Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are related but not exactly the same. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis that only affects the scalp, causing white or yellow flakes and itching. Seborrheic dermatitis, on the other hand, can appear on other oily areas of the body, like the face, ears, chest, and eyebrows, and often involves redness, inflammation, and greasy scales
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are caused by a combination of factors, including:
• Excess oil production
• Malassezia yeast overgrowth
• Genetics
• Stress and fatigue
• Weather changes
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Underlying health conditions
• Improper hair care
Anti-dandruff/Antiseborrheic shampoos usually contain active ingredients that target the underlying causes of dandruff/seborrheic, such as an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, and help reduce flaking, itching, and irritation.
These shampoos can be either medical or cosmetic in nature.
Many active ingredients are used in hair care products for this purpose, and amount of these active ingredients in rinse-off and leave-on products is limited by regulators.