Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)

Overview

It's linked to a yeast that normally lives on skin and the body's reaction to it.

It shows up on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, behind the ears, and the chest. In babies it's called cradle cap.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Flaky or itchy scalp (dandruff)
• Red, greasy, scaly patches

Less common

• Flakes in eyebrows or beard

Look up a symptom: Flaky or itchy scalp (dandruff) · Itching

When to get medical care

Causes

Skin yeast, oily skin, stress, cold dry weather, and some health conditions.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Oily skin
• Stress
• Parkinson's disease
• Weak immune system

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can tell by looking.

Questions you may be asked

• Where flakes show up
• What you've tried

The exam

A skin check.

Treatment

It can be controlled, but often comes back.

Self-care

• Use a dandruff shampoo: leave it on 5 minutes before rinsing
• Switch between shampoo types if one stops working
• Wash oily areas daily

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To keep it under control:

• Use dandruff shampoo regularly

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Eczema Association: Tips, product guide, and community for eczema.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Babies: Cradle cap usually clears on its own; gently brush flakes after washing.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

It can be controlled with regular care.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Which shampoo should I use?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)