Dandruff Basics
Dandruff is a very common problem, but that doesn't make the flakes that can appear in your hair and on your clothing any less bothersome or embarrassing.
Fortunately, you can usually manage dandruff with over-the-counter (OTC) products. Read on for answers to your questions about dandruff causes and how to get rid of dandruff.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a skin condition in which dry skin flakes off the scalp. The flakes are due to excess shedding of the top layer of skin and may appear to be white or gray in color. Dandruff may make your scalp itch or feel dry.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff can be the result of:
- Seborrheic dermatitis. This inflammatory skin condition is one of the most common causes of dandruff when it occurs on the scalp. It causes a red, itchy rash covered with flaky white or yellow scales and makes the skin look greasy. It can also affect other parts of the face and body with many oil glands, such as the eyebrows, backs of the ears, sides of the nose, breastbone or groin area. Some people may refer to this as facial dandruff, eyebrow dandruff, or beard dandruff.
- Malassezia. This type of yeast naturally exists on the scalp, but for some people it can cause irritation and more skin cells to grow. When the extra skin cells shed off, they look white and flaky.
Contact dermatitis. If you are sensitive to hair care products or dyes that you use, you may develop dandruff flakes. Your scalp may also be red and itchy.
- Dry skin. Flakes from dry skin are often smaller than dandruff flakes from other causes. You may also notice similar dryness on other parts of your body, such as your legs and arms. Dandruff due to dry skin doesn’t typically cause redness or irritation.
- Shampooing infrequently. Oils and skin cells from your scalp can build up if you don’t wash your hair often enough.
Psoriasis. A chronic autoimmune disease which causes red, scaly patches on the skin or scalp.
Eczema. This common skin condition causes the skin to become dry, red, flaky and very itchy.
Dandruff is more common in men, and often begins in adulthood and lasts until middle age. People with certain conditions, such as neurological issues or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and those with weakened immune systems are also more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Cradle cap is a type of dandruff that commonly affects newborns and infants. This crusty, scaly scalp isn’t a cause for concern and typically clears up on its own.
Why do I have dandruff?
Dandruff can have a number of causes. The problem could stem from a skin condition, yeast on your scalp, your grooming habits, dry skin or a sensitivity to hair products.
Is dandruff contagious?
Dandruff is not contagious. You cannot spread the condition to other people or catch baby dandruff from your little one.
How do you get dandruff?
Although the condition is treatable with dandruff shampoos it is still being investigated why some people develop dandruff and others do not. More research is needed to fully understand the root cause of dandruff.
What does dandruff look like?
Dandruff consists of small white or gray flakes that may have an oily sheen. You may notice the flakes on your scalp, in your hair and on your clothing. Dandruff can also cause an itchy, scaly scalp.
Dandruff vs Dry Scalp
Dandruff can be caused by dry skin. Flakes due to dry skin are often smaller than flakes due to other causes of dandruff. You may be less likely to have redness on your scalp if you're suffering from dry skin.
Dandruff vs Lice
Head lice is most common in children. Both lice and dandruff can cause itching of the scalp. Lice eggs (nits) may be mistaken for dandruff. Lice eggs stick to hair, and it may be easier to spot them when they're located along the ears or neck. If you think your child could have lice, take them to their health care provider before you try to treat it. Research shows that many children have been treated for lice with an OTC product when they didn't have an active live infestation.
How to treat dandruff
Doctors often recommend using shampoos for dandruff to treat the condition. Dandruff shampoos typically contain one of these active ingredients:
- Pyrithione zinc (such as Head & Shoulders), which reduces the fungus on your scalp that can contribute to dandruff.
- Coal tar (such as Neutrogena T/Gel), which slows down the rate at which your scalp sheds skin cells. Note that shampoos that contain coal tar can discolor light-colored hair. This type of shampoo also makes your scalp more sensitive to the sun, so protect your head with a hat when you're outside.
- Salicylic acid (such as Neutrogena T/Sal), which exfoliates dead skin cells and helps get rid of scales. This type of treatment can leave your skin dry, which may cause more flaking. Using a conditioner after you use shampoo may help reduce the risk of dry skin.
- Selenium sulfide (such as Selsun Blue), which slows the rate of skin cell shedding and fights malassezia. Shampoos made with this ingredient may discolor light or chemically-colored hair, so rinse it very well.
- Ketoconazole (such as Nizoral), which is an antifungal medication that's sometimes given when other treatments don't work. It's available OTC and as a prescription.
Sulfate free dandruff shampoos are sometimes preferred by people who are sensitive to sulfates.
Make sure you follow the directions on the shampoo packaging and use it as directed. If OTC shampoos don't improve your dandruff or if you have a red or swollen scalp, see a dermatologist (skin care doctor). Severe dandruff or more stubborn cases may require a prescription-strength shampoo or topical medication.
Natural remedies for dandruff
Instead of using a medicated shampoo for dandruff treatment, some people may prefer to use a natural dandruff shampoo. Other home remedies for dandruff can include essential oils for dandruff, coconut oil for dandruff, or apple cider vinegar for dandruff but these have not been validated by medical science. A few small studies found shampoos that contain tea tree oil for dandruff may be helpful, however, more research is needed. Before trying natural remedies for dandruff, talk with your health care provider.
Updated on May 11, 2021