Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Takes 2 minutes · No clinic visit · Delivered to your door
Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) is a common scalp condition that causes flaking, itching, and sometimes redness, driven by excess oil and an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. It's extremely common and very treatable, and can be assessed confidentially without an in-person exam in uncomplicated cases.
Could It Be Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)?
- White or yellowish flakes on the scalp, hair, shoulders, or eyebrows
- An itchy, sometimes red or greasy-looking scalp
- Flaking that worsens with stress, cold weather, or infrequent washing
- Mild scaling that can also appear around the nose, ears, or chest in more widespread cases
- Symptoms that come and go, often flaring and settling over time
- A scalp that feels tight, irritated, or mildly sore under the flaking
Treatment
- Topical antifungals (ketoconazole, ciclopirox, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, triclosan) to reduce the yeast overgrowth driving symptoms
- Topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, betamethasone valerate) for short-term use to calm redness and itching
- Keratolytic agents (salicylic acid, coal tar) to help loosen and clear scale
- Guidance on washing frequency and technique to keep symptoms under control long-term
- Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe directly for uncomplicated dandruff
How it works
Three steps to feeling better.
- Share your symptoms
Complete a short, secure assessment about what you’re experiencing — on your time, from anywhere.
- Pharmacist reviews and prescribes
A licensed Ontario pharmacist reviews your assessment and prescribes appropriate treatment when indicated.
- Treatment ships free
Your prescription is dispensed and delivered to your door in discreet packaging — no extra charge.
Why Rumini
Built for moments like this.
When you need help quickly and privately, these are the things that matter most.
Complete discretion
Your assessment, your prescription, and your delivery are handled with full privacy — PHIPA compliant at every step.
Fast from start to door
Start now, get your assessment reviewed quickly, and receive your medication with free same-province delivery.
Support when you need it
Our care team is available 7 days a week. Questions before, during, or after treatment — we’re here.
No clinic visit required
Ontario pharmacists are authorized to prescribe for uncomplicated UTIs. Skip the waiting room entirely.
Trust and credentials
A licensed Ontario Pharmacy.
Rumini operates under the full oversight of Ontario's regulatory framework for pharmacy practice.
OCP registration
#311091
Role
Pharmacist of Record
Location
45–2355 Derry Rd E, Mississauga, ON
Privacy standard
PHIPA compliant
Frequently Asked Questions.
What causes dandruff?
An overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast that’s normally present on the scalp, combined with excess oil production and individual skin sensitivity. Triggers include stress, cold or dry weather, infrequent hair washing, and certain skin conditions.
How is dandruff treated?
A medicated shampoo or topical treatment containing an antifungal, keratolytic, or anti-inflammatory ingredient, used consistently over several weeks. Ontario’s minor ailments program allows pharmacists to assess and prescribe directly for uncomplicated cases.
How long until symptoms improve?
Most people notice less flaking and itching within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent treatment. Since dandruff tends to recur, many people continue a maintenance routine (like a lower-frequency medicated shampoo) even after symptoms clear.
Is dandruff the same as a dry scalp?
Not quite. A simple dry scalp causes small, dry flakes without much oiliness or redness, while dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) often involves a greasier scalp, larger flakes, and more noticeable redness or itching. This distinction affects which treatment works best, which is why scalp appearance and pattern are reviewed during the assessment.
Can dandruff spread or affect other parts of my body?
Seborrheic dermatitis can also appear on the eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, or chest, since it develops wherever oil glands are most active. It isn’t contagious and doesn’t spread to other people.
When should I seek in-person care instead?
Seek in-person care for widespread redness or scaling beyond the scalp, signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus), symptoms that don’t improve after several weeks of consistent treatment, or scalp symptoms accompanied by significant hair loss.