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Top Things to Know About Dandruff

What Is Dandruff?

The flaking accompanying dandruff is caused by something called (sometimes just called seborrhea). Dandruff flakes may be white or light yellow and will usually rub off a person's head easily.


For some people, seborrhea just causes a relatively mild case of dandruff — a bit of flaking and itching in the scalp. Other people with seborrhea have crusty, red, irritated skin that may spread to different areas of the body. Common locations to find seborrhea include inside the ear, the armpits, and even the belly button.


Who Gets Dandruff?

If you're worried about dandruff, you're not alone. Dandruff can start in early adolescence during puberty, and lots of teens and adults live with it. Doctors don't know exactly what causes dandruff, but some people think it happens when the oil glands and hair follicles produce too much skin oil (sebum). Hormone levels are high during teen years, causing more oil production, which can lead to dandruff.

People who get eczema may notice that their dandruff gets worse when they have an eczema flare-up. Dandruff also often gets worse during the winter and in cold weather. Other things that can increase a person's chances of getting seborrhea include stress, immune system problems (like HIV), and neurological problems.

Treating Dandruff


Home Treatment

If you have seborrhea only on your scalp, you should be able to treat it just with dandruff shampoo. Depending on your hair type, it also may help to massage mineral oil into your scalp to help loosen the flakes.

Many types of dandruff shampoo are available over-the-counter and they all work pretty well. They are sold under many different names so check the labels for "active ingredients" or ask the pharmacist if you have any questions:

  1. selenium sulfide 1% shampoo
  2. sulfur shampoo
  3. tar-based shampoo
  4. zinc pyrithione shampoo
  5. ketoconazole shampoo



Some dandruff shampoos have a strong smell. But you can still smell like you by using your regular shampoo and/or conditioner after rinsing the dandruff shampoo out.

Medical Treatment


Your doctor will examine you and get your medical history in order to work out the best treatment for you. If your doctor decides you need medicine for seborrhea, he or she may recommend:

  • prescription-strength dandruff shampoos
  • antifungal shampoos, creams, and lotions
  • steroid creams, lotions, and ointments


Living With Dandruff



Reviewed by: Rupal Christine Gupta, MD
Date reviewed: August 2014