What should you know about flaky scalp in winter?

Flakes can look white and powdery, or thicker and greasy, depending on the cause. Cold weather itself does not diagnose a condition, and visible shedding can continue after the weather changes.

Dry air can reduce moisture at the scalp surface. Hot showers, frequent blow-drying, wool hats and strongly fragranced products may add irritation. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis can cause recurring flakes with itch and sometimes oily scale; scalp psoriasis may produce sharply defined, thicker patches that extend beyond the hairline. Scalp ringworm is less common but can cause scaling with broken hairs, tender areas or patches of hair loss.

The appearance and symptoms matter more than the season alone. Note whether the scalp is itchy, sore, red, crusted or losing hair, and whether flakes also occur around the ears, eyebrows or nose. These details help a clinician distinguish simple dryness from a treatable scalp condition.

Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo, using your fingertips rather than scratching with your nails. Rinse thoroughly and keep heat from hair dryers on a lower setting. Avoid picking scale, tight headwear and new products that sting or burn.

If flakes keep returning, a pharmacist or dermatologist may suggest a medicated shampoo treatment. Follow the product directions, allow the shampoo to remain on the scalp for the stated time, and stop if marked irritation develops. A clinician can advise on an alternative when the scalp is very inflamed or when home care has not helped.

Arrange a dermatology review if flaking is persistent, severe, painful, spreading or interfering with sleep, or if it does not improve with gentle care. Seek prompt medical attention for pus, rapidly increasing swelling, fever, marked tenderness, or sudden patches of hair loss. Children with scaly patches and broken hairs should be assessed because scalp ringworm may need prescription treatment and can spread to others.

Do not scrape thick scale from an inflamed scalp. A clinician may examine the scalp closely and check for infection, inflammation or another cause before recommending treatment.

Ask: Could this be dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis? Do the broken hairs or hair-loss patches suggest scalp ringworm? Which shampoo is suitable for my scalp, how often should I use it, and when should I return if the flakes continue?