No more white flakes!

Dandruff. It’s not the most popular water cooler topic but it affects almost all of us from time to time. An itchy scalp and the white flakes that follow are a nuisance and can hurt your confidence. The good news is that dandruff rarely is a sign of a serious medical condition.

Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes it, but the flakes you see are excess oil or dry skin. It develops most often on the scalp in infants and adults. Some studies show men are more likely to have dandruff than women.

Certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of dandruff.

Get some sunshine: Outdoor activities, especially in the sun, have been proved to help reduce the signs of dandruff. Take advantage of the sunny days to come.

Eat vitamin-rich foods: Research shows that people who eat foods rich in zinc, omega-3 and vitamin B, they are less likely to have dandruff. Pack your diet with delicious foods including lean meat, yogurt, and nuts, seeds, avocado and fish.

Cut back on your hair products: Using styling creams and sprays in your hair can irritate the scalp and cause dandruff. Also, if you are prone to oily hair, be sure to wash often to avoid buildup.

Most cases of dandruff go away on their own or can be cleared up with over-the-counter medicated shampoos. The National Institutes of Health suggest shampoos that include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium. But dermatologists warn that all skin types react differently.  A person may need to switch between two different kinds of anti-dandruff shampoos and also wash with a regular shampoo from time to time. Check with your physician if unclear what the best method is for your skin type.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.