What is the medical term for dandruff?

Medical Term for Dandruff

The medical term for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis when it affects the scalp. 1 This condition is characterized by flaking skin, itching, and sometimes mild erythema (redness) on the scalp.

Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects sebum-rich areas of the body, including:

• Scalp (where it manifests as dandruff)
• Face (particularly central areas)
• Ears
• Chest
• Upper back
• Skin folds (axillary, inframammary, inguinal)

Clinical Presentation

When seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp as dandruff, it typically presents as:

• Flaking skin on the scalp
• Itching sensation
• Greasy yellowish scaling
• Underlying erythema in some cases
• Discomfort

Epidemiology

• Affects up to 50% of the population at some point in their lives 2
• Prevalence and severity are greatest in young men
• Less common in children and older individuals
• Often exacerbated by changes in humidity, trauma (scratching), seasonal changes, and emotional stress 2

Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff involves several factors:

1. Malassezia Yeast Proliferation: The lipophilic yeast Malassezia (previously known as Pityrosporum) is the primary causative agent 1, 2
2. Sebaceous Gland Activity: Increased sebum production creates an ideal environment for Malassezia growth
3. Immune Dysregulation: Enhanced cell-mediated immunity to Malassezia has been detected in 40% of patients with chronic seborrheic dermatitis 1

Differential Diagnosis

It's important to distinguish dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis from other scalp conditions:

• Psoriasis vulgaris (sebopsoriasis)
• Atopic dermatitis
• Tinea capitis (fungal infection)
• Diffuse scaling in tinea capitis can resemble dandruff 3
• Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic)
• Discoid lupus erythematosus

Management Approaches

Treatment options for dandruff include:

1. Antifungal Agents:

   • Ketoconazole shampoo or cream
   • Selenium sulfide
   • Ciclopirox olamine
   • Zinc pyrithione

2. Anti-inflammatory Agents:

   • Low-potency topical corticosteroids (short-term use)
   • Topical calcineurin inhibitors

3. Keratolytic Agents:

   • Salicylic acid
   • Coal tar preparations
   • Sulfur-containing products

Practical Management Tips

• Regular shampooing with longer lathering periods
• Avoid hair sprays and pomades/gels
• Rotate between different antifungal shampoos to prevent resistance
• For thick scalp plaques, consider overnight application of salicylic acid or urea oil 2

Prevention and Maintenance

To prevent recurrence:

• Regular use of antifungal shampoos (1-2 times weekly for maintenance)
• Gentle cleansing with pH-neutral formulations
• Avoid greasy hair products that may facilitate yeast growth
• Keep affected areas dry and clean

Common Pitfalls

• Inadequate treatment duration (typically need 4 weeks for full effect)
• Failure to implement maintenance therapy (seborrheic dermatitis is chronic and relapsing)
• Prolonged use of potent topical corticosteroids on the scalp (can worsen hair loss)
• Misdiagnosis of conditions that mimic seborrheic dermatitis

By understanding that dandruff is medically termed seborrheic dermatitis when affecting the scalp, healthcare providers can better diagnose and manage this common condition.