What should you know about seborrheic dandruff?

Seborrheic dandruff is a scalp form of dandruff in which oil, shed skin cells, and inflammation can combine. Flakes may look white, yellowish, or greasy, and the scalp may feel itchy or tender. The condition often comes and goes, so improvement does not always mean the tendency has disappeared.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a related inflammatory condition that can extend beyond the scalp. Redness or scale around the ears, eyebrows, nose, or chest can help a clinician distinguish it from simple dry skin, psoriasis, or contact irritation.

Wash often enough to remove excess oil without scrubbing harshly. If recommended, use a medicated shampoo according to its directions and give it the stated time on the scalp before rinsing. A clinician may choose a topical antifungal treatment when the pattern and examination support it.

Keep nails short and avoid picking flakes, because broken skin can become more irritated. Use lukewarm water and pause any new styling product that causes burning. For an overview, see Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, and Medicated Shampoo Treatment.

Book an assessment when scale is thick, painful, bleeding, crusted, or spreading to the face, or when symptoms keep returning despite a consistent routine. Prompt care is appropriate for pus, marked swelling, fever, or sudden widespread rash. These features can point to infection, allergy, or another diagnosis rather than uncomplicated dandruff.

Ask whether your pattern is Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis, which shampoo ingredient is appropriate, how to maintain control between flares, and whether facial areas need a separate product. Ask how to recognise irritation from treatment.