Dandruff and itching of the scalp
Visible flakes with pruritus — usually seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults.
↗Dryness, excessive oil, flaking, itching, inflammation — scalp conditions that affect comfort and, over time, hair quality. Often skin conditions in disguise. The pathway starts with a clinical diagnosis, not a shampoo swap.
Scalp concerns include various conditions that affect scalp health — dryness, excessive oiliness, flaking, itching and inflammation.
These conditions may be temporary or chronic, and are often associated with skin disorders, inappropriate haircare, unsuitable products or underlying internal factors. Differential diagnosis matters — dandruff and psoriasis look similar but need different pathways.
“A scalp problem masquerading as a haircare problem gets treated with shampoo for years. The consultation is a five-minute reset on that.”
Symptoms named in the patient's own words alongside the clinical read.
Visible flakes with pruritus — usually seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults.
↗Sebum imbalance — either overproduction or barrier-driven under-hydration.
↗Sub-clinical inflammation visible on close examination — often precedes flaking.
↗Hair feels heavy within hours of washing — sebaceous overactivity.
↗Sensory symptoms without visible cause — often barrier-related.
↗Chronic scalp inflammation reduces the quality of the hair the follicle produces.
↗Scalp conditions have distinct clinical pictures — differentiating them is the first job.
Most scalp conditions look similar on the surface. Trichoscopy plus a clinical exam separates them and prevents years of the wrong treatment.
Prescription-based where indicated; supportive and routine-based for milder presentations. Product regime is calibrated to the diagnosis.
Prescription-strength shampoos plus topical anti-inflammatory treatment — the pathway of choice for most seborrhoeic and inflammatory scalp conditions.
Vitamin infusion for selected cases — usually alongside medical treatment.
Supportive · SebumTopical treatments to regulate scalp sebum production over the course.
Supportive · Home careRemoval of triggering ingredients and selection of scalp-appropriate haircare.
Supportive · LifestyleBoth are documented triggers — addressing them reduces flare frequency.
A specialist examines the scalp, runs trichoscopy and — if the presentation suggests systemic causes or a specialist skin condition — refers before starting cosmetic treatment.