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Dandruff

Dandruff is a common skin condition. It's not harmful and you cannot catch it.

Symptoms of dandruff

A close-up of dandruff in someone with white skin and brown hair. Several white flakes of skin can be seen in the person's hair.
Dandruff causes white flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair.

The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp onto your shoulders.

Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.

How to treat dandruff yourself

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat dandruff. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets.

Look for a shampoo that contains 1, or more, of these ingredients:

  • zinc pyrithione
  • ketoconazole
  • coal tar
  • salicylic acid

A pharmacist can tell you how to use the shampoo.

Use the shampoo for up to 4 weeks to see if your dandruff gets better. You might need to try more than 1 type to find a shampoo that works for you.

Find a pharmacy

When and where to get medical help

Dandruff is not usually serious but if symptoms last a long time or become painful, you may need medical help.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you still have dandruff symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for at least 4 weeks
  • your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy
  • your scalp is red or swollen
  • you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body

The GP can check your scalp for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff.

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly.

It may be caused by different things, including a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin, and skin conditions such as eczema.

Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.

Symptoms and causes of dandruff
Symptoms Possible causes

Scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the body

Seborrheic dermatitis

Red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss

Tinea capitis, known as ringworm

Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body

Eczema

Red, irritated skin, may also have blisters and cracked skin; reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses

Contact dermatitis

Red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales

Psoriasis

Greasy, yellowish crusts on baby's scalp, eyebrows and nappy area

Cradle cap
Information:

Do not worry if you're not sure what's causing your dandruff. Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if things do not get better in a month.

Page last reviewed: 27 July 2029
Next review due: 27 July 2029