Salicylic Acid Dandruff

Dealing with dandruff is a perennial problem for many otherwise healthy people.  Handling the persistent accumulation of flaking on one’s scalp is a concern that has plagued human civilization for centuries, forcing us to adopt all kinds of unusual remedies for the ailment.  Thankfully, modern research has managed to set a whole lot of snake oil tonics and ancient massage techniques aside, trusting in several proven chemical formulas that help one fight dandruff in different ways.  Scientists have managed to isolate dandruff as springing forth due to a combination of factors, including the interaction of oil and bacteria on the skin.  Salicylic acid, a compound primarily derived from willow bark, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating a wide range of skin diseases, most commonly that of acne and psoriasis, by promoting skin shedding and destroying bacteria or other organism growth. 

The way salicylic acid works on dandruff is by way of loosening and relaxing the scalp, as well as stimulating the growth and replacement of skin cells.  This acceleration of skin’s natural waste removal process also promotes the loosening of the dandruff from the scalp surface, allowing it to be washed off easily after a shampoo and a rinse.  When using a salicylic acid product on your head, such as a medicated shampoo, it has been recommended by doctors that one use lukewarm water first to wet the scalp, and then rub the product into the scalp thoroughly for about two to three minutes.  This will allow the salicylic acid to seep into the skin thoroughly.  For best results, it is suggested that one repeat the application and rinsing process.

Before you begin using products with salicylic acid, you should first be aware that a number of drugs, when taken in conjunction with salicylic acid, have a tendency to either cause adverse side effects, or decrease the potency of your anti-dandruff remedy.  These include corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, sulfonylureas, pyrazinamide, methotrexate, phenvibutazone, ammonium sulphate, and probenecid.  Be sure that you check the ingredients or labels of medicines that you are currently taking to determine whether any of the drugs or elements mentioned is present.  If so, you should check with your physician before using the salicylic acid product.

There are also certain individuals who should not use salicylic acid shampoo or other scalp treatments for the purpose of eradicating dandruff.  Children and teenagers who suffer from a bout of influenza, chicken pox or shingles should not use such products.  Neither should salicylic acid be used on anyone under the age of two, as the child’s skin will be too delicate to safely accommodate the chemical reaction.  Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should exercise care when using salicylic acid products, as should those who are suffering from kidney or liver disorders. 

When you use salicylic acid products regularly, care should be taken to limit your exposure to the sun, as your skin becomes additionally sensitive due to its quickened renewal.  Just be sure to apply the proper sunscreen when going outdoors to preserve the integrity of your scalp.

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