What is the technical term for dandruff?

The technical term for dandruff is "pityriasis." This term specifically refers to skin conditions characterized by flaking of the skin, which is precisely what dandruff is. Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds dead skin cells at an accelerated rate, leading to visible white flakes in the hair or on clothing. The term "pityriasis" originates from the Greek word for "bran," which is a fitting description of the flaky appearance of dandruff.

While seborrhea, psoriasis, and dermatitis are all related to skin conditions, they refer to different issues. Seborrhea typically describes an oily scalp condition often associated with seborrheic dermatitis, which can also cause dandruff but involves inflammation. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover and thickened patches of skin, which can sometimes look similar to dandruff but is distinct in its symptoms and treatment. Dermatitis is a broader term that refers to inflammation of the skin, which can also encompass various types such as contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, but it does not specifically denote the scalp flaking associated with dandruff.

Understanding "pityriasis" allows for a clearer identification and conversation about dandruff within the context of dermatological terms