Skin

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: virtual care options

Dandruff is flaking of the scalp, and a more inflamed form is called seborrheic dermatitis. It is linked to oil and a yeast that normally lives on the skin, and it can also affect the eyebrows, sides of the nose, and ears.

See virtual care for Dandruff

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Common symptoms

What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.

White or yellowish flakes on the scalp, hair, or shoulders
An itchy scalp
Greasy, scaly patches
Redness on the scalp, eyebrows, or around the nose
Flaking that gets worse in cold, dry weather

What a virtual visit may involve

Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.

A video or online visit where a licensed provider asks what you have tried and how long it has lasted
Sharing photos of your scalp, hairline, or face
A provider may suggest a scalp care plan or prescribe treatment if appropriate
Help telling dandruff apart from other scalp conditions

When in-person care may be better

Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.

There is hair loss, bald patches, or broken hairs along with flaking
The scalp is very red, painful, oozing, or crusted
It is on an infant and is spreading beyond the scalp
Flaking has not improved after several weeks of treatment

When to go to the ER

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

A painful, swollen, pus-filled area on the scalp with fever
A rapidly spreading rash with fever
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or trouble breathing after using a new hair product

Ready to explore a virtual visit for Dandruff?

Check availability, pricing, and care details directly with the provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue.

Continue to provider

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Common questions

Dandruff, answered.

General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.

Can dandruff be treated online?

Yes, stubborn dandruff is often evaluated in a virtual visit with photos of your scalp. A provider may recommend treatment if appropriate or suggest an exam if something else could be going on.

Is dandruff a fungal infection?

Dandruff is linked to a yeast that normally lives on everyone’s skin, but it is not contagious. Some other scalp conditions, like scalp ringworm, are infections, which is one reason to get flaking checked if it is unusual.

Is dandruff a sign of psoriasis?

Not usually, but scalp psoriasis can look similar, with thicker, more sharply outlined scale. A provider can help tell the two apart.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.