Anpheros Search · Condition

Dandruff, Cradle Cap, and Other Scalp Conditions

Also known as: Seborrhoeic dermatitis, unspecified · Seborrhea

General information only. Anpheros does not diagnose and does not recommend treatment. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your situation. In an emergency, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

In short

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, also known as seborrhea, is a skin condition that can cause redness, irritation, and flaking of the skin. Dandruff, which is a yellow or white flaking of the skin that may make the scalp feel itchy, is usually a symptom of this condition. A type of seborrheic dermatitis that affects babies is called cradle cap, which usually lasts a few months and goes away on its own. Besides the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes affect other parts of the body, including the eyelids, armpits, groin, and ears.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

AI-generated summary of the sources cited on this page, checked automatically against them. Not reviewed by a clinician; not medical advice.

Codes

ICD-10: L21
ICD-11: EA81.Z Seborrhoeic dermatitis, unspecified

Description

Your scalp is the skin on the top of your head. Unless you have hair loss, hair grows on your scalp. Different skin problems can affect your scalp.
Dandruff is a flaking of the skin. The flakes are yellow or white. Dandruff may make your scalp feel itchy. It usually starts after puberty, and is more common in men. Dandruff is usually a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea. It is a skin condition that can also cause redness and irritation of the skin.
Most of the time, using a dandruff shampoo can help control your dandruff. If that does not work, contact your health care provider.
There is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that babies can get. It is called cradle cap. It usually lasts a few months, and then goes away on its own. Besides the scalp, it can sometimes affect other parts of the body, such as the eyelids, armpits, groin, and ears. Normally, washing your baby's hair every day with a mild shampoo and gently rubbing their scalp with your fingers or a soft brush can help. For severe cases, your health care provider may give you a prescription shampoo or cream to use.
Other problems that can affect the scalp include:
Scalp ringworm, a fungal infection that causes itchy, red patches on your head. It can also leave bald spots. It usually affects children.
Scalp psoriasis, which causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. About half of the people with psoriasis have it on their scalp.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

Next to it in ICD-10

Neighbouring codes in the classification, not a medical link.

External resources

Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for Dandruff, Cradle Cap, and Other Scalp Conditions?

L21 (WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision).

What is the ICD-11 code for Dandruff, Cradle Cap, and Other Scalp Conditions?

EA81.Z: Seborrhoeic dermatitis, unspecified (WHO, ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics).

Sources and attribution

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
Names other than the official source titles: Anpheros translations and plain-language names, made with AI assistance and checked automatically; the source names are in English.
ICD-10 codes and titles © World Health Organization. Source: WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (2019).

Anpheros Search catalog 2026.10.5, published 17 October 2026. About the data →

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