When should you see a doctor about flaky scalp?

Dandruff commonly causes visible flakes and itch without thick, sharply defined plaques. Seborrheic dermatitis may also affect the hairline, eyebrows, ears, or sides of the nose and can look greasy or irritated. Scalp psoriasis can produce thicker scale and extend beyond the hairline. Scalp ringworm may cause broken hairs, tender areas, swelling, or patches of hair loss. These conditions can look similar but respond to different treatments.

Wash regularly with a gentle shampoo, avoid scratching, and pause new dyes, oils, or fragranced products if irritation began after using them. Keep notes on itch, soreness, scale colour, hair shedding, and areas beyond the scalp. A clinician may recommend medicated shampoo treatment or another medicine after examining the scale and hair shafts. Do not share combs, hats, or brushes if ringworm is a possibility.

Seek an appointment soon for thick plaques, bleeding from scratching, persistent redness, painful crusts, swollen areas, or hair loss. Arrange prompt care for pus, fever, rapidly worsening tenderness, or a boggy swollen patch. Children with patchy hair loss and broken hairs should be assessed because scalp ringworm can spread and may scar when untreated. Urgent review is appropriate if facial swelling or breathing symptoms follow a product exposure.

Which condition best fits the scale and scalp pattern? How long should I use the recommended shampoo? Could this affect my hair, and should household contacts or shared hair tools be checked?