Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDandruffDry SkinGelSeborrheic DermatitisPsoriasisLiceRingwormWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Dandruff
Dry Skin
Gel
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Lice
Ringworm
When to See a Healthcare Provider
FAQ
If you see flakes in your hair, you may assume that it’s dandruff, but there are actually several reasons why they can appear.
This article will go over the possible causes of flakes in your hair and when it’s important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Jay Zynism / Getty Images
Dandruff happens when there is too much oil on the scalp and the skin cells there shed faster than usual. An overgrowth of yeast can also lead to dandruff.Havingdandruffcan be normal if it’s mild, but underlying skin conditions likeeczemaorpsoriasiscan cause severe cases of dandruff.
Other factors that can contribute to dandruff include:
What Causes Dandruff?
Treatment
Many shampoos are available that can help reduce dandruff using different ingredients:
If the over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos do not work, you might need to have your provider prescribe a special dandruff shampoo for you.
Always read the instructions and only use prescription shampoos as directed. If you have any questions, ask your provider.
How to Prevent Dandruff-Related Hair Loss
When you see flakes in your hair, it is often because your scalp is dry and the flakes of skin are falling off onto your hair.
Skin conditions that can cause dryness and flaking in the scalp and hair include:
If the dryness is from a skin condition, the flakes are heavier. In some cases, itchy plaques on the scalp or powdery-type flakes can appear as well.
Treatments for dry skin on the scalpcan include:
If there is no change with an OTC product, your provider can prescribe shampoos and ointments to reduce the flakes.
Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: What Are the Differences?
Hair gel is a common product that’s used to keep hair in place. It can cause flakes that can be mistaken for dandruff.
The gel in hair products is not water-soluble. The ingredients are mixed with other products in the hair, and the gel hardens and flakes. This can leave a white substance on hair strands.
When using hair gel, try not to overuse other haircare products as they can cause buildup. Make sure your hair is clean and wet enough to absorb the gel. Try not to touch your hair with your fingers after you apply hair gel.
Seborrheic dermatitisis a skin condition that can cause yellow, white powdery, or crusty flakes on the scalp. It is a lifelong condition that is usually easy to manage, though it can flare up.
People who have oily skin or psoriasis are more likely to get seborrheic dermatitis as well. Flaky patches on the hairline are a common symptom of the condition. When the scalp is scratched, the flakes can fall off onto the hair.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis includes prescription and OTC products. Your provider can give you treatment options based on your condition.
Some prescription options include:
Shampoos (either OTC or prescription) that reduce flaking can also help with seborrheic dermatitis.
The Best Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis of 2023
Psoriasisis a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too fast, leading to thick scaly patches on the skin.
There are several types of psoriasis. The most common isplaque psoriasis, but scalp psoriasis is also common.
About 45% to 56% of people who have the condition have scalp psoriasis. It looks like crusty plaques or scales on the scalp. When scratched, scales and plaque that fall off can look like dandruff.
If the scalp psoriasis is mild, an OTC shampoo with tar or salicylic acid can often manage symptoms. Tar reduces inflammation, scaling, and itching, and salicylic acid can help remove the scales from the skin and soften the plaques.
If the condition is more extreme, a dermatologist may recommend medicated shampoos and phototherapy using ultraviolet (UV) light for treating psoriasis on the scalp.Other treatments include:
Do Home Remedies for Psoriasis Work?
An itchylice infestationcan be mistaken for a simple case of dandruff, especially in school-aged kids.
Head lice(pediculus humanus capitis) and the eggs (nits) they lay tend to stick to the hair. In contrast, dandruff flakes are on the scalp and easily fall off.
Lice is very contagious and has to be treated with special medicated shampoos.
What Head Lice Look Like
Ringwormis a fungal infection that can occur on different parts of the body, including the scalp.
A ringworm rash can start out as a bump on the scalp that’s itchy. As it starts to look scalier, the flakes can look like dandruff.
A ringworm infection is easily spread and needs to be treated with anti-fungal medications.
Pictures of Common Skin Infections
You might be able to handle simple causes of flakes in your hair at home. However, there are also times when you should see a healthcare provider.
Talk to your provider if:
Summary
Having flakes in your hair can often be managed at home, but you need to figure out the cause first. A simple case of dry skin might be something you can treat at home, while a chronic condition like psoriasis is something your provider or a dermatologist can help you treat.
If you have hair flakes and OTC products are not helpful, call your provider. They can figure out why you have flakes in your hair and recommend the best treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
One way to get rid of flakes in your hair without washing it is to use a fine-tooth comb to get them out. Massagingjojoba oilorcoconut oilinto the scalp may also help, but their effectiveness can vary between people.
The best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis depends on the severity of the condition. If it is mild, over-the-counter products can help. For more severe conditions, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications, including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antifungals. A dermatologist can create a specialized treatment plan that may include dandruff shampoo, topically-applied medicine, and barrier-repair cream.
Different Types of Itchy Skin Rashes
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis or dandruff?Akbulut TO, Suslu H, Atci T.Is the frequency of seborrheic dermatitis related to climate parameters?.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2022;56(1):91-95. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2021.67503National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis.Xiao A, Warren C, Samady W, Bilaver L.Novel topical treatment for dandruff & dry scalp through sustained balance in skin microbiome.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:945-947. doi:10.2147/CCID.S321238National Library of Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.Baumert C, Melo M, Vincent EC.Topical medications for seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(5):329.Mosca M, Hong J, Hadeler E, Brownstone N, Bhutani T, Liao W.Scalp psoriasis: A literature review of effective therapies and updated recommendations for practical management.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(3):769-797. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00521-zCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.About lice.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Head lice: diagnosis and treatment.Hay RJ.Tinea capitis: current status.Mycopathologia.2017;182(1-2):87–93. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0058-8Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018; 19(1):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA).Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis or dandruff?Akbulut TO, Suslu H, Atci T.Is the frequency of seborrheic dermatitis related to climate parameters?.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2022;56(1):91-95. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2021.67503National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis.Xiao A, Warren C, Samady W, Bilaver L.Novel topical treatment for dandruff & dry scalp through sustained balance in skin microbiome.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:945-947. doi:10.2147/CCID.S321238National Library of Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.Baumert C, Melo M, Vincent EC.Topical medications for seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(5):329.Mosca M, Hong J, Hadeler E, Brownstone N, Bhutani T, Liao W.Scalp psoriasis: A literature review of effective therapies and updated recommendations for practical management.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(3):769-797. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00521-zCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.About lice.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Head lice: diagnosis and treatment.Hay RJ.Tinea capitis: current status.Mycopathologia.2017;182(1-2):87–93. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0058-8Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018; 19(1):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA).Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis or dandruff?Akbulut TO, Suslu H, Atci T.Is the frequency of seborrheic dermatitis related to climate parameters?.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2022;56(1):91-95. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2021.67503National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis.Xiao A, Warren C, Samady W, Bilaver L.Novel topical treatment for dandruff & dry scalp through sustained balance in skin microbiome.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:945-947. doi:10.2147/CCID.S321238National Library of Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.Baumert C, Melo M, Vincent EC.Topical medications for seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(5):329.Mosca M, Hong J, Hadeler E, Brownstone N, Bhutani T, Liao W.Scalp psoriasis: A literature review of effective therapies and updated recommendations for practical management.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(3):769-797. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00521-zCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.About lice.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Head lice: diagnosis and treatment.Hay RJ.Tinea capitis: current status.Mycopathologia.2017;182(1-2):87–93. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0058-8Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018; 19(1):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA).Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019
National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis or dandruff?
Akbulut TO, Suslu H, Atci T.Is the frequency of seborrheic dermatitis related to climate parameters?.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2022;56(1):91-95. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2021.67503
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis.
Xiao A, Warren C, Samady W, Bilaver L.Novel topical treatment for dandruff & dry scalp through sustained balance in skin microbiome.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:945-947. doi:10.2147/CCID.S321238
National Library of Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
Baumert C, Melo M, Vincent EC.Topical medications for seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(5):329.
Mosca M, Hong J, Hadeler E, Brownstone N, Bhutani T, Liao W.Scalp psoriasis: A literature review of effective therapies and updated recommendations for practical management.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(3):769-797. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00521-z
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About lice.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Head lice: diagnosis and treatment.
Hay RJ.Tinea capitis: current status.Mycopathologia.2017;182(1-2):87–93. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0058-8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018; 19(1):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA).Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
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