Dandruff or itchy scalp

The main symptoms of dandruff are flaking of the skin and itching. You may notice skin flakes on your scalp, in your hair, eyebrows, beard, or moustache, or on your shoulders and upper back where flakes have fallen from your scalp.

The symptoms of dandruff or an itchy scalp often become more severe and noticeable if you're experiencing stress, and when the weather is cold and dry.

Dandruff or an itchy scalp is commonly a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, a type of eczema that causes the skin to be red, itchy and flaky. 

It’s not clear what causes some people to develop seborrhoeic dermatitis, but it's thought that it could be a sensitivity to or an overgrowth of a yeast that lives on our skin called Malassezia.

The condition may occur when your immune system overreacts to the yeast, causing inflammation, redness, and itching on your scalp, and shedding white or grey flakes of skin (dandruff). 

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of developing seborrhoeic dermatitis, including:

• psoriasis

• lichen planopilaris

• acne

• rosacea

• Parkinson’s disease

• epilepsy

• alcoholism

• depression

• HIV

• eating disorders

• recovering from a stroke or heart attack

It can also be triggered by common lifestyle and environmental factors, such as:

• stress

• hormonal changes

• illness

• harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals, and soaps

• cold, dry weather, or a change in the season

• certain medications

At your first Welbeck consultation, you will be seen by a consultant dermatologist. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll perform a physical examination of your scalp. 

In some cases, your consultant may take a scraping of your skin to send to the lab for analysis to confirm your diagnosis or rule out infection or another skin condition.

Some steps you can take to prevent or reduce your risk of developing dandruff include: 

• washing your hair regularly (2 to 3 times a week) using an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner suitable for dandruff, ensuring you rinse thoroughly

• avoiding over-washing your hair, as this can lead to a dry scalp

• limiting or avoiding styling products – these can build up on your scalp, making it oilier, worsening your dandruff 

• regularly clean your accessories, such as hairbrushes, combs, hairbands, and hats 

• manage stress

• protect your scalp from hot and cold weather by wearing a hat or washing your hair more frequently to keep your scalp clean

• eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of zinc and B vitamins

Dandruff or an itchy scalp is usually treatable and not serious, but in some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying condition like eczema or psoriasis that may need medical treatment. 

Untreated dandruff or an itchy scalp can also lead to long-term complications, including: 

• infections – scratching your scalp due to itching can break the skin, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter and leading to infection

• rash – severe dandruff can cause a rash on your scalp, which may spread to your face or other parts of your body 

• temporary hair loss – irritation and inflammation can damage your hair follicles, causing temporary hair loss

In most cases, medicated shampoos, anti-inflammatory lotions and tablet treatments will be effective in the treatment of dandruff and an itchy scalp. If your symptoms are a result of another condition, such as psoriasis or lichen planopilaris, your consultant may prescribe treatment for these, which will in turn lessen your symptoms of dandruff and an itchy scalp.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.