Dandruff or an itchy scalp is the body’s reaction to a sensitivity to or overgrowth of a type of yeast, called Malassezia, that normally lives on the skin.
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Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to feel itchy and flake off. While it isn't a contagious or serious condition, it can cause irritating itching and visible skin flakes can cause feelings of embarrassment.
Around 50% of the adult population will have dandruff or an itchy scalp at some point in their lifetime, and in most cases, it is easily treated.
The main symptoms of dandruff are flaking of the skin and itching. You may notice skin flakes on your scalp, in your hair, eyebrows, beard or moustache, or on your shoulders and upper back where flakes have fallen from your head and settled.
The symptoms of dandruff or an itchy scalp often become more severe and noticeable if you're experiencing stress, and when the weather is cold and dry.
Dandruff or an itchy scalp is considered to be a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, a type of eczema that causes the skin to be red, itchy and flakey. It’s not clear what causes some people to develop seborrhoeic dermatitis, but it's thought it could be a sensitivity to or an overgrowth of a yeast that lives on our skin called Malassezia.
It’s thought that the reaction of the body’s immune system to the yeast is what causes inflammation, redness and itching on the scalp, usually resulting in white or grey flakes of skin coming away.
Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of developing seborrhoeic dermatitis, including:
Lichen planopilaris
Parkinson’s disease
Epilepsy
Alcoholism
Depression
HIV
Eating disorders
Recovering from a stroke or heart attack
It can also be triggered by common lifestyle and environmental factors, such as:
Stress
Hormonal changes
Illness
Harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals and soaps
Cold, dry weather, or a change in the season
Certain medications
At OneWelbeck, a consultant dermatologist will be able to diagnose dandruff simply by looking at your hair and scalp, in most cases. If it’s unclear what’s causing your symptoms, or if the scalp appears to be affected by an infection or another skin condition, your consultant may take a scraping of your skin to send to the lab for analysis.
In most cases, medicated shampoos, anti-inflammatory lotions and tablet treatments will be effective in the treatment of dandruff and an itchy scalp. If your symptoms are a result of another condition, such as psoriasis or lichen planopilaris, treatments may be prescribed to treat these, which will in turn lessen your symptoms of dandruff and an itchy scalp.
Symptoms
Flaking of the skin and itching
Causes
Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planopilar...
Tests
Treatment
Shampoos, anti-inflammatory lotions and tablet ...
By having a complete and integrated team of sub-specialty experts under one roof we ensure that patients are seen by the right consultant at every appointment. Our hair and scalp health specialists cover a wide range of dermatological conditions, and our dedicated allergy specialists are recognised leaders in their field.