If white flakes cling to the shoulders of your clothing or your pillow, you may have dandruff. While dandruff can be an embarrassing problem, it is not a sign of a serious medical condition. Controlling dandruff involves washing hair frequently and using dandruff shampoo to reduce flaking of the scalp.
Identification
New skin cells form on your scalp approximately every 27 days, replacing old, dead cells, according to the Hair Foundation. Normally, the shed cells are not noticeable on the scalp. In some cases, oil in the hair causes cells to clump together, making the flakes more obvious. A rapid turnover of cells can also result in noticeable dandruff.
Causes
Dandruff may occur if you don't wash your hair often enough to remove dead skin cells or if the skin on your scalp is dry. If dandruff is caused by dry skin, you probably have dry skin on other parts of your body, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis may also cause dandruff.
Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus, may also cause dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com. The fungus normally lives on the scalp, but doesn't cause a problem. Symptoms occur if the fungus begins to grow and feed on scalp oils, irritating the scalp and causing an increase in skin cell production. When the extra cells die, they mix with scalp oil and form large flakes.
Symptoms
Dandruff is visible as white or yellowish flakes on your hair and scalp. Flaking may be particularly obvious just after you comb or brush your hair. Brushing or combing disturbs the flakes and may lift them to the surface of your hair. Itching may also occur, particularly if dandruff occurs due to dry skin on the scalp.
Treatment
Washing your hair every day may help you control your dandruff by reducing oil in your hair and by washing away dead skin cells. If regular shampooing does not keep flakes under control, dandruff shampoo may help. Look for shampoos that contain salicylic acid, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. These preparations help keep flaking under control. If dandruff is severe, you may want to try shampoos containing sulfur or tar. The American Academy of Osteopathic Dermatology recommends buying two or three types of dandruff shampoo and alternating them. If dandruff does not respond to over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, your doctor may prescribe a stronger, prescription shampoo or a topical steroidal cream.
Considerations
If you have dandruff and your scalp is red, itchy and oily, you may have seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that affects areas of the body containing oil glands. Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include greasy skin and white or yellowish scales on the scalp, groin, armpits, nose, eyebrows or behind the ears. Prescription shampoos and medication can help control the condition, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
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