Dandruff

Dandruff causes white flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair. Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/256156/view The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp onto your shoulders. Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy .

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat dandruff. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets. Look for a shampoo that contains 1, or more, of these ingredients: ketoconazole coal tar salicylic acid A pharmacist can tell you how to use the shampoo. Use the shampoo for up to 4 weeks to see if your dandruff gets better. You might need to try more than 1 type to find a shampoo that works for you. Find a pharmacy

Dandruff is not usually serious but if symptoms last a long time or become painful, you may need medical help. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: you still have dandruff symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for at least 4 weeks your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy your scalp is red or swollen you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body The GP can check your scalp for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff.

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. It may be caused by different things, including a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin, and skin conditions such as eczema. Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse. Symptoms and causes of dandruff Symptoms Possible causes Scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the body Seborrheic dermatitis Red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss Tinea capitis, known as ringworm Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body Eczema Red, irritated skin, may also have blisters and cracked skin; reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses Contact dermatitis Red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales Psoriasis Greasy, yellowish crusts on baby's scalp, eyebrows and nappy area Cradle cap