Skin health
Dandruff and Itchy Scalp: Treatment That Helps
Stop the flakes and itch: the shampoos that work, how to use them and when a scalp problem needs a closer look.
Causes of flaking and itch
- Seborrheic dermatitis: greasy, yellowish flakes and redness, also around the eyebrows and nose
- Dry scalp: small white flakes, worse in winter
- Scalp psoriasis: thick, silvery plaques with clear edges
- Contact dermatitis: reaction to hair products or dyes
- Fungal infection (tinea capitis): patchy hair loss, more common in children
Treatment that helps
- Use a medicated shampoo two to three times a week.
- Massage into the scalp and leave on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse well and use your regular shampoo on other days.
- Rotate between two types (for example, ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione) if needed.
- For stubborn cases, prescription shampoos, solutions or short steroid treatments help.
Everyday tips
- Wash hair regularly; oil buildup can make dandruff worse.
- Avoid harsh styling products and very hot water.
- Manage stress, which can trigger flares.
How we can help
We look at your scalp on video or in clinic, tell apart dandruff, psoriasis and other causes, and prescribe stronger treatment when over-the-counter options are not enough. Our skin health service covers scalp conditions too.
Questions people ask
Is dandruff caused by a dry scalp?
Usually not. Most dandruff comes from seborrheic dermatitis, which is often oily rather than dry.
Can dandruff cause hair loss?
Dandruff itself does not usually cause hair loss, but scratching and inflammation can lead to some shedding.
Can I use dandruff shampoo every day?
Two to three times a week is usually enough; daily use can dry hair.
Talk it through with Lydia
Flakes and itch not going away? Let us find the right treatment. See a board-certified nurse practitioner virtually anywhere in Virginia, in our Woodbridge office, or straight to your front door in much of Northern Virginia.
Visits start at $85, and every membership comes with a 30-day trial.
Prefer to ask first? Text us at (571) 402-2102 or message us on WhatsApp.
