Dandruff

The Problem
Your scalp sheds white flakes.

Causes of Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis. You have the typical very small snowflakes on your shoulders, with no other symptoms. Or you may have heavy scaling and dandruff flakes around your eyebrow, nose, behind your ears, even under your arms and in the genital areas. There may be redness, crusting, and oozing. The cause is not known for certain but is probably due to a type of fungal infection and is associated with excessive oiliness, and often made worse by physical or emotional stress and by extremely hot, humid weather or very dry cold air. Self-care remedies are usually effective.

Psoriasis. You started with dandruff, but now you have plaques, patches of raised, ref bumps covered with white, flaking scales on your scalp, knees, elbows. Buttocks. The patches may be itchy or painful. You may also have loosened, discolored nails, and joint pain stiffness.

Fungal infection. You have itchy, flaking, red or grayish patches on your scalp. You may also have some hair loss. Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms. Attacks can range from mild to sever. Poor hygiene is usually the cause. Over-the-counter or prescription medication is sometimes necessary.

Self-Care Measures
Shampoo daily with a prescription or over-the-counter dandruff shampoo containing sulfur, salicylic acid, selenium, or tar. Follow instruction carefully, being sure to rinse thoroughly. A conditioner may help.

Prevention
Use dandruff shampoo occasionally, between uses of a regular shampoo. Try using different regular shampoos, alternating days or switching every few days.