What Is Dandruff?

It reflects altered shedding of scalp skin and interactions between oil, skin sensitivity, and naturally present yeast. It is not a sign that the scalp is dirty, and it does not spread between people.

Loose white or grey flakes may collect in the hair or fall onto clothing, while oilier scale can cling to the scalp. Symptoms can fluctuate with weather, stress, hair products, and washing routines. Scratching may add soreness even when the underlying condition is mild.

Pronounced redness, greasy yellow scale around the ears or face, or involvement beyond the scalp can fit seborrheic dermatitis. Thick sharply edged plaques, patchy hair loss, broken hairs, or pustules require assessment for other conditions rather than repeated dandruff treatment.

Wash often enough to control oil and scale, using a gentle shampoo between medicated washes if needed. Apply medicated shampoo to the scalp rather than only the hair, leave it on for the label's contact time, rinse thoroughly, and keep it away from the eyes.

Active ingredients work in different ways, so a clinician or pharmacist can help choose among antifungal, scale-loosening, or anti-inflammatory options. Stop a product that causes notable burning, swelling, or a new rash. Hair oils may make adherent greasy scale harder to manage for some people.

Book an appointment if correct use of a medicated shampoo does not control symptoms, or if the scalp is intensely itchy, painful, very inflamed, crusted, or oozing. Patchy hair loss, swollen neck glands, or a rash spreading to the face or body also merits examination.

Get prompt medical advice for rapidly increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or feeling unwell, as these can accompany infection.

Bring the names of shampoos, dyes, oils, and styling products you use. Ask whether the pattern suggests dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or infection, and request clear instructions on where, how often, and how long to use each recommended product.