Which of the following is the correct description for dandruff's medical term?

• A. Psoriasis
• B. Pityriasis
• C. Dermatitis
• D. Seborrhea

Answer: (B)

Dandruff is described medically by the term pityriasis, which refers to the shedding of scales on the skin. When this occurs on the scalp, it’s often called pityriasis capitis. Among the options, pityriasis is the most accurate descriptor because it directly denotes the flaky scale characteristic of dandruff. The other terms refer to different conditions or aspects: psoriasis is a separate autoimmune skin disease with thick, silvery plaques; dermatitis is a broad term for skin inflammation; seborrhea means excessive oiliness of the skin or scalp, not the naming of the condition itself. So the best match for the medical description of dandruff is pityriasis.