See a provider online for same-day dandruff treatment

$29 / message visit  |   $49 / video visit

Get Started

What You Need to Do

  • Select Your Concern & Book

    Choose your health concern (like hair loss or weight) and answer a few quick questions. Pick a time that works for you.

  • Meet Your Provider

    Chat or video call with a licensed provider who will assess your condition and prescribe treatment if needed.

  • Get Your Treatment

    Get care for common conditions—and if medication is needed, prescriptions can be sent directly to your pharmacy or delivered to your door (where available).

  • Get Ongoing Support

    Stay connected with follow-up care to track progress and adjust your treatment if necessary.

Difference Between Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Dry Scalp Treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and treatments are effective for mild dandruff, helping reduce flaking and dryness with ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.

For moderate to severe dandruff, your iVisitDoc provider may prescribe a stronger medicated shampoo or topical treatment designed to control scaling, itching, and inflammation.

When used consistently, both OTC and prescription options can help restore scalp health and reduce flare-ups.

Do You Need a Prescription Treatment?

It depends on your symptoms:

  • Mild dandruff: Light flaking or shedding without redness or irritation

  • Moderate to severe dandruff: Persistent scaling, inflammation, or itching that doesn’t improve with OTC products

Is Pay-per-Virtual visit right for you?

  • You’re between 18 and 64 years old

  • You’re experiencing a dry, flaky, or itchy scalp

  • You do not have open sores or lesions on your scalp

  • You are not pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Medications for dandruff

Your iVisitDoc provider will review your symptoms and medical history to determine which (if any) dandruff treatment is right for you. If medication is prescribed, it can be sent to any pharmacy you choose for pickup or delivery.

The cost of prescribed treatments may be covered by your health insurance, depending on your plan.

Prescription Dandruff Treatments

For moderate to severe dandruff, your iVisitDoc provider may prescribe stronger antifungal options to reduce flaking, itching, and inflammation.

Examples include:
Ketoconazole 2% (shampoo, foam, or gel)
Ciclopirox 1% shampoo (brand: Loprox)
Ciclopirox 0.77% gel

Prescription Anti-inflammatory Treatments

Short-term use of topical corticosteroids may be recommended to calm scalp inflammation.

Examples include:
Clobetasol shampoo
Hydrocortisone 1% cream

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicated Shampoos

These shampoos are formulated to help treat mild dandruff by targeting scalp buildup and yeast overgrowth.

Common active ingredients:
Coal tar (e.g., Neutrogena T-Gel)
Ketoconazole 1% (e.g., Nizoral)
Selenium sulfide (e.g., Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength)
Sulfur (e.g., Sulfur8 Medicated)
Zinc pyrithione (e.g., Head & Shoulders, Zincon)

Pro Tip

Start with lifestyle adjustments—like avoiding trigger foods, elevating your head while sleeping, and eating smaller meals. Medications work best when paired with healthy habits.

Quick virtual visits, anytime

Start Your Treatment

Your questions answered

iVisitDoc Care & Access

With iVisitDoc, you can connect virtually with a licensed provider to evaluate dry, itchy, or flaky scalp symptoms. If appropriate, they may recommend over-the-counter products or prescribe stronger medicated treatments to help manage moderate to severe dandruff.

If your symptoms require in-person evaluation (for example, if there are open sores or signs of a skin infection), your provider will explain the reason and help refer you to an appropriate in-person provider or dermatologist.

Yes. After your virtual visit, you’ll have access to secure messaging to ask questions or follow up about your care plan.

If your prescription is helping and still appropriate, your iVisitDoc provider can review your request and approve a refill or renewal if clinically justified.

Your data is protected by a HIPAA-compliant platform that uses encrypted, secure technology to ensure your personal and medical information stays private.

About Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flaking of the skin, often accompanied by itching, dryness, or irritation. It’s usually not serious but can be persistent and uncomfortable if left untreated.

Several factors can contribute to dandruff, including:

  • Overgrowth of yeast (especially Malassezia) on the scalp

  • Oily or irritated skin (seborrheic dermatitis)

  • Dry skin, especially in colder weather

  • Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)

  • Infrequent washing, which can lead to oil and dead skin buildup

Dandruff can vary in severity—from mild flaking to more stubborn, inflamed patches—and may require either OTC or prescription treatments, depending on the symptoms.

Information based on guidelines and research from:

  • American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • Cleveland Clinic

  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology