What should you know about dermatitis dandruff?

Dandruff is visible shedding from the scalp. When inflammation is more prominent, the pattern may fit seborrheic dermatitis, which can also affect the hairline, eyebrows, ears or sides of the nose. The flakes may look white or yellow, while the skin can feel greasy, dry, sore or irritated. An itchy scalp and flaky scalp have several possible explanations, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause.

Wash the scalp regularly with lukewarm water and avoid scratching, harsh scrubs and strongly fragranced products. A clinician or pharmacist may suggest a medicated shampoo treatment, used according to its instructions and left on the scalp for the recommended contact time. If inflammation or yeast-related irritation continues, topical antifungal treatment may be considered. Keep products away from the eyes and stop any product that causes marked burning.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the scalp is painful, oozing, crusted, bleeding from scratching, or developing hair loss. Seek prompt care when a rash spreads beyond the scalp, involves the eyes, or appears soon after a new medicine. Persistent flaking despite a careful shampoo routine also deserves review because psoriasis, infection or another scalp condition can look similar.

Ask whether the pattern is dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, how often a medicated shampoo should be used, and whether another scalp condition needs to be excluded. Mention every hair product, treatment and medicine that touches your scalp.