Dandruff isn’t just a scalp issue, the same underlying condition, seborrhoeic dermatitis, can appear in moist, oily folds like the groin and armpits. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia, leading to red, flaky, sometimes itchy patches. It affects areas rich in oil glands: the scalp, face, chest, and also armpits and groin.
Where It Appears
- Armpits (axillae)
- Groin and pubic region
- Under breasts and other skin folds
UK guidance confirms that it frequently affects these areas. See more from Bupa UK and the British Association of Dermatologists.
Common Symptoms
- Red or shiny patches
- White or yellow flakes or scales
- Itching or mild soreness
- Possible cracking in skin folds
In folds like the armpits or groin, the affected skin may appear shiny or glazed. National Eczema Society provides helpful images and descriptions.
Do You Get Dandruff in the Pubic Area?
Yes, seborrhoeic dermatitis is essentially the same process as dandruff on the scalp, but occurring in the pubic region. It can appear as red, flaky, itchy skin.
Do You Get Dandruff in Armpits?
Yes, armpits are one of the most common non-scalp areas affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis. The skin may be red, irritated, and flaking.
How to Treat & Manage It
- Clean & Dry Gently: Use a mild, non-soap cleanser and pat dry thoroughly after washing.
- Use Antifungal Products: Apply over-the-counter piroctone olamine washes, ketoconazole, or selenium sulphide once or twice weekly. DermNet NZ provides details on these treatments.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of fragranced soaps, tight clothing, and harsh scrubbing.
- Use Moisturisers: Products like E45 or Doublebase can help reduce irritation and dryness. More advice from the National Eczema Society.
- Prescription Treatments: If symptoms persist, your GP may prescribe topical steroids or antifungal-steroid combinations.
- When to Seek Help: If the rash spreads, becomes painful, or doesn’t improve, see a doctor or dermatologist.
Can You Get Dandruff in Pubes?
- Yes, seborrhoeic dermatitis can affect more than just your scalp, with the armpits and pubic area commonly involved.
- Symptoms include red, flaky, sometimes itchy patches.
- Treatment includes gentle cleansing, antifungal creams, and moisturisers.
- Consult a GP for severe or persistent symptoms.
What the Latest Research Says
A recent comprehensive review published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (PMC) examined skin-flaking and itching conditions across body-hair and intimate regions, including the groin and underarms. Although many people casually refer to this as “dandruff,” the research shows that flakes in these areas often have a variety of underlying causes.
Multiple Possible Causes
According to the review, flakes in pubic or underarm hair can arise from:
- Fungal or bacterial infections (e.g., yeast overgrowth, folliculitis)
- Inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema or seborrhoeic-type dermatitis
- Neuropathic itch conditions that can cause scratching, irritation and flaking
- Systemic or internal health factors that show up as skin changes in body-hair regions
This reinforces that pubic or underarm "dandruff" is not simply scalp dandruff appearing somewhere else, and it may require a different approach.
The Importance of Proper Diagnosis
The study highlights that intimate areas differ from the scalp in moisture, friction, microbiome balance and hair structure. Because of this, flakes in body-hair zones can look similar to dandruff but originate from completely different conditions.
The review encourages a differential diagnosis — meaning you should identify the underlying trigger rather than assume it’s the same as scalp flakes.
Treatment Should Be Tailored
Instead of using standard anti-dandruff products alone, the research suggests considering:
- Topical antifungal or antibacterial cleansers
- Anti-inflammatory creams (if eczema or dermatitis is involved)
- Barrier-supporting moisturisers
- Shaving or grooming adjustments to reduce irritation
Using the wrong approach — such as only applying scalp dandruff shampoo — may not fully resolve the problem if the root cause is different.
Why This Matters
The review notes that flakes in intimate or body-hair areas are under-recognised and often self-treated incorrectly. Many people delay treatment or misdiagnose themselves, assuming it's "just dandruff."
This reinforces the purpose of this article: to help you understand what’s actually happening in these areas and choose the right solution for your specific cause, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
This summary is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
FAQ: Dandruff in Pubic and Underarm Areas
Can you get dandruff in the pubic area?
Yes. The same process behind scalp dandruff, called seborrhoeic dermatitis, can also affect the groin and pubic region, causing red, flaky and sometimes itchy skin around the hair-bearing area.
Can you get dandruff in your armpits?
Yes. Armpits are one of the most common non-scalp sites for seborrhoeic dermatitis. The skin may look red, irritated, shiny or glazed, with white or yellow flakes.
What causes dandruff-like flakes in pubic or underarm hair?
Flakes in these areas can be caused by yeast overgrowth, other fungal or bacterial infections, inflammatory skin conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis or eczema, irritation from shaving or products, and occasionally underlying health conditions.
How do you treat dandruff in the pubic or underarm area?
Gentle cleansing, keeping the area dry, using antifungal or medicated washes, avoiding fragranced or harsh products, and using suitable moisturisers can all help. Persistent, painful or spreading rashes should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
When should you see a doctor about pubic or underarm dandruff?
See a doctor or dermatologist if the rash is very itchy, painful, spreading, weeping, not improving with over-the-counter care, or if you are unsure whether it is dandruff, an infection or another skin condition.
Is dandruff in the pubic area contagious?
Dandruff itself is not usually contagious. However, if a fungal or bacterial infection is present, there may be some risk of transmission, so medical advice and appropriate treatment are important.
References
- Scratching the Surface: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing Vulvovaginal Itching
- Bupa UK – Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
- British Association of Dermatologists
- National Eczema Society
- DermNet NZ