does it leave your scalp dry. It also has an excellent success rate.)
2. Moisturize

A dry scalp tends to flake and itch, but usually, the flakes you’ll experience with dry skin are smaller and less oily. Restoring moisture to the scalp can help with itchiness, and the best moisturizer might already be sitting on your kitchen shelf. Coconut oil has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, making it a great, natural choice for fighting dryness.

3. Practice good hygiene and stop scratching!

Shampooing often enough can keep oils at bay, helping with dandruff symptoms. While you are at it, try to resist the urge to scratch your scalp. The itchiness is initially caused by irritation from dandruff, but scratching will increase irritation and lead to a vicious cycle.

Using too many products in your hair can irritate the scalp and lead to more itchiness. Try eliminating anything extra from your personal care routine and adding back in slowly to discover which gels, sprays, and other products don’t make your symptoms worse.

4. You need to relax

Stress can aggravate or even worsen dandruff for some individuals. While Malassezia is not introduced to your scalp by stress, it can thrive if your immune system is compromised, which is exactly what stress does to your body.

Do your scalp a favour and relax. Try taking a restorative walk or practising yoga. You may even find it helpful to keep a log of stressful events. Write down what they are and how they impact your dandruff. That way, you can do your best to avoid potential triggers in the future.

When to see your doctor

The good news is that many cases of dandruff can be treated effectively with over-the-counter shampoos and other lifestyle measures. That being said, dandruff isn’t the only reason you may have an itchy scalp. If your dandruff is particularly stubborn or itchy, you may have psoriasis, eczema, or a true fungal infection. Your doctor can help.

If your itch isn’t letting up or your scalp becomes red or swollen, make an appointment with your doctor. Check-in as well if shampoos don’t help, redness and flaking spread to your face or other areas on the body, you see lice or nits in your hair, or the itching starts to interfere with your everyday life.

What Is Ketozal Shampoo?

Ketozal shampoo is a medicated shampoo designed to treat fungal infections affecting the scalp. You can use it for conditions like stubborn dandruff, psoriasis, and more. Shampoos containing ketoconazole are available both over the counter (OTC) and by prescription from your doctor.

Ketozal  uses

Ketozal shampoo is commonly advertised as a dandruff treatment. Dry scalp causes some dandruff, while other dandruff is actually seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis may be associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast fungus that’s naturally present on your skin. Ketoconazole can help treat dandruff by reducing the fungus and inflammation.

Psoriasis
Ketozal is a common treatment for psoriasis, another inflammatory skin disease that causes skin flaking, skin plaques, and redness. Yeast-like fungus often infects these skin plaques.

Tinea infections
Ketozal shampoo can also treat tinea capitis and tinea versicolor. Tinea capitis is a superficial, ringworm-like fungus infection that affects the scalp. Tinea versicolor is a skin infection that’s caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin.

Hair loss
While ketozal is most frequently used for its antifungal properties to treat infections or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, there is anecdotal evidence indicating that it may also help promote hair growth or reduce hair loss. One small pilot study consisting of 15 people with alopecia, for example, found that ketoconazole may be able to improve hair regrowth.
(The safety of ketoconazole also hasn’t been well-studied in children. It’s best you don’t use it on anyone under the age of 12 unless instructed by their pediatrician.)
Thank you for your attention. 


Kayla Phillips, R.Ph
Registered Pharmacist


THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE IS FOR GENERAL CONSUMER UNDERSTANDING AND EDUCATION, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED OR USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANY PRESCRIPTION DRUG. IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY TAKING A PRESCRIPTION DRUG, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES. 


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