*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

This Week - D : Dandruff

Dandruff is a common skin condition. It's not harmful and you cannot catch it.

Check if it's dandruff

The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp onto your shoulders.

Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat dandruff. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets.

Look for a shampoo that contains 1 of these ingredients:

A pharmacist can tell you how to use the shampoo.

Use the shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff gets better. You might need to try more than 1 type to find a shampoo that works for you.

The GP can check your scalp for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff.

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly.

Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.

Symptoms	Possible causes
Scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the body	Seborrheic dermatitis
Red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss	Tinea capitis, known as ringworm
Dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body	Eczema
Red, irritated skin, may also have blisters and cracked skin; reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses	Contact dermatitis
Red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales	Psoriasis
Greasy, yellowish crusts on baby's scalp, eyebrows and nappy area	Cradle cap

Do not worry if you're not sure what's causing your dandruff. Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if things do not get better in a month.

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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