Itchy scalp and those telltale white flakes: It looks like you have a dandruff problem. Though it can be tough to get rid of dandruff, usually it's more of an annoyance than an emergency. Most people find that home remedies can get it under control.
Causes
Dry skin is the most common cause of dandruff, the Mayo Clinic advises, but there might be other factors behind those flakes of dead skin. Among them are not shampooing often enough, being sensitive to certain hair-care products or having a scalp fungus called malassezia. Dandruff also may develop from skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
Similarities
Doctors often equate dandruff with seborrheic dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It causes greasy, scaly, flaky patches, usually on the scalp. It's common in babies---"cradle cap"---and in older adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, seborrheic dermatitis seems to run in families and also may be linked to stress, fatigue, and certain conditions including Parkinson's disease and HIV.
Shampoos
Daily shampoos are your first line of defense against dandruff. You might have to try a few different types before you find one that works for you, the Mayo Clinic advises. Some, like Head & Shoulders, contain zinc pyrithione, an antibacterial and anti-fungal ingredient. Shampoos with coal tar, like Neutrogena T/Gel, reduce flaking. Shampoos with salicylic acid, such as Ionil T, combat scaling but may dry your scalp. Selenium sulfide, in shampoos such as Selsun Blue, slows the shedding of skin but may discolor light hair. Finally, shampoos with an anti-fungal called ketoconazole might do away with dandruff when others have failed.
Other Remedies
Besides sudsing up with a special shampoo, here are some other anti-dandruff strategies suggested by the Mayo Clinic. Find better ways to manage stress, which may cause or worsen dandruff. Try using fewer styling products on your hair. Make sure you are eating healthy foods, including enough zinc and B vitamins. Expose your scalp to a little sunshine---using sunscreen on your skin, of course. And you might try tea tree oil, an alternative therapy that helps some people.
Medical Help
Severe cases of dandruff may require a trip to your doctor or dermatologist, the Mayo Clinic advises. Persistent scales and/or redness could indicate a stubborn case of seborrheic dermatitis or another skin ailment. Your doctor might recommend more intense treatment with a prescription-strength shampoo or a steroid lotion.
