Is It Dandruff or Dermatitis?

Severe dandruff is actually a disease known as seborrheic dermatitis, which requires prescription medications.

See a doctor if you have:

Scalp irritation

Thick scale deposits despite regular use of dandruff shampoos

Yellowish crusting

Red patches, especially along the neckline

Severe cases of dandruff are caused by a disease called seborrhoeic eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes greasy, bran-like scale. The seborrhoeic area - the scalp, the skin around the nose, the lines on the cheeks, the eyebrows, the ears and the torso - may also be red and itchy.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis becomes worse during the winter and tends to improve during the summer when sunlight relieves the symptoms.

It can vary from mild cases, which are only a problem in winter, to more severe cases where flaking occurs in places other than just the scalp.

The fungus Pityrosporum ovale is a significant factor in seborrhoeic dermatitis. Doctors don't know exactly why, but anti-fungal treatment helps ease the condition.

As well as seasonal changes, stress and serious illnesses can cause an increase in the production of scale.

Is It Dandruff or Dermatitis?