Always read the instructions and only use prescription shampoos as directed.
If you have any questions, ask your provider.
In some cases, itchy plaques on the scalp or powdery-throw in flakes can appear as well.
Jay Zynism / Getty Images
Gel
Hair gel is a common product thats used to keep hair in place.
It can cause flakes that can be mistaken for dandruff.
The gel in hair products is not water-soluble.
The ingredients are mixed with other products in the hair, and the gel hardens and flakes.
This can leave a white substance on hair strands.
When using hair gel, try not to overuse other haircare products as they can cause buildup.
check that your hair is clean and wet enough to absorb the gel.
Try not to touch your hair with your fingers after you apply hair gel.
It is a lifelong condition that is usually easy to manage, though it can flare up.
People who have oily skin or psoriasis are more likely to get seborrheic dermatitis as well.
Flaky patches on the hairline are a common symptom of the condition.
When the scalp is scratched, the flakes can fall off onto the hair.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis includes prescription and OTC products.
Your provider can give you treatment options based on your condition.
There are several types of psoriasis.
The most common isplaque psoriasis, but scalp psoriasis is also common.
The faster formation of cells is because of an overactive immune response in the body.
About 45% to 56% of people who have the condition have scalp psoriasis.
It looks like crusty plaques or scales on the scalp.
When scratched, scales and plaque that fall off can look like dandruff.
If the scalp psoriasis is mild, an OTC shampoo with tar or salicylic acid can often manage symptoms.
In contrast, dandruff flakes are on the scalp and easily fall off.
Lice is very contagious and has to be treated with special medicated shampoos.
A ringworm rash can start out as a bump on the scalp thats itchy.
As it starts to look scalier, the flakes can look like dandruff.
A ringworm infection is easily spread and needs to be treated with anti-fungal medications.
However, there are also times when you should see a healthcare provider.
If you have hair flakes and OTC products are not helpful, call your provider.
They can figure out why you have flakes in your hair and recommend the best treatment.
If the flakes are dandruff brought on by dryness and product buildup, a dandruff shampoo should help.
Massagingjojoba oilorcoconut oilinto the scalp may also help, but their effectiveness can vary between people.
The best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis depends on the severity of the condition.
If it is mild, over-the-counter products can help.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol.
2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019.
doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019
National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis or dandruff?
2022;56(1):91-95. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2021.67503
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis.
2021;14:945-947. doi:10.2147/CCID.S321238
National Library of Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
Baumert C, Melo M, Vincent EC.Topical medications for seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.
2017;95(5):329.
2021;11(3):769-797. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00521-z
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About lice.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Head lice: diagnosis and treatment.