CBSE Class 9 Answered

Dandruff (also called scurf and medically termed Pityriasis capitis) is the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. For a person with dandruff the renewal is faster, meaning more dead skin is shed, making the dandruff more noticeable. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Dandruff can also occur if the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.

Excessive flaking can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or excoriation associated with infestation of head lice.

Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized anti-dandruff shampoos.