Dandruff | |
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Other names | Pityriasis capitis, pityriasis sicca[1] |
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A microscopic image of human dandruff | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Itchy and flaking skin of the scalp[2][1] |
Usual onset | Puberty[1] |
Causes | Genetic and environmental factors[1] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms[3] |
Differential diagnosis | Psoriasis, dermatitis, tinea capitis[2][1] |
Medication | Antifungal cream (ketoconazole), salicylic acid[2][1] |
Frequency | ~50% of adults[1] |
Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp.[1] Symptoms include flaking and sometimes mild itchiness.[1][2] It can result in social or self-esteem problems.[4] A more severe form of the condition, which includes inflammation of the skin, is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis.[1]
The cause is unclear, but believed to involve a number of genetic and environmental factors;[1] the condition may worsen in the winter.[5] It is not due to poor hygiene,[6][7] and the underlying mechanism involves the excessive growth of skin cells.[5] Diagnosis is based on symptoms.[3]
There is no known cure for dandruff.[8] Antifungal cream, such as ketoconazole, or the keratolytic agent salicylic acid may be used to try to improve the condition.[1][2] Dandruff affects about half of adults, with males more often affected than females.[1] In addition, people in all areas of the world are affected.[1] Onset is usually at puberty, and it becomes less common after the age of 50.[1]
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