Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

Excessive flaking of the scalp is most commonly associated with which skin condition?

1. Eczema

2. Psoriasis

3. Seborrheic dermatitis

4. Pityriasis

The correct answer is: Seborrheic dermatitis

Excessive flaking of the scalp is most commonly associated with seborrheic dermatitis, which is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects areas of the body where sebaceous (oil) glands are most prevalent. This condition leads to the formation of greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp, face, and other oily areas, typically presenting as yellow flakes that can vary in severity. The presence of oily scales is a hallmark of seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause significant flaking that may be mistaken for dandruff. In addition to flaking, symptoms can include redness and itching, making it a significant scalp condition requiring appropriate treatment to manage its symptoms effectively. While eczema can cause flaking as well, it typically presents with dry, itchy patches rather than the oily scales seen in seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis does cause flaking but is characterized by thick, silvery scales rather than the greasy scales associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Pityriasis can also cause flaking, but it is generally a less common condition and may not usually lead to the same level of chronic flaking seen with seborrheic dermatitis. Thus, seborrheic dermatitis is recognized as the primary condition associated with excessive scalp fl