Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are the mild and more pronounced ends of the same common scalp problem. Dandruff shows up as an itchy scalp with dry white flakes in the hair or on the shoulders. Seborrheic dermatitis is more pronounced — greasy, scaly patches that can appear on the scalp and also on the face, eyebrows, eyelids, or mid-chest. A scalp yeast plays a big role, which is why both often respond to medicated shampoos. Symptoms tend to flare with stress, cold, and dry air, and ease in summer. In infants this appears as “cradle cap,” which usually clears on its own by a few months of age.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral) — antifungal, targets the underlying yeast
- Zinc pyrithione shampoo (Head & Shoulders)
- Selenium sulfide shampoo (Selsun)
- Coal tar or salicylic acid shampoos to lift scale
- Fragrance-free moisturizers for facial/body patches
- Leave a medicated shampoo on the scalp for up to 15 minutes before rinsing, and alternate with your regular shampoo.
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are prescription treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Topical antifungals: Ciclopirox, Ketoconazole, Selenium sulfide, Triclosan, Zinc pyrithione
Topical corticosteroids: Betamethasone valerate, Hydrocortisone
Keratolytic agents: Coal tar, Salicylic acid
Anti-inflammatory: Roflumilast (Zoryve)
When to seek further care: See a health-care provider if the scalp is very red, crusted, or weeping; treatment hasn’t helped after a few weeks; the rash is spreading widely on the face or body; or an infant’s cradle cap looks infected or unusually severe.