Flaking skin and other scalp problems
Dandruff is a shedding of the skin on the scalp that leaves white flakes on the head, neck, and shoulders. It may be a form of a skin condition called eczema, which causes increased shedding of normal scalp skin cells. Hormonal or seasonal changes can make dandruff worse.
Home treatment is usually all that is needed to solve common scalp problems. Flakes of dead skin on the scalp caused by dandruff may be treated with anti-dandruff shampoos and should go away in about 2 weeks.
Sometimes what looks like dandruff may actually be another problem, such as ringworm of the scalp, which is treated with prescription antifungal medicines. Seborrhea and eczema may occasionally be mistaken for dandruff.
If you still have symptoms after 2 weeks of home treatment for dandruff, or if symptoms involve more than flakes of dead skin, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
 | ||
| |