Dandruff happens when dead skin cells shed from the scalp and clump together. These clumps show as white flakes on the scalp and clothing. People with dandruff may have an itchy scalp. The treatment for dandruff is usually medicated shampoo that you can buy in drugstores without a prescription. For more severe dandruff, health care providers may recommend prescription-strength shampoo or medicated creams or lotions.

• Use shampoos, creams, or lotions as directed by your health care provider.
• When using dandruff shampoo:
  • Allow the shampoo to remain on the scalp 3–5 minutes, or as directed.
  • Rinse well.
  • Help your child avoid getting the shampoo in their eyes.
• Your child shouldn't scratch their scalp because this can lead to infection.

• The dandruff doesn't get better with 4–6 weeks of treatment.
• The dandruff or itching gets worse.
• Your child's scalp gets red or swollen.
• Your child gets red or flaky skin on other parts of the body.

What causes dandruff? The exact cause of dandruff isn't known, but it's likely from too much oil in the hair follicles and a type of yeast found on the skin. It doesn't spread from person to person. 

What makes dandruff worse? Some hair care products may irritate the scalp and make dandruff worse. Dandruff often gets worse in the winter when skin dries out. When your child's dandruff improves, they can use dandruff shampoo less often (once or twice a week might be enough).