Dandruff
Dandruff
Dandruff is the shedding of excessive amounts of dead skin from the scalp. Dandruff usually causes some degree of itchiness on the scalp, but sometimes there is no redness or other skin abnormalities. The cause of dandruff is unknown, but it may be related to the overgrowth of certain yeasts on the scalp. Yeasts grow on almost everyone's skin, but some people are susceptible to an overgrowth that can lead to itchy, dry, flaky skin.
Signs and symptoms
Dandruff often appears as white flakes on dark clothing. Severe dandruff may be due to seborrheic dermatitis. This can be suspected if the scalp is red or if there are greasy scales on the scalp, behind the ears or on the face (eyebrows, sides of the nose).
