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Coping with itchiness and excessive dandruff is not easy.If you are trying every possible means of using home remedies, taking precautions while being exposed to pollution, and if you are still lagging behind, you need medicine. The healthiest option is that of scrubbing your scalp with a medicated shampoo.
Unlike other organic and inorganic shampoos, medicated shampoos come with a different formula and the ingredients are medically proven to be good for eliminating dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff from your hair.
If you are concerned about the health of your scalp and want to get enlightened with the details of medicated shampoos, how they work and a list of the best-medicated shampoos, quickly scroll this article.
What is a Medicated Shampoo?
The name says it all, this shampoo is unlike other shampoos, it might not look fancy, add luster or smell as pleasant as other shampoos but it works better than the other shampoos when it comes to eliminating flakiness, getting rid of dandruff, and treating other scalp complications.
This medicated shampoo is proven to work the best for people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. Having said, the best feature or advantage of using a medicated shampoo is its ability to prevent and keep away complications of excess dandruff and dermatitis even in the future.
Best Medicated ShampooFor All Your Hair Concerns
Note: If you decide on purchasing a medicated shampoo, keep your dermatologist informed. Only if your dermatologist approves of it after checking the condition of your scalp, only then use that shampoo.
Every medicated shampoo is clinically proven to treat problems in your scalp. Listed below are some of the best medicated shampoos to treat all the problems in your scalp. Read it all!
No 1 – Best for Dandruff: Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Why we love this?
If you are looking for an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial or an anti-dandruff shampoo, you should try Nizoral. It is one of the top selling and best rated medicated shampoo. Don’t miss out on this one, it is worth it.
(i)What does it have?
Ketoconazole
(ii)Key Features
- This shampoo removes all the dandruff and itchiness from your scalp and treats every kind of infection
- If you think you are suffering from a fungal infection, no other shampoo can work better than this on your hair
- It keeps the proteins protected in your hair
- It has effective ingredients
- It has a healthy formula
- It relieves your scalp from problems
- It smells lovely
- It is slightly expensive
- It might not be great with treating fungal infections but much better than other medicated shampoos
- Makes the hair dry
- Not recommended for daily use
No 2 – Best ForDandruff: Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo
Why we love this?
Selsun blue dandruff medicated shampoo is amazing if you want to treat the problems in your scalp. We love how effective it is with treating the problems on your scalp.
(i)What does it have?
Selenium sulfide
(ii)Key Features
- Selsun Blue ensures to safeguard your scalp and keep it healthy. Besides, it even softens your hair
- This shampoo helps with treating dandruff and eliminates all the itchiness
- It boosts the health of your hair and scalp
- It has selenium sulfide and this is a strong chemical to eliminate dandruff. However, beyond this, it doesn’t have more chemicals that might turn out bad for your hair
- If you love mint, this medicated shampoo has the fragrance you long for
- It is worth the price
- It provides effective results
- It is known to be the best
- It doesn’t have natural ingredients to do good to your hair
- It has less anti-dandruff fighting ingredients
- The formula of this shampoo could have been better
- For a few customers it treated dandruff and they have started feeling itchy on the scalp
No 3 – Best For Seborrheic Dermatitis – Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Why we love this?
(i)What does it have?
- Coal tar extract
- Neutrogena formula
(ii)Key Features
- This shampoo is recommended by dermatologists and it is known to treat itchy and flaky scalp. This shampoo can be used two or three times a week, not best for everyday use
- It takes extremely good care of your hair and it has been clinically proven to be the best
- It is formulated in such a way that it keeps the dandruff in control
- Neutrogena is a renowned dermatologist hair care brand; it works wonders on the scalp and hair
- This shampoo ensures to make your scalp healthy
- Brings the excessive flaking and itching in control
- This shampoo gives effective results
- Treats all scalp problems
- It is slightly expensive
- This shampoo takes a while to show results and it doesn’t have a gentle formula
- There is a small possibility that it can cause discoloration
- You might not like its fragrance
- This shampoo makes the hair dry
No 4 – Best For Psoriasis – Dermarest Psoriasis Max Strength Medicated Gel
Why we love this?
Handling psoriasis is painful and if you are suffering with this issue, you should go for Dermatest Psoriasis as it has the best natural ingredients to take care of your scalp.
(i)What does it have?
- Zinc complex
- Green tea extracts
- Kukul nut oil
- Safflower extracts
(ii)Key Features
- This shampoo is recognized by dermatologists and National Psoriasis Foundation. It is an amazing medicated shampoo and gives effective results
- If your scalp is irritated and you want a good medicated shampoo for your color treated hair, this is the best
- Free of fragrance
- Excellent scalp cleanser
- Treats all scalp problems
- Best for treating psoriasis
- If it doesn’t suit your scalp, this shampoo might make it flaky
No 5 – Best For Dandruff :Tarsum Medicated Shampoo/Gel
Why we love this?
To gain an instant relief from the summer heat and itchiness in your scalp, you should turn to Tarsum Medicated Shampoo/Gel. This is a top rated medicated shampoo and it will cater to all your needs.
(i)What does it have?
Salicylic acid
Coal Tar
(ii)Key Features
- If you are feeling itchy or you see the scalp getting red, this shampoo effectively treats all scalp problems
- It is a good hair gel as well as shampoo for treating dryness and itchy scalp that is even related to the dermatitis issue on your skin
- It cleanses the scalp
- Treats all problems in the scalp
- Fights against itchiness
- Works best on dry scalp
- If it doesn’t suit your scalp, it won’t treat psoriasis or excessive dandruff effectively
No 6 – Best For Chasing Dirt In The Scalp: Head and Shoulders Classic Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo
Why we love this?
(i)What does it have?
Selenium Sulfide
(ii)Key Features
- This shampoo is proven to be clinically strong for it has selenium that helps in fighting against itchiness and dandruff
- If there is a chance that you might have a bad skin reaction, this shampoo ensures to properly protect your skin
- It keeps your hair clean with its Ph balanced formula and It has a pH balanced formula
- Highly recommended and safe for use
- It treats yeast infections, skin reactions and dandruff
- Comes with athree-action system
- Dermatologist find it the best for eliminating dandruff from the scalp
- Smells awesome
- If you have severe dandruff problems, this is not the best though it claims to be an anti-dandruff, it doesn’t effectively clean all the dandruff
- It makes the scalp excessively dry
No 7 – Best For Dandruff : Nioxin Anti-dandruff Medicating Cleanser
Why we love this?
Itching scalp can test your patience and thankfully we have an amazing medicated shampoo named Nioxin anti-dandruff medicating cleanser that treats all the inflammation and itchiness in every nook and corner of the scalp.
(i)What does it have?
1% pyrithione zinc
Green tea polyphenols
(ii)Key Features
- This medicated shampoo works wonders in eliminating all the inflammation and itchiness on your scalp. This itchiness is a sign of seborrheic dermatitis.
- This medicated shampoo soothes your scalp and gives it all the protection it needs to keep away from scalp problems
- If you love good fragrance, try this medicated shampoo. It doesn’t have a strong smell like many other shampoos
- Cleanses your scalp
- Smells pleasant
- Makes your hair shine
- Smells awesome
- Best shampoo for treating dandruff
- Works good on dry scalp
- If the shampoo doesn’t suit your scalp, it might not treat eczema effectively
- One of the customers was unhappy with how the product is priced
No 8 – Bestfor Dandruff:The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care
Why we love this?
Are you concerned about the chemicals in a medicated shampoo? If yes, then you must try Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care shampoo. It comprises of all natural ingredients and at the same time works as one of the best anti-dandruff medicated shampoo.
(i)What does it have?
- White willow extracts
- Birch bark extracts
- White willow extracts
- honey
(ii)Key Features
- This anti-dandruff medicated shampoo will cleanse, refresh, soothe and clear all the flakes in your scalp
- It comprises of natural ingredients and you don’t need to be concerned about those chemicals having a bad impact on your scalp
- As long as the scalp remains moisturized it is healthy. Having said, this shampoo ensures to keep your scalp moisturized
- It stays on your eyelids for long
- It has a water-proof formula
- Its quality is commendable
- This eyeshadow blends in well with your skin tone
- It has a water-proof formula
- Its quality is commendable
- This eyeshadow blends in well with your skin tone
- One of the customers said that this shampoo didn’t work wonders but it was okay on her scalp
No 9 – Best For Psoriasis : MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo
Why we love this?
MG217 Psoriasis medicated shampoo is highly protective and moisturizing on your scalp. It ensures to keep your scalp clean and healthy after you use it a couple of times.
(i)What does it have?
3% coal tar formula
(ii)Key Features
- If dealing with psoriasis has been testing your patience and you want to opt for a medicated shampoo that treats psoriasis, try MG217. This medicated shampoo is healthy and balances the ph levels in your scalp.
- It has a formula of relieving your scalp from irritation and redness
- This medicated shampoo works on bringing down the skin cell growth that is causing dandruff and making your scalp itchy
- This shampoo ensures to keep your scalp healthy
- Treats scalp problems
- Moisturizes your scalp
- Provides protection
- Keeps scalp build-up in control
- Rated as the best by National Psoriasis foundation
- Treats Psoriasis the best
- The medicated shampoo comprises of many chemicals
- It might make your scalp too dry
- Smells unpleasant
No 10 – Best For Psoriasis:Denorex Extra Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Why we love this?
One of our recommendations and best choice to make your hair dandruff-free is Denorex Extra Strength. This shampoo is known forits presence of Vitamins and ability to treat every problem your scalp has to deal with.
(i)What does it have?
- Vitamins
- 3% Salicylic acid
(ii)Key Features
- If you are facing troubles with your scalp remaining dry most of the time, use this shampoo to notice a difference in your scalp
- The extra flakes and build up in the scalp are all eliminated with the help of salicylic acid
- The ‘extra strength’ feature in this shampoo is a boon as it controls flakes and scales in the future
- Treats scalp irritation
- Eliminates flaking
- Comprises of natural ingredients – safe for use
- Boosts shine
- Manages your hair
- Best suited for treating dandruff, psoriasis and dermatitis
- Has a strengthening formula
- Might not be effective with removing flakes
- Ability to produce foam can be better
- One of the customers finds it difficult to wash the conditioner as it sticks to the hair for long
Commonly Used Ingredients in Medicated Shampoos
Medicated shampoo works the best on your hair if there are the following ingredients in your shampoo. Take a look!
No 1- Coal Tar
It is evident that this ingredient is a byproduct of coal and one of the best to fight against dandruff.
No 2 – Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid or Sulphur works the best for removing all the dandruff from your scalp. It works like a natural exfoliator and eliminates all the dead skin cells. This ingredient is packed with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
No 3 – Ketoconazole
This ingredient is known to keep the yeast infection away from your scalp. Besides, it even clears all the dandruff from your scalp. Interestingly, this ingredient comprises of DHT and is used to treat several fungal infections.
You will find this ingredient in medicated shampoos. Before you start using this shampoo, ask your dermatologist if it is recommendable or not and only then buy it.
No 4 – ZincPyrithione
This ingredient has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to treat the dermatitis or dandruff in your scalp.
No 5 – Selenium Sulfide
If this ingredient is present in your medicated shampoo, if there is a fungal infection in your scalp, it gets treated. Further, this helps in the regeneration of skin cells.
Different Types of Medicated Shampoos
In total, there are 3 types of medicated shampoos. They are antibacterial shampoos, anti-seborrheic shampoos, and anti-fungal shampoos.
Antibacterial shampoos are used to treat all kind of bacterial infection in the scalp. Anti-fungal shampoos don’t leave room for any fungus to form on the scalp and anti-seborrheic shampoos quickly eliminate seborrheic dermatitis.
How Often to use Medicated Shampoo?
If there is excess dandruff in your scalp, there is no harm in using a medicated shampoo. However, if there is a little dandruff then using a medicated shampoo two times a week is more than enough.
Conclusion
Medicated shampoos have a healthy, active, and effective formula to treat bacterial infections, fungal infections, and dermatitis.
The medicated shampoos listed out are among the best ones. Before you buy a shampoo for your hair. Properly go through its features, pros, cons, take an opinion from a dermatologist and only then buy the shampoo.
If dandruff or dermatitis doesn’t get washed out of your scalp, go back to your dermatologist to undergo treatment.
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