dandruff

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dandruff (dan-druf) n. visible scaling from the surface of the scalp, associated with the presence of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. It is the precursor of seborrhoeic eczema of the scalp, in which there is a degree of inflammation in addition to the greasy scaling. Dandruff can be controlled by shampoos containing tar, selenium sulphide, pyrithione zinc, or imidazole antifungals. Medical name: pityriasis capitis.

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