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 Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn't contagious or serious but it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. Mild dandruff can be treated with gentle daily shampoo if that doesn't work, a medicated shampoo may help. 

Symptoms

Dandruff signs and symptoms may include:

• Skin flakes on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, and shoulders
• Itchy scalp
• Scaly, crusty scalp in infants with cradle cap

The signs and symptoms may be more severe if stressed, and they tend to flare in cold and dry seasons.

Causes

Dandruff may have several causes, including:

• Irritated, oily skin
• Dry skin
• A yeastlike fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults
• Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
• Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema

Risk factors

Almost anyone can have dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible:

• Age: Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn't mean older adults don't get dandruff. For some people, the problem can be lifelong.
• Being male: Dandruff is more prevalent in males than in females.
• Certain illnesses: Parkinson's disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system also seem to increase the risk of dandruff. So does having HIV or a weakened immune system.

Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear. There may also be itching. Most people experience dandruff at some point in their lives, but it is more common from the teenage years up to midlife. Poor hygiene is not a factor, but the flakes may be more visible if a person does not wash or brush their hair often.

Home remedies

Some treatments will target an underlying condition, such as psoriasis. Others aim to exfoliate dead skin cells or counter the yeast production that can trigger dandruff. The right strategy will depend on the person’s age, any underlying conditions, and how severe their dandruff is.

Here are some home remedies that may help:

• managing stress
• avoiding products that contain harsh detergents and chemicals
• brushing the hair often
• asking a dermatologist about a suitable scalp and hair-care strategy

Treatment

• If dandruff and itching are severe and persistent, or if symptoms worsen, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. They may identify an underlying problem that will respond to a specific treatment. For mild dandruff without a particular cause, various over-the-counter products can help manage flaking and itchiness.
• Before using an anti-dandruff shampoo, individuals should carefully try to remove as many scaly or crusty patches on the scalp as possible. This will make the shampoo more effective.
• Gently use a comb or hairbrush to remove loose scales or flakes, and then wash with a medicated shampoo. Take care not to remove patches or plaques too aggressively, as this could irritate the condition.

Steps to reduce your risk of developing dandruff

Learn to manage stress: Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases, it can even help trigger dandruff or worsen existing symptoms.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and certain types of fats may help prevent dandruff.

Develop a hair and scalp care routine that suits you.

If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing may help prevent dandruff. Gently massage your scalp to loosen flakes and rinse thoroughly. If your hair tends to be dry and your scalp is sensitive, shampoo less frequently and condition your scalp between washings.

Get a little sun: Sunlight may be good for controlling dandruff but exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, don't sunbathe. Instead, just spend a little time outdoors. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body.

Limit hair-styling products: Hair-styling products can build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier.

Ingredients to look out for in shampoos

Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:

Ketoconazole is an antifungal ingredient that is suitable for any age.

Selenium sulfide helps manage dandruff by reducing scalp glands’ production of natural oils. It also has antifungal properties.

Zinc pyrithione slows down the growth of yeast.

Coal tar has a natural antifungal agent and can reduce excess skin cell production. During long-term use, coal tar may stain dyed or treated hair. It may increase the scalp’s sensitivity to sunlight, so users should wear a hat when outside. Coal tar may also be carcinogenic in high doses.

Salicylic acid helps remove excess skin cells.

Tea tree oil is present in many shampoos. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. 

How to use shampoo

How often a person needs to use a medicated shampoo may depend to some extent on their hair type.

For Black people: Shampoo once a week with a dandruff shampoo. Ask a dermatologist to recommend a suitable option.

For white and Asian people: Shampoo daily, and use a dandruff shampoo twice a week. If one shampoo does not help, try another one.

The length of time a person should leave a product on their scalp will vary. Users should follow the instructions on the container.