About this Video

• Video Title: Dermatologist Explains: How to Manage an Itchy and Flaky Scalp
• Channel: Dr. Daniel Sugai
• Speakers: Dr. Daniel Sugai
• Duration: 10:33

Introduction

This video explains how to manage an itchy and flaky scalp. Dr. Daniel Sugai, a board-certified dermatologist, discusses the spectrum of conditions from dandruff to scalp psoriasis, caused by the yeast Malassezia. He details various over-the-counter shampoos containing ingredients like pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid, to treat these conditions. He also advises against using olive oil and sleeping with wet hair.

Key Takeaways

• Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis exist on a spectrum of severity, with psoriasis being a systemic inflammatory condition.
• Malassezia yeast is a common inhabitant of the scalp and can cause dandruff and worsen other scalp conditions.
• Several over-the-counter shampoos can effectively treat these conditions: Head and Shoulders (pyrithione zinc), Caravee (pyrithione zinc), Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide), Vichy Dercos (selenium sulfide and salicylic acid), and Neutrogena T/Gel (coal tar extract and salicylic acid).
• Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral) are available over-the-counter and are effective for various scalp issues, including hair loss.
• Avoid scratching the scalp, using olive oil, and sleeping with wet hair, as these can worsen the condition.

The video explains that dandruff is simply flaking of the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis involves itching, inflammation, and flaking, and psoriasis features thicker flaking that can spread beyond the scalp to other body parts, even affecting nails and potentially causing systemic inflammation, arthritis, and increased heart disease risk. The video describes them as existing on a spectrum.