Articles by Topic: Dandruff

It probably doesn't matter much to you whether your problem is dandruff, dry scalp, or seborrheic dermatitis. What does matter is that you're afflicted with a flaky, itchy, tight, or inflamed scalp, and you just want to fix it.

Turn your head upside down and brush or vigorously rub your scalp back and forth with fingers over a sheet of dark paper. If you see tiny, dry, powdery bits, you have dry scalp. If the flakes are larger and look slightly moist or greasy, they're dandruff. If you have large greasy flakes and your scalp is irritated and red, chances are you have seborrhea. If the scales stick to the scalp, it may be psoriasis, and if it doesn't clear up, consult a dermatologist.