dandruff

dandruff

 [dan´druf]

1. a scaly material shed from the scalp; applied to that normally shed from the scalp epidermis as well as to the excessive scaly material associated with disease. The condition may spread unless checked and in rare cases may extend to the eyebrows, ears, nose, and neck, causing a reddening of the skin in those areas.

2. seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

dan·druff

(dan'drŭf),

The presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to excessive or normal branny exfoliation of the epidermis.
See also: seborrheic dermatitis.

Synonym(s): pityriasis capitis, scurf, seborrhea sicca (2)

dandruff

(dăn′drəf)

n.

A scaly scurf formed on and shed from the scalp, sometimes caused by seborrhea.

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dan′druff·y adj.

seborrheic dermatitis exam

An idiopathic spongiotic dermatitis characterised by greasy or dry white scales, variably accompanied by erythema.
 
Sites
Scalp, face, nose, eyebrows, behind ears, external ear, skin over sternum and over skin folds.
 
Risk factors
Familial, stress, fatigue, temperature extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning, acne, obesity, excess use of lotions with alcohol, AIDS, neurologic conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease), head injury, stroke.

dan·druff

(dan'drŭf)

The presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to exfoliation of the epidermis.
See also: seborrheic dermatitis
Synonym(s): scurf, seborrhea sicca (2) .

dandruff

A popular term for pityriasis capitis. The condition features scaliness of the scalp from flakes of dead skin. Some loss of surface skin cells is normal, but excessive scaliness may be due to infection with the fungus Malassezia furfur that causes PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR. Dandruff responds well to medicated shampoos, especially those containing selenium and lithium. Also known as pityriasis furfuracea.