Shampoo is one of the most commonly used hair products. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to be careful while choosing a shampoo. A wrong choice of shampoo can make your hair look dull and lifeless. If you suffer from dandruff-related issues, look for the best medicated anti-dandruff shampoo in India. This helps to control the itching and flaking of the scalp that can be very annoying and embarrassing at times. For mild dandruff, regular cleansing with regular shampoo may help, but if the problem aggravates, try a medicated dandruff shampoo.
Both medicated and non-medicated products for hair and scalp are available in the market. They may be in the form of foam, gel, spray, oil, ointment, etc.; you can choose whichever suits you better. But, before you head to the the nearby store to buy your shampoo, you should know more about your hair type and scalp.
Medicated shampoos may be classified according to the medication they contain. While some of these are available over-the-counter, others need a doctor’s prescription. Some of the common medicated shampoos are-
Coal tar shampoos –
Coal tar has been used for Psoriasis for ages. It is a common ingredient in medicated shampoos, oils, and creams. Shampoos that contain coal tar are helpful in the treatment of issues related to scaling, hardening, and thickening of the skin on your scalp. These shampoos slow down the growth of the skin cells thereby easing itching. To get the best results, simply massage the shampoo onto the scalp, leave for a few minutes and rinse with water. Remember to protect your head from direct sunlight as tar remains on the skin for the approximately 24 hours and makes the skin more sensitive
Salicylic acid shampoos –
Shampoos that contain salicylic acid soften and remove the scaly skin on the scalp. However, these shampoos can make your skin dry, thereby leading to more flaking. Over usage of shampoo containing salicylic acid may cause nausea, irritation, or other problems in some people and so must be used with care and the under the guidance of a medical practitioner. Some salicylic acid shampoos contain sulfur that is good for fungal infections. If you are suffering from any such infection, you may use this shampoo once or twice a week.
Shampoo with Steroids –
These shampoos can be used only with the prescription of a doctor. Usually, the doctors advise using steroid shampoo initially to reduce swelling and redness and later switch to coal tar shampoo.
These are some factors that you should consider the before buying a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo from the market. If you feel that shampoo was showing results initially but seems less effective after a while, try alternating between different shampoos and discontinue using them once you get relief from the problem. You should revert to the normal cleansing shampoos then. On the other hand, if you have been using a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo in India for a long and do not see any visible results, consult your dermatologist immediately.
