Dandruff / Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff is a common condition marked by flaking skin on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is a more severe form that can also affect the face and chest.
Signs and symptoms
Dandruff / Seborrheic Dermatitis commonly presents with the following signs. Not every patient shows all of them — an in-person examination by a dermatologist is what confirms the diagnosis.
Flaking Scalp (Dandruff)
White or yellowish flakes shedding from the scalp, often visible on the shoulders. May be accompanied by itching and mild redness.
Affected area: scalp
Itching (Pruritus)
Persistent urge to scratch the skin, which may be localised to a specific area or generalised across the body. Itching can range from mild to severe and may worsen at night.
Affected area: skin (any area)
Redness (Erythema)
Visible redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the area, often associated with inflammation, irritation, or infection.
Affected area: skin (any area)
Treatment approach
Medicated shampoos (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione), topical antifungals, and mild corticosteroids. We establish a maintenance routine to prevent recurrence and address any underlying fungal component.
Common questions
Is dandruff just a dry scalp?
They are different problems, which is why oiling a flaky scalp so often makes it worse. A genuinely dry scalp produces small, fine flakes and feels tight. Dandruff — seborrhoeic dermatitis — produces greasier, larger yellowish flakes with redness and itching, and it involves a yeast that lives normally on the scalp overgrowing. Treating it needs a medicated shampoo used with enough contact time, not more oil.