What are the symptoms of dandruff?

Symptoms of dandruff include flaky scales that range in color from white to yellow, usually on oily parts of the skin such as the scalp or inside of the ear. Sometimes the affected skin is also red.

Common symptoms of dandruff

You may experience fluctuations in dandruff symptoms, with extended inactive periods between flare-ups. Symptoms during flare-ups usually include:

  • Dry, white, flaking skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Oily, yellow, adhering scales of skin
  • Plaque (broad, raised area of skin)
  • Redness, warmth or swelling
  • Skin lesions (any abnormal skin tissue )

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, dandruff can be part of severe seborrheic eczema, severe psoriasis, or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek prompt medical care if you have any of these serious symptoms including:

  • Burning sensation in the eye
  • Eye pain
  • Eyelashes that grow abnormally or fall out
  • Flaking or crusted eyelids
  • Gritty feeling in the eye
  • Hives
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Itchy eyes
  • Lip inflammation
  • Oozing, wet skin
  • Red, sore eyes (bloodshot eyes)
INTRODUCTION

What is dandruff?

Dandruff, also called seborrheic dermatitis, is an inflammatory condition that forms on oily areas of the skin, particularly on the scalp or inside the ear. The inflammation results in flaking scales that range in color from white to yellow. In infants, this condition is called cradle cap.... Read more about dandruff introduction

CAUSES

What causes dandruff?

Although the exact cause of dandruff is not known, it is likely caused by a combination of skin oil overproduction and Malassezia, a type of yeast found on the scalp. Dandruff flare-ups can be triggered by factors such as infrequent washing or shampooing; using skin or hair products that contain alcohol; stress or fatigue; other skin disorders such as acne; and weather extremes.... Read more about dandruff causes

TREATMENTS

How is dandruff treated?

There is no cure for dandruff, but you can usually manage dandruff with a combination of diligent use of medication, excellent hygiene, and general good self-care to help avoid triggers. Use of special dandruff shampoos can help prevent flare-ups or manage a current flare-up. In severe cases, prescription medications, such as a corticosteroid shampoo or corticosteroid lotion added to your normal dandruff shampoo, may help relieve inflammation and itching. If you develop a secondary bacterial infection, your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic.... Read more about dandruff treatments

Medical Reviewer: All content has been reviewed by board-certified physicians under the direction of Rich Klasco, M.D., FACEP. Last Annual Review Date: May 2, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

This Article is Filed Under: Skin, Hair and Nails


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