Dandruff is a common scalp condition that can occur for a variety of reasons on your head. Most commonly dandruff is caused by dry skin or an infection of a fungus known as malassezia, but dandruff can also occur from other conditions such as contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. Dandruff can be recognized through several noticeable signs or symptoms of the scalp.
Scaly Skin
One possible sign of dandruff is scaly skin. Scaly skin consists of thickened areas of skin cells that create the look of scales across the scalp. These scales can develop due to skin dryness or irritation from oils or a fungal infection.
Flakes
The tell-tale sign of dandruff is white or yellow flakes of skin that build up in the hair and fall onto your clothing. These flakes are especially prominent on those with dark colored hair, or when they fall on dark clothing.
Itching
Itching is also a common sign of dandruff. As dandruff causes the scalp to shed, the protective barrier of the skin begins to break down. This breakdown irritates the nerve endings of the scalp, sending a message to the brain that elicits the response of itching. In some cases, itching may result in infection if scratching breaks open the surface of the skin.
Scalp Coloration
Another possible symptom of dandruff is a red or pink coloration to the scalp. This coloration can occur due to skin irritation, or due to the scratching associated with dandruff.
Crusting
Dandruff can also occur to newborns in a type of dandruff known as cradle cap. Symptoms of cradle cap can include the forming of a crust of skin on the scalp. Although this may be concerning to parents, cradle cap is not harmful to a child, and in most cases will clear up on its own, states the Mayo Clinic.
