What should you know about greasy hair and a flaky scalp?

Oil can make loose skin cling to the hair and look more noticeable. Dandruff commonly presents with scalp flakes and may occur without marked redness. Seborrheic dermatitis presents with flaking plus itch, redness, or greasy yellowish scale, often around the scalp and hairline. Scalp psoriasis presents with thicker, more sharply defined scale and may extend beyond the hairline. Scalp ringworm can present with scale alongside broken hairs, tender areas, or patchy hair loss, and needs medical treatment.

Wash the scalp often enough to remove oil and styling residue, using lukewarm water and fingertips rather than scratching. Keep conditioner and heavy oils mainly on the hair lengths, not the scalp. A medicated shampoo may help when ordinary washing does not settle flaking; follow its label or a clinician’s instructions and allow the product to remain on the scalp as directed. Stop a product that causes burning or a rash. Do not share brushes, hats, or towels if an infection is possible.

Arrange a dermatology review for painful, swollen, crusted, bleeding, or oozing areas, severe itch, thick plaques, or flakes that keep returning despite careful shampoo use. Seek prompt assessment for patchy hair loss, broken hairs, pus, fever, or a tender spreading rash. A clinician can examine the scale and hair shafts to distinguish an inflammatory condition from infection.

Could this be dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or an infection? Which shampoo ingredient suits my scalp? How long should I try it, and what signs mean I should stop? Could a new styling product or hair treatment be contributing?