What should you know about dry and flaky scalp?

Fine, loose flakes without much redness can follow over-washing, hot water, or product irritation. Greasy scale around the scalp, hairline, ears, or eyebrows is often seen with Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis. Firm, silvery scale may occur with Scalp Psoriasis.

Scalp Ringworm can cause scale with broken hairs, patches of hair loss, tenderness, or swollen areas. A flaky scalp symptom alone cannot distinguish these causes, and scratching can create small breaks that become sore or infected.

Wash with lukewarm water and rinse shampoo thoroughly. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, avoid picking, and keep brushes, hats, and pillowcases clean. If flakes recur, a clinician or pharmacist may guide use of Medicated Shampoo Treatment, including how long it should contact the scalp.

Do not share combs or hats when an infection is possible, and avoid applying steroid or antifungal products to a child’s scalp without suitable advice. Photographing the scalp before treatment can help a clinician compare changes.

Book an assessment when flaking lasts after gentle care, returns frequently, or comes with intense itch, thick scale, pain, or spreading redness. Seek prompt medical attention for pus, fever, swollen lymph nodes, a boggy tender swelling, or rapidly developing patchy hair loss.

Ask whether the scale looks more like dandruff, dermatitis, psoriasis, or infection; which shampoo is appropriate; and when improvement should be checked. Mention recent dyes, oils, medicines, travel, contact with pets, and any hair shedding.