The clumps of dead skin cells—along with dirt on the scalp—form the itchy dandruff flakes, which are oily and a yellowish color. This is caused by a type of yeast, or fungus, called Malassezia. When there is excess sebum, however, Malassezia is known to proliferate because it grows in sebum. This type of yeast also produces a by-product that causes the skin cells to clump together, forming the white flakes commonly seen in dandruff.
Several skin conditions cause skin flaking. The skin condition most often linked with dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis SD , which causes:. SD causes visible signs of inflammation, whereas dandruff symptoms usually involve mildly reddened skin.
SD occurs more frequently in those with oily skin and is considered a type of oily dandruff. It appears in areas of the skin containing oil glands. There are other types of skin conditions that can cause flaking of the scalp, such as:. Skin conditions that cause dandruff should be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare provider. It can usually be effectively treated with over-the-counter OTC medicated shampoo. You should call your healthcare provider when:.
There are many types of home remedies touted to treat dandruff, but many of these lack enough clinical research evidence to give them credibility. Those that do have some scientific evidence to back up their claims of effectiveness are agents that have antimicrobial antibacterial or antifungal properties.
These include:. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before using any type of home remedy for dandruff. While there is no cure for dandruff, there are some medicated shampoos that can help manage symptoms. Treatment depends on several factors, such as the underlying cause of your dandruff and how severe the condition is.
When medical conditions cause dandruff, a healthcare provider should be consulted about the type of treatment that is best:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
Overview Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Borda LJ, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: A comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology. Dandruff: How to treat. American Academy of Dermatology. In general, corticosteroid shampoos and lotions are not used on infants, as infants absorb them much more easily through the skin than adults do.
The good news is that cradle cap usually disappears eventually without any treatment within the first year of a baby's life. To help keep dandruff under control, shampoo frequently, reduce your stress levels, try reducing or stopping your use of hair products e. All material copyright MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www. Conditions A-Z D Dandruff. About this Condition. The Facts Dandruff is a harmless, chronic condition that occurs when the scalp becomes dry or greasy and produces white flakes of dead skin that appear in the hair or on the shoulders.
Acne Doctor Discussion Guide. Avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals, like bleach and alcohol. These ingredients can dry out your scalp. Also avoid oily hair products that can build up on your scalp.
Spend a few minutes out in the sun every day. Manage your stress with meditation , yoga , deep breathing , and other relaxation techniques.
Is dandruff contagious? What is the cause? We've got answers to your most pressing questions about dandruff. Dandruff and psoriasis can both cause dry, flaky skin on your scalp. Learn how to identify if you have dandruff or psoriasis. Does dandruff actually cause hair loss? We'll go over the relationship between these two conditions.
You'll also learn about things you can do to…. Coconut oil is considered an all-inclusive alternative skin care product. Moisture is at its core, which makes this oil appealing for dry skin…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Is It Dandruff or Dry Scalp? Symptoms, Treatment, and More. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Causes and symptoms. Seeing a doctor.
Is It Dandruff or Psoriasis?
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