Kentucky Barber Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The presence of dandruff is primarily associated with seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that affects the scalp and can lead to flaking skin and irritation. This condition is characterized by an overproduction of oil combined with a yeast called Malassezia that can worsen the flaking. Seborrheic dermatitis often leads to the formation of white or yellowish flakes, which people typically identify as dandruff.

In contrast, psoriasis often presents with red patches covered by thick, silvery scales and is more localized, while alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in patches without the presence of dandruff. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can also cause flaking and irritation but typically affects areas such as the face and inside the elbows and knees, rather than primarily focusing on the scalp. Therefore, seborrheic dermatitis is the most relevant condition when discussing dandruff.