Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects many people. Although it is not very common in young children, it is often found during adolescence. Dandruff flakes on the hair and clothes can be annoying and embarrassing, but dandruff is not usually harmful. Most cases of dandruff can be easily controlled. Severe cases may require the attention of a doctor.
Symptoms
As described on the Mayo Clinic website, dandruff is a scalp condition that results in an itchy head. The dead skin tends to flake off and is visible in the hair and on the shoulders. Some babies develop a form of dandruff called "cradle cap." A baby's scalp may become dry and crusty, resulting in noticeable scaling. Dandruff is not contagious.
Causes
Dandruff often occurs during puberty when the body's hormones cause oil production to increase in glands. The Children's, Youth and Women's Health Service website explains that for new skin cells to form, dead skin cells must be shed. Oil binds these tiny flakes of dead skin cells together, making them larger and more noticeable. A fungus called Malassezia can make skin cells grow faster, causing more dead skin cells to slough off.
Treatment
According to the Baby Center website, most dandruff cases can be easily treated. Simply brushing a child's hair before washing it can help remove excess dry skin. So can shampooing the hair once a day. If that does not work, a child can wash his hair with a medicated shampoo designed to treat dandruff. These shampoos often contain salicylic acid or tar. A pediatrician or pharmacist should be consulted to make sure the shampoo can be used safely on a child.
When to See a Doctor
Because dandruff is not very common in children, a pediatrician can help rule out any other conditions. No special tests are usually necessary. Babycenter.com says this is especially important if your child's scalp itches severely, is very red or begins to ooze. MayoClinic.com says that for severe, persistent cases of dandruff, a doctor may need to prescribe a shampoo or steroid treatment.
Other Conditions
Experts at Baby Center say that what appears to be dandruff is sometimes another condition. Sometimes, a child may simply have a sunburn that is causing the scalp to peel. Children who wash their own hair also can fail to rinse all of the shampoo out, resulting in dried shampoo flakes that look like dead skin cells. Other conditions that resemble dandruff are eczema, psoriasis and ringworm. These conditions may need the attention of a pediatrician or dermatologist.
