When you rustle your hair, does it unleash an avalanche of white flakes on your shoulders? If so, you may need to battle a case of dandruff. But this condition isn’t the unbeatable foe you may think it is. Read on to learn more about this pesky hair and skin concern and how to control it, from the DailyGlow.com.

What causes dandruff?
Contrary to what you may think, these white flakes aren’t caused by dryness. Actually the opposite is true, says Jessica Wu, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School. According to Wu, dandruff results from an overgrowth of a harmless yeast that causes flakes. The yeast feeds on excess oil and dead skin cells on the scalp, and these cells clump into flakes and shed.

If you have dandruff, how often should you shampoo?
Every day. Normally, dermatologists advise you to avoid frequent shampooing since it might dry out hair. But if you’re suffering from dandruff, not shampooing causes more oil and dead skin cells to accumulate, says Stuart H. Kaplan, MD, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills. To get rid of dandruff, wash away the yeast in your hair. Use a medicated shampoo every day, one that includes ketoconazole, selenium sulfide or zinc.

Can you get dandruff on your body?
Sure! It’s not uncommon to find flakes on eyebrows, around ears, or along the sides of the nose. Simply use the same shampoo to gently wash away dandruff flakes when cleansing your hair.

Can dandruff be cured?
No. If you’re dandruff-prone, you probably won’t get rid of the flakes permanently. But you can be proactive and stop a dandruff outbreak by eating a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits and veggies containing zinc and B vitamins. You can also take a probiotic to help fight dandruff-causing yeast overproduction.

Do flakes always signal dandruff?
If your dandruff isn’t gone within two weeks of using medicated shampoo, you might be suffering from psoriasis or skin inflammation. If at-home remedies don’t work, see a dermatologist to get to the bottom of it.

Still concerned about this unsightly condition? Click here for more tips on how to get dandruff to flake off!