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Health Tip: Symptoms That May Signal Dandruff

Last Updated: 2011-Feb-23  ::  (HealthDay)

(HealthDay News) -- Dandruff, medically called seborrheic dermatitis, typically causes flaky skin on the scalp. In infants, it's sometimes called cradle cap.

The ADAM Encylopedia says seborrheic dermatitis -- which isn't dangerous, contagious or caused by poor hygiene -- may have other symptoms:

  • In addition to the scalp, flaky skin also may appear around the nose and lips, behind and inside the ears, on the trunk of the body, on the eyelids or the eyebrows.
  • Large flat patches or a skin rash.
  • Skin that appears oily.
  • Scaly skin that may be white or yellow.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Loss of hair.
  • Mild skin redness.
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