Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. Symptoms include flaking and sometimes mild itchiness. It can result in social or self-esteem problems. A more severe form of the condition, which includes inflammation of the skin, is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis. The cause is unclear, but believed to involve a number of genetic and environmental factors;[1] the condition may worsen in the winter. It is not due to poor hygiene,[6] and the underlying mechanism involves the excessive growth of skin cells. Diagnosis is based on symptoms.
There is no known cure for dandruff.[7] Antifungal cream, such as ketoconazole, or salicylic acid may be used to try to improve the condition.[1][2] Dandruff affects about half of adults, with males more often affected than females.[1] In addition, people in all areas of the world are affected.[1] Onset is usually at puberty, and it becomes less common after the age of 50.
