Is it a chronic condition?

Yes, it comes and goes in flare-ups.

Does dandruff come back after treatment?

Often, without maintenance treatment.

Can it cause hair loss?

Yes, reactive and reversible shedding.

They are the mainstay of treatment, but sometimes not enough on their own.

Should I wash my hair more or less often?

The frequency should be tailored to each person.

Are corticosteroids dangerous?

Applied topically and for short periods, they are safe.

Can I use natural products?

Some may help, but they are no substitute for medical treatment.

Can it affect children?

Yes, notably as cradle cap in babies.

Is it the same as psoriasis?

No, they are two different diseases.

Do hair dyes make symptoms worse?

They can irritate an inflamed scalp.

Is LED therapy effective?

It can reduce inflammation and itching.

Can it be cured for good?

No, but the condition can be kept very well under control.

Are the scales greasy or dry?

They are often greasy and yellowish.

Do I need treatment all year round?

Maintenance treatment is often necessary.

Can it spread to the face?

Yes, to oily (sebum-rich) areas.

Should I see a dermatologist?

Yes, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Dermatology · Scalp & hair

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is a common, chronic inflammatory condition. It causes redness, greasy dandruff or scales, and itching. It progresses in flare-ups, often brought on by stress, tiredness or cold weather. Harmless and not contagious, it can nevertheless be bothersome in daily life. Appropriate dermatological treatment keeps it under control in the long term.

Written by Dr A. Turcarelli, dermatologist and allergist Updated 4 January 2026 6 min read

Book an appointment Frequently asked questions

Introduction

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is a common chronic inflammatory condition that causes dandruff, scaling and itching. It comes and goes in flare-ups, often brought on by stress, tiredness or certain times of year. Although benign, it can be bothersome both cosmetically and in everyday life, and warrants appropriate dermatological care.

Symptoms

White or yellowish dandruff
Greasy scales stuck to the hair
Redness of the scalp
Itching, sometimes intense
Irritated or sensitive scalp
May spread to other oily (seborrhoeic) areas: eyebrows sides of the nose around the ears
eyebrows
sides of the nose
around the ears
Possible reactive hair shedding (non-scarring)

Causes

Skin hypersensitivity to Malassezia yeasts
Excessive or unbalanced sebum production
Genetic predisposition
Stress and tiredness
Climatic factors (cold, humidity)
Certain general medical conditions or treatments

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is essentially clinical: Dermatological examination of the scalp Assessment of the scales and the skin Ruling out other diagnoses: scalp psoriasis tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) contact dermatitis
Dermatological examination of the scalp
Assessment of the scales and the skin
Ruling out other diagnoses: scalp psoriasis tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) contact dermatitis
scalp psoriasis
tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)
contact dermatitis
No further tests are needed in most cases

Treatments

Specific antifungal shampoos
Selected keratolytic shampoos
Short course of topical corticosteroids during inflammatory phases
Soothing, rebalancing scalp lotions
Regular use of suitable shampoos
Avoiding harsh or irritating products
Personalised hair-washing routine
Medical LED therapy (anti-inflammatory, soothing effect)
Scalp care protocols for the chronic phase
Combined approaches depending on severity
control the inflammation

Management

Specialist dermatology consultation

Assessment of severity and triggers

A personalised treatment protocol

Follow-up to adjust treatment

Long-term maintenance strategy

Frequently asked questions

See us about seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp

Consultation with a confirmed diagnosis and a written treatment plan.

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