Dandruff is common at this time of year
The NHS is urging people with dandruff to look at the label carefully before buying shampoo. Many shoppers who suffer with dandruff will buy so-called anti-dandruff products for their hair in a bid to get rid of it.
But the NHS says shampoos need to have certain ingredients. Otherwise, they should be avoided.
Dandruff is a common skin condition which many of us have – or have had. It’s not harmful, nor can you catch it from others.
Dandruff looks like white or grey flakes of skin which appear on the scalp and in the hair. If you have darker hair, this will be more noticeable, or you may only notice it if you have these flakes on your shoulders or clothes after they fall from your scalp.
If you have this and your scalp feels dry and itchy, the health service recommends using an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat it – but don’t just pick up any random bottle. The NHS says you should look for a shampoo that contains one of these ingredients:
- zinc pyrithione
- selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
- ketoconazole
- coal tar with salicylic acid
To get the most from it, ensure you have enough to last you the whole month. If you find it doesn’t work, try looking for another shampoo with one of the other ingredients above. If your dandruff doesn’t seem to be getting any better, you can contact your GP.
“The GP can check your scalp for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff”, the NHS explains. However you should make an appointment regardless if:
- your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy
- your scalp is red or swollen
- you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body
What causes dandruff?
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It’s important to note dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. However, the cold weather and stress may make dandruff worse, and with it being winter and Christmas, this could be to blame.
A list of conditions that cause dandruff and their main symptoms.
| Symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
| Scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the body | Seborrheic dermatitis |
| Red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss | Tinea capitis, known as ringworm |
| Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body | Eczema |
| Red, irritated skin, may also have blisters and cracked skin; reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses | Contact dermatitis |
| Red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales | Psoriasis |
| Greasy, yellowish crusts on baby’s scalp, eyebrows and nappy area | Cradle cap |