One of the most common skin conditions is dandruff which causes white or grey flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair.

Dandruff isn't contagious or harmful, but it can be unpleasant and often difficult to get rid of and embarrassing when the flakes fall on to your shoulders,

The main treatment for dandruff is anti-dandruff shampoo of which there are a number of types available from chemists or supermarkets. If in doubt which shampoo to use look for shampoo containing one of the following ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Zinc Pyrithione, Coal Tar, Selenium Sulphide or Ketoconazole.

Beware, make sure you read the instructions that comes with the shampoo, see how often it should be applied and to check with the pharmacist to ensure it is suitable for you. If one shampoo does not have any effect then try an alternative.

Remember, it is particularly important to leave the shampoo in your hair for at least five minutes before washing it out. You may be able to use the shampoo less often once your symptoms improve, but your dandruff will probably come back if you stop using it completely.

If however, after you have tried anti-dandruff shampoo for at least a month and your symptoms haven`t improved then a visit to your GP is advisable.

If your dandruff is very severe or your scalp is very itchy or your scalp is red or swollen, your GP can examine your scalp to check for skin conditions that could be causing your dandruff.

Causes of dandruff can be the result of an overgrowth of yeast on your scalp, a fungal infection called scalp ringworm, eczema, allergic contact dermatitis a reaction to hair products or psoriasis which causes, red, flaky, patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

Dandruff is NOT caused by poor hygiene, although it may more obvious if you don`t wash your hair regularly.