Dandruff  is a common scalp condition that occurs when dead skin is shed, producing irritating white  flakes. The most common cause of dandruff is seborrhea, which is an inflammatory scaling skin disease  caused by a disorder of the " sebaceous" the oil secreting glands. Dandruff may also be triggered by  illness, hormonal problems or imbalances, trauma, carbohydrate/sugar consumption. Deficiencies of  nutrients such as the B-complex vitamins, essential fatty acids, and selenium have also been linked to  dandruff. Chronic dandruff may also be related to baldness and hair loss. Essential fatty acids found in flax seed oil, borage seed oil, may help as they decrease the dryness of the skin and reduce the flaking. The person should not pick or rub the scaling or flaking area as that can increase risk of infection.