Why is it that something so natural, so commonplace, like a simple skin condition is still so embarrassing ? The itchy, flaky truth is countless people deal with dandruff at some point or another, and it doesn't mean you've got bad hygiene habits and it certainly doesn't mean you're doomed to a live a life where you can't wear black. "Dandruff is much more common than people realize; 13 million Americans have had it," says Francesca Fusco, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "According to a recent study conducted by Unilever, most consumers who have had dandruff have suffered long term, with 51 percent having had dandruff for more than two years.

" Ahead, experts break down what dandruff is, how to treat dandruff at home, and what to do when over the counter remedies don't work for you. Francesca Fusco, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at New York's Wexler Dermatology . Gilberto Alvarez , MD, is a dermatologist based in New York City who specializes in the treatment of skin conditions.

What Is Dandruff? Dandruff is a mild form of a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis — also known as a red and itchy rash that causes scaly patches to form. "Although most people think [dandruff] is a dry skin condition, it's the opposite," says Gilberto Alvarez, MD, a dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of skin conditions, including dermatitis. "This condition occurs in areas of the body that have many oil-producing glands, the scalp being the most common one.

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