Most over-the-counter shampoos can be used every time you wash your hair to treat and prevent dandruff. If an over-the-counter shampoo doesn’t work, see a doctor for a prescription-strength antifungal shampoo. Topical cortisone may also be recommended. Dandruff flakes are usually white or yellow. They’re caused by seborrheic dermatitis, which is a fairly common skin condition. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source

Hair bleaches, dyes, shampoos, conditioners, and chemicals used for perms and straighteners are the most common triggers for contact dermatitis. If rash doesn’t go away after a few days, see a doctor or dermatologist. They usually prescribe topical steroids or oral antihistamines as treatment. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you aren’t sure what chemical you’re having a reaction to, ask your dermatologist about specialized tests that can identify it. That way, you can avoid that chemical in the future![5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Nits attach to individual hair strands close to the scalp and may look like stubborn dandruff at first glance. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed and may be seen on the scalp. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The medication should kill on contact. After rinsing it out, use a fine-toothed comb or special “nit comb” to remove the dead lice and nits. [8] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Repeat this process every 2-3 days for at least 2 weeks to make sure you get rid of the lice.

Sometimes scalp rashes are raised and have black dots or a stubbly appearance. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Psoriasis can be a little scary if this is your first time experiencing it! The treatments are usually quite effective, but you may also need to make lifestyle adjustments, like changing your diet or reducing stress, to fully get rid of it. Your doctor will explain everything. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you’ve had a flare-up before and know what you’re dealing with, you can try over-the-counter medicated shampoos and scale treatments to get relief. If those don’t work, make an appointment with your dermatologist. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source

Sufferers may avoid social situations, work, and school because they’re embarrassed. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Dermatillomania, or skin-picking disorder, usually begins at puberty, but children and adults may experience it. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and habit reversal training have proven to be very effective treatments. Underlying conditions like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder can be⁠—and often are⁠—associated with dermatillomania. Your doctor may recommend oral medications like fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and escitalopram to treat those underlying conditions. [18] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source Skin-picking can be a symptom of a dermatological, autoimmune, or substance abuse disorder, so it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. [19] X Research source If you need help finding a therapist, visit https://www. bfrb. org/find-help-support.

The stress ball allows you to “fidget” without hurting yourself and squeezing it may even help reduce your stress. If you can’t use a stress ball, wearing gloves may also help.

For example, if you’re triggered by busy highway traffic on your daily commute, find an alternate route that’s more comfortable for you. Mirrors are common triggers. If they trigger you, removing the mirrors in your bedroom and installing softer lighting in the bathroom can help. Remember that triggers aren’t always stressors. Scratching can happen during calm moments when you drop your guard or get distracted. [23] X Research source

Keeping your nails short won’t fully control your urges, but it can lessen the damage and hopefully make the behavior a little less appealing.

For information on support groups and other BFRB resources, visit https://www. bfrb. org/find-help-support