U.S. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Question: What causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and how do I treat it?

There is no scientific consensus on what causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis—or why the scalp increases skin cell production to the point of flaking.

Some scientists theorize that Malassezia, a type of yeast, may trigger the reaction that creates flakes on the scalp. Malassezia occurs naturally on the body and feeds on sebum secreted by oil-producing glands on the scalp. It’s believed this yeast may leave behind a residue that irritates the scalp. However, there are many cases of dandruff where the yeast is not present, and many scalps with Malassezia but no dandruff. Therefore, the cause of these scalp conditions may extend beyond just the presence of Malassezia.

Unfortunately, there is no magic “cure” for these conditions. However, most symptoms can be controlled and treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos.

Occasionally, severe scalp conditions may require treatment with a prescription-strength shampoo, cream, or ointment. Your dermatologist can provide you with specific advice on treating serious scalp problems.

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