Cause
Dandruff is caused by the shedding of tiny flakes of dead skin from the scalp. This skin shedding is part of a normal process which occurs all over the body, but is usually more apparent in the hair because the flakes can accumulate there. Dandruff is just an exaggeration of this process on the scalp, and its cause is unknown.
Clinical features
Your child may have a very itchy scalp, and you will notice excessive tiny white flakes of dead skin in his hair and on his clothes. If your child scratches a lot, the scalp may become red and sore.
Dandruff can usually be controlled by washing the hair daily with a medicated shampoo. Make sure you brush your child’s hair well before shampooing, to remove as many dead flakes of skin as possible. Do not brush too vigorously as this may hurt the scalp if it is already irritated. Once the dandruff is under control, you may be able to cut back the use of medicated shampoo and wash the hair on alternate days. Alternate between using normal shampoo and antidandruff shampoo.
When to see your doctor
• if the dandruff does not improve after 2-3 weeks using this treatment;
• if your child has thick, flaky patches in the scalp. Although it is uncommon, this may be the first sign of psoriasis
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