What should you know about scaly skin on head?

Fine white flakes with itch may follow a dry or irritated scalp. Greasy scale around the scalp, ears, eyebrows, or hairline is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis may create thicker, well-defined plaques that extend beyond the hairline. Ringworm of the scalp can cause scaling with broken hairs, tender areas, or patches of hair loss and needs prompt medical treatment. Product buildup, hair dye, tight styles, and scratching can also inflame the scalp. A clinician may examine the scalp and hairs, and may test a sample when infection is possible.

Wash gently and rinse products thoroughly; avoid scratching, picking, harsh scrubbing, and recently introduced dyes or fragranced products. Do not share combs, brushes, hats, pillows, or towels until a contagious infection has been excluded. Keep nails short to limit skin breaks. Medicated treatment depends on the cause: a clinician may discuss emollient therapy for dry scale, topical antifungal treatment for a fungal infection, or another plan for psoriasis. Do not put an antifungal or steroid product on a child’s scalp without professional advice.

Arrange a dermatology assessment for persistent or recurrent scaling, scalp pain, crusting, or hair loss. Seek prompt care if the scalp becomes swollen, drains pus, develops tender lumps, or the rash spreads quickly. A child with a scaly patch and broken hairs should be assessed soon because scalp infections can affect hair growth and spread to close contacts. Fever or marked illness alongside a scalp rash needs urgent medical attention.

Does this look like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact irritation, or ringworm? Should household members or pets be checked? Which shampoo or treatment should I use, and how should I protect broken or tender skin?