Locations:
SearchThe short answer from a dermatologist
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/43f02ec1-1de2-4e03-8f18-e9951852d616/dandruff-183996925-770x533-1_jpg)
Dandruff in hair
Video content: This video is available to watch online.
View video online (https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/p/2207941/sp/220794100/playManifest/entryId/1_rzfaco1p/flavorId/1_5f3sgelj/format/url/protocol/https/a.mp4)
Learn three effective ways to manage dandruff.
A: Skin or scalp dandruff (also called seborrheic dermatitis) is very common. In fact, about 11% of the population has this condition. We see it not just on the scalp, but also on the eyebrows, around the nose, on the ears and chest and around the mouth. Having dandruff doesn’t mean the skin is dirty or infected.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Typically, we first treat seborrheic dermatitis with anti-dandruff shampoos that you can buy over the counter. For resistant cases, however, we may prescribe an antifungal product called ketoconazole (Nizoral®), available in a 2% formulation as a shampoo or cream. We may also prescribe you medicated foam, cream or solution.
What’s most important is to realize that this condition is intermittent and chronic — meaning it comes and goes over long periods of time. Continuing to use the medications recommended to you will help minimize the recurrence of this otherwise chronic condition.
— Dermatologist Christine Poblete-Lopez, MD
Advertisement
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Lice don’t jump — but they can spread with direct head contact
Calm an itchy scalp by using medicated shampoo, avoiding blow-drying and resisting the urge to scratch
Options range from allergic reactions and head lice to chronic conditions and fungal infections
Natural shedding, alopecia and stress are just a few possible reasons for hair loss
Things like stress, heated styling and other health conditions may cause you to lose more hair than normal
Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock
Iron, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids can help boost hair growth
Rosemary oil’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties could help stimulate hair growth
If you’re dealing with intense itching and red or swollen skin, it might be eczema
While similar in some respects, teeth and bones have key differences, like durability and structure
Warm water, lotion, cooking oils or nail polish remover may all help to loosen the adhesive
