What should you know about really bad flaky scalp?

Fine white flakes with mild itch often fit Dandruff, while greasy scale and redness around the scalp, ears or eyebrows can occur with Seborrheic Dermatitis. Thick, well-defined plaques that extend beyond the hairline may fit Scalp Psoriasis.

Scalp Ringworm can cause scaling with broken hairs, tender areas, swollen glands or patchy hair loss and needs medical treatment. Contact dermatitis from hair dye, fragrance or styling products can also produce itch, burning and scale.

Use lukewarm water, rinse products thoroughly and avoid scratching, picking and fragranced products while the scalp is irritated. Keep combs and brushes clean, and pause a new dye or styling product if symptoms began after using it.

A clinician may recommend Medicated Shampoo Treatment for a suitable cause, with instructions about how long the shampoo should contact the scalp and how often to use it. Persistent plaques, broken hairs or hair loss need an examination rather than repeated product changes.

Seek prompt care for painful swelling, pus, crusting, fever, rapidly spreading redness, tender lumps or sudden patchy hair loss. Arrange a routine appointment when flaking continues despite appropriate washing, interrupts sleep or is accompanied by thick plaques or sores.

Ask whether the scale is greasy, dry or plaque-like, whether infection needs testing, which shampoo fits the diagnosis, and how to protect the scalp and hair while inflammation settles.