What is dandruff?

Dandruff is when you have flaky skin on your scalp and in your hair. Sometimes the skin flakes can fall onto your clothes — usually on your neck or shoulders.

Dandruff is a frequent problem. Most people will have it from time to time.

Dandruff isn't caused by poor hygiene and can't be spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms of dandruff?

Symptoms of dandruff include white or yellow flakes of skin:

• on your scalp
• in your hair
• on your shoulders

Some people may also have a red and itchy scalp.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff is due to shedding of dead skin from your scalp.

Your skin is always shedding old cells, but when your skin cells clump together with oil from your scalp and hair, they become more noticeable.

Dandruff that is worse than usual may be caused by a type of yeast (fungus) on your scalp.

This is a mild type of seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Other areas that can be affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis include your:

• cheeks
• nose
• eyebrows
• beard

Your dandruff may get worse with:

• stress
• allergies
• hormones
• sickness
• different seasons

Your baby may get seborrhoeic dermatitis on their head. This is called cradle cap.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have:

• dandruff that is not getting better
• very large flakes coming from your scalp
• dandruff that is impacting your daily life

Also see your doctor if you have:

• flaky skin or skin irritation in other areas, such as your face
• a painful, red, swollen or bleeding scalp
• patches of hair loss

How is dandruff diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your scalp and skin.

If your dandruff is severe or not responding to treatment, they may refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist).

How is dandruff treated?

You can treat mild dandruff by washing your hair daily with a regular shampoo until your scalp is clear. Rinse your hair and scalp well after using shampoo.

Brush your hair often.

Other self-care tips for dandruff include avoiding:

• hair products that make your hair oily
• hair products that contain alcohol, since they can dry out your scalp
• hair dryers and straighteners, which can dry your scalp

Anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments

If your dandruff is severe, you can try anti-dandruff shampoo. Depending on how bad your dandruff is, it can be used twice a week or daily.

Several types of anti-dandruff shampoo are available to help treat dandruff. These shampoos may contain:

• ciclopirox
• coal tar
• ketoconazole
• miconazole
• selenium sulfide
• zinc pyrithione

If your dandruff stops responding to one type of shampoo, try a different type. You can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options.

Medicines for dandruff

If anti-dandruff shampoo is not helping, your doctor may suggest other options, such as lotions.

What are the complications of dandruff?

Dandruff does not cause hair loss or serious problems.

Body conditions that are seen, like dandruff, can negatively affect your confidence and self-esteem.

Can dandruff be prevented?

While dandruff can be controlled with treatment, it often comes back.

If your dandruff comes back frequently, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can ask them about using anti-dandruff shampoo and how often to use it to stop dandruff returning.

Resources and support

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.