Dandruff or Seborrheic dermatitis causes red, greasy-looking, scaly patches in areas of the skin with a higher concentration of oil glands — typically the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, and chest. On the scalp, it can range from mild flaking to more visible, thicker scale. It's a chronic condition that tends to wax and wane over time, often flaring in colder months and settling in warmer weather.
Treatment aims to reduce yeast overgrowth and calm inflammation, and is usually tailored to the areas affected:
Because seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, many people need to continue using a maintenance treatment, such as an antifungal shampoo a couple of times a week, even once symptoms have settled, to keep flares at bay.
Certain groups are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis:
In adults, seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that tends to follow a relapsing-remitting course rather than resolving permanently on its own — it typically improves with treatment and can flare again, particularly with cold weather, stress, or illness. This is different from cradle cap in infants, which usually does resolve without ongoing treatment. With appropriate, and often ongoing, management, most adults are able to keep symptoms well controlled.
Yes — seborrheic dermatitis is very common in infants, where it's known as cradle cap. It typically appears as greasy, yellowish scale on the scalp in the first few months of life, and can also affect the eyebrows, ears, and skin folds. Unlike the adult form, cradle cap is usually a temporary condition that resolves on its own within the first six to twelve months, and it doesn't bother most babies even though it can look uncomfortable. Gentle washing and soft brushing are often all that's needed, though your GP or dermatologist can advise on treatment if it's more extensive or persistent.
We recommend seeing a dermatologist if: