Health A to Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Dandruff

A common condition known as dandruff causes the scalp’s skin to flake. It is neither severe nor contagious. However, it can be awkward and challenging to treat.

You can use a gentle daily wash to treat mild dandruff. A medicated shampoo might be helpful if that doesn’t help.

Dandruff symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of dandruff might include:

  • You have skin flakes on your shoulders, beard, hair, eyebrows, and scalp
  • Scratchy scalp
  • Infants with cradle caps have a scaly, crusty scalp

Stress can aggravate the signs and symptoms, which also tend to worsen during the cold, dry months.

Dandruff causes 

The following are some possible causes of dandruff:

  • Oily, irritated skin
  • Dry skin
  • Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that feeds on oils on most adults’ scalps
Dandruff symptoms
  • Sensitivity to cosmetics for hair care (contact dermatitis)
  • Other skin disorders, like eczema and psoriasis

Risk factors

Although almost anybody can get dandruff,

Some things can increase your risk:

  • Age. Dandruff typically starts in adolescence and lasts until middle life. That does not imply that older people do not develop dandruff. The issue may persist forever for some individuals
  • More than women, men are more likely to have dandruff
  • Certain diseases. Dandruff seems more likely to develop in people with Parkinson’s disease and other nervous system disorders. Additionally, having HIV or a compromised immune system

How to take care of your dandruff

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo. You can purchase a variety of varieties from pharmacies or grocery stores.

Look for a shampoo with one of the following components:

  • Zinc pyrithione
  • Acid salicylate
  • Sulfide of selenium (or selenium sulfide)
  • Ketoconazole
  • Coke tar

You can learn how to use the shampoo from your pharmacist. Use the shampoo for a month and assess the results for your dandruff. To find a type that works for you, you might need to try a few different ones.

Consult a doctor if;

  • You still experience symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month
  • Your scalp is itchy, or your dandruff is serious
  • Your scalp is swollen or red

The doctor might examine your scalp to look for skin disorders that can be the source of your dandruff.

To explore your health concerns in detail and receive expert advice, you can easily access our free doctor consultation service, designed to provide you with the support you need.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022