Red flags & when to go in person for Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in children that causes flaky, itchy skin on the scalp. It often appears as white or yellowish flakes and can sometimes cause redness or mild irritation. While dandruff is usually harmless and can be managed with gentle scalp care and over-the-counter treatments, some signs mean your child should be seen by a healthcare provider in person. These include severe itching, swelling, pain, or if the rash spreads beyond the scalp. Telemedicine can help with education, initial assessments, and advice on managing mild dandruff, but it cannot replace an in-person exam when serious symptoms occur. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand when to seek in-person care and how telemedicine fits into managing dandruff safely and effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe itching causing sleep loss or distress — seek in-person care promptly.
• Redness, swelling, pain, or pus on the scalp — these may indicate infection needing medical attention.
• Rash spreading beyond the scalp or causing hair loss — requires evaluation by a healthcare professional.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about dandruff and skin care.
• Reviewing photos or video of mild scalp symptoms.
• Guiding use of over-the-counter treatments for mild dandruff.
• Advising when to seek in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing severe or complicated scalp infections.
• Treating symptoms requiring prescription medications or physical examination.
• Evaluating hair loss or scalp conditions needing biopsy or specialized tests.
• Managing emergency symptoms such as severe pain or swelling.

What is Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)?

Dandruff, medically called seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes flaky, itchy patches on the scalp. It happens when the skin produces extra oil and skin cells that build up and flake off. In children, dandruff may also appear on the face, behind the ears, or on other oily areas. It is not contagious and often improves with simple care.

Common Symptoms in Children

Typical signs of dandruff include:

These symptoms often come and go and can be managed at home with gentle shampooing and moisturizing.

When to See a Healthcare Provider in Person

Most dandruff cases are mild, but see a healthcare provider if your child has:

These signs may mean a more serious condition or infection that needs in-person evaluation and treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for:

However, telemedicine cannot replace a physical exam when severe symptoms or complications occur.

Managing Dandruff at Home

To help manage dandruff in children:

If symptoms worsen or do not improve, contact a healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have clear photos or a video of your child's scalp showing the flakes and any redness.
• List your child's symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Prepare a list of current skin or hair products used.
• Note any allergies or previous skin conditions.
• Be ready to describe any other symptoms like fever or discomfort.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment advice given during the telemedicine visit.
• Use recommended shampoos or skin care products as directed.
• Monitor your child's symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.
• Keep a record of any new symptoms to share with your healthcare provider.

FAQs

Is dandruff contagious to other children?

No, dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) is not contagious. It cannot spread from one person to another through touch or close contact.

Can dandruff cause hair loss in children?

Dandruff itself usually does not cause permanent hair loss. However, severe scratching or infection can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss. If you notice bald patches, see a healthcare provider.

What shampoos are safe for children with dandruff?

Gentle, fragrance-free shampoos made for sensitive skin are best. Some medicated shampoos may be recommended by a healthcare provider if dandruff is severe.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has severe itching, redness, swelling, pain, pus, rash spreading beyond the scalp, or hair loss, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can dandruff go away on its own?

Dandruff may improve with good scalp care but often comes and goes. Managing symptoms with gentle shampooing usually helps control it.

Sources

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Seborrheic Dermatitis - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Seborrheic Dermatitis - Consumer Version — Merck Manuals.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, please seek immediate in-person evaluation by a healthcare provider.