Dandruff can be more than a minor annoyance. It’s often itchy, unsightly and difficult to get under control. And for people with persistent dandruff, regular anti-dandruff shampoos may not always be enough to treat the condition. That’s where Polytar Scalp Shampoo, our licensed medicated shampoo, comes in.
In this article, we’ll explore how Polytar Scalp Shampoo works and whether it’s effective for treating dandruff.
Understanding dandruff and its symptoms
Before determining whether Polytar is the right treatment for you, it helps to understand what dandruff actually is. Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear on your scalp and hair. It’s usually accompanied by itchiness that ranges from mild to severe, but it can get progressively worse depending on the triggers that affect your condition.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff has several different triggers and causes, including:
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Malassezia yeast: A naturally occurring yeast-like fungus that lives on the scalp. If it becomes overactive, it can lead to flakes and irritation.
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Seborrheic dermatitis: A severe form of dandruff that involves inflamed, oily skin and flaky scales. It’s not only the scalp that’s affected – seborrheic dermatitis can extend to the eyebrows and the sides of the nose.
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Stress and hormonal changes: While not a direct cause of dandruff, stress and hormonal factors can make the flakes and itchiness associated with the condition worse.
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Product irritation: Certain hair products, including those containing harsh ingredients, can trigger dandruff, causing redness and flaking.
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Weather: Both cold, dry air and hot, humid climates can unbalance the scalp, resulting in dandruff.
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Dry skin: Dry skin can lead to flaking that resembles dandruff – especially in the colder months.
Different types of dandruff
Dandruff usually presents as:
Dry dandruff
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Appearance: Small, fine, white or greyish flakes that fall from the scalp. They’re often visible on dark clothing.
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Texture: Light and dry. Flakes are loose and not stuck to the scalp.
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Cause: Usually due to dry skin, particularly in the colder months or because of excessive washing with harsh shampoos.
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Scalp condition: May feel tight, itchy or slightly irritated, but rarely oily.
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Common in: Males, people with dry skin or those dealing with stress and certain health conditions.
Oily dandruff
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Appearance: Larger, yellowish or white flakes that are greasy or sticky.
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Texture: Thick and clumpy. Flakes often adhere to the scalp and hair strands.
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Cause: Triggered by excess sebum (oil) production and often linked to seborrheic dermatitis. It may also involve the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.
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Scalp condition: Oily, inflamed and sometimes red or itchy.
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Common in: People with oily skin or underlying skin conditions like scalp psoriasis or dermatitis.
What is Polytar Scalp Shampoo and how does it work?
Polytar Scalp Shampoo is a medicated shampoo designed for effective relief from some of the most common scalp conditions. Polytar has many benefits:
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It contains 4% Coal Tar solution.
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It’s been a licensed UK medicine for over 60 years.
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It’s clinically proven to treat scalp conditions like psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff.
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Polytar helps reduce inflammation, itching, scaling and an itchy scalp.
Polytar’s unique formulation works by slowing down the excessive growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation, making it effective for controlling flaking, redness and itching. Coal tar has anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti-itch) properties, which help treat symptoms related to dandruff.
Can Polytar Treat Dandruff?
Yes, Polytar can help treat certain types of dandruff, particularly those linked to inflammation and seborrheic dermatitis. Coal tar solution, the active ingredient in Polytar, works by:
· Breaking down excess keratin to reduce thickened, scaly skin.
· Promoting natural shedding of dead skin cells to reduce build-up and dryness.
· Reducing redness, swelling, and irritation from scalp conditions.
· Soothing the scalp to relieve persistent itching.
· Cleansing the scalp and helping to prevent infection.
Because of these properties, Polytar is especially helpful if your dandruff is persistent and linked to an inflammatory condition like seborrheic dermatitis. If your dandruff doesn't respond well to regular anti-dandruff shampoos, Polytar may offer relief where others haven’t been able to.
When is Polytar most appropriate?
Polytar works best if:
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You have moderate to severe dandruff.
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Your dandruff involves oily, yellowish flakes and itching (a sign of seborrheic dermatitis).
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You’ve tried other treatments without success.
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You have coexisting conditions like scalp psoriasis.
How to use Polytar for dandruff
When using Polytar to treat dandruff, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Always read the product label/information before use.
1/ Frequency
Use Polytar 1-2 times per week. Daily use can lead to further scalp irritation, but if you’re suffering from an intense flareup, consult your dermatologist for advice.
2/ Application
1. Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly.
2. Use enough shampoo so that the lather is abundant to cover your scalp, hair and adjacent areas that are also affected.
3. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips.
4. Leave the shampoo on for 3–5 minutes to allow it to get to work.
5. Rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly.
6. Repeat the steps for a second time.
3/ Aftercare
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Follow up with a gentle, hydrating conditioner on the ends of your hair, being careful to avoid the scalp.
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Avoid styling products with harsh ingredients that could irritate the scalp.
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Wash your hands after every application.
4/ Duration
Use Polytar 1-2 times a week for four weeks. Any longer than this should only be on the advice of a doctor or a dermatologist.
When to see a doctor or a dermatologist
There may be times when you need to seek professional advice from a doctor or dermatologist. For example:
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Your symptoms persist despite treatment.
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Your symptoms get worse during the treatment.
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You experience any undesirable effects during/after treatment.
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You notice signs of infection (oozing, pain, swelling or a burning sensation).
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You have other skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema affecting your scalp.
A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis and prescribe stronger or more targeted treatments if needed.
