Perhaps the most common scalp problem is an itching scalp and flaking skin, usually diagnosed as dandruff. There are actually two or three different conditions which exhibit itching and flaking symptoms, along with general redness and inflammation. In order to correctly treat the symptoms it is necessary to be sure of the initial problem.
Yeast
Dandruff is commonly linked with the overuse of hair products or too many chemicals in the hair and on the scalp. In reality, dandruff is caused by a build up of a form of yeast known as pityrosporum oval (or malassezia furfur), which causes dead skin cells to clump together and form flakes. This yeast occurs naturally on the scalp, but can multiply to unnatural numbers during periods of emotional upset, stress, or nervousness.
Severe Cases
In severe cases, dandruff may occur on the nose, chest, ears and eyebrows as well as in the hair, and may be a yellow colour instead of the usual white. If you do suffer from dandruff, shampoos which contain ciclopirox should reduce the bacteria numbers on your scalp and in doing so, eliminate the itching and flaking.