Next, consider what your scalp looks and feels like. If the flakes appear yellow, oily, or large in size, you likely have dandruff, says Dr. Gratch.

Scalp eczema can cause itchy white or yellow scales that are flaking or sticky. There is no cure, but it can be treated with over-the-counter products.

A person with this condition usually has a dry, red scalp, with thick, greasy, white, or yellow scales. In teenagers and adults, seborrheic dermatitis can develop where the skin produces more oil.

However, if the sebum production becomes excessive, and gets mixed with dirt and dead skin cells, it leads to oily scalp-related dandruff. Also Read: 9 Kitchen Remedies To Get Rid Of Dandruff ...

Oily skin dandruff: Occurs due to an overproduction of sebum—the skin’s natural oil. As a result, you may have a greasy scalp and larger, yellowish flakes.

“Most often, an isolated scab on the scalp is not a reason for concern,” says Maya Thosani, M.D., dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.

Preventing scabs is mostly the same as treating them—by addressing underlying causes. “Avoid picking the scalp, as scratches in the skin can lead to the formation of new scabs,” Dr. Camp says.

Dr. Camp says it can be a cause for scalp scabs, and it also causes “flaky, pink patches on the scalp, eyebrows, ears, around the nose, and beard area.” ...

Additionally, touching your scalp wart and then touching the skin on another part of your body can potentially spread warts to that location. Always wash your hands after you touch a wart.

Fungal infection A smelly scalp could be the result of a fungus that lives on the skin. This fungus can cause inflammatory reactions like folliculitis, dandruff, and eczema.

These are likely to cause discomfort, and the baby may rub or itch their skin. If the baby’s scalp symptoms do not resemble those of cradle cap, it is a good idea to consult a doctor.