Pityriasis simplex capitis – colloquially called head dandruff – (synonyms: head seborrhea; pityriasis; pityriasis simplex capitis; pityriasis simplex capitis (head dandruff); seborrheic cradle cap; nausea; ICD-10 L21.0: seborrhea capitis) is dead skin cells that are shed faster than in people who do not have a dandruff problem. Dandruff is actually quite natural.
Dandruff is differentiated as follows:
- Dry dandruff – originate from dry scalp.
- Greasy dandruff – occurs when the scalp is oily; usually the scalp is red and itchy; greasy dandruff is considered an indication of seborrheic eczema (skin rash)
Seasonal accumulation of the disease: dry dandruff occurs clustered in winter (for example, due to heated indoor air).
Gender ratio: men are affected by greasy dandruff more often than women.
The prevalence (disease frequency) is 10-15 % (in Germany).
Course and prognosis: It is important to find out whether head dandruff is a harmless aesthetic problem or whether the dandruff is an expression of a disease. If the dandruff is the symptom of a disease, there are usually additional complaints such as pruritus (itching) or redness of the scalp.
