Is dandruff serious?

For most people, dandruff is not a serious medical condition, although it can be socially embarrassing and possibly itchy. However, severe cases of dandruff that involve large areas of the skin and cause intense itching may interfere with your ability to lead a normal life and can be considered serious. In addition, sometimes dandruff can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as Parkinson's disease or AIDS. Because of this, you should consult your doctor if your dandruff doesn't improve by using dandruff shampoo.

Symptomatic dandruff can be unpleasant and stress inducing. Self-esteem problems and embarrassment may result. Occasionally, dandruff may be accompanied by bacterial infection or inflammatory process that requires medical attention. However, generally speaking, dandruff is not considered a serious condition.