Dandruff is a common skin condition. It's not harmful and you cannot catch it.
The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp on to your shoulders.
Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.
How to treat dandruff yourself
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets.
Look for shampoo containing one of these ingredients:
- salicylic acid
- selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
- ketoconazole
- coal tar
Your pharmacist can tell you how to use the shampoo.
Use the shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff improves. You might need to try more than one type to find one that works for you.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you still have symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month
- your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy
- your scalp is red or swollen
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.
Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.
A list of conditions that cause dandruff and the main symptoms
| Symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
| Symptoms scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on the scalp, face and other areas of the body | Possible causes seborrheic dermatitis |
| Symptoms red or silver rash on the scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss | Possible causes tinea capitis, known as ringworm |
| Symptoms dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body | Possible causes eczema |
| Symptoms red, inflamed (irritated) skin. You may also have blisters and cracked skin - reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses | Possible causes contact dermatitis |
| Symptoms red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales | Possible causes psoriasis |
| Symptoms greasy, yellowish crusts on baby's scalp, eyebrows and nappy area | Possible causes cradle cap |
Do not worry if you're not sure what is causing your dandruff. Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if things do not improve in a month.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
