scurf

Dry skin scales

Scurf is the dry, flaky skin that sheds from the scalp—essentially dandruff, though the word can apply to similar flaking anywhere on the body.

By extension, scurf describes any loose, scaly matter that forms on a surface: scurf on old paint, a scurf of lichen on the rocks.

dermatology

dandruff

Flaky scalp condition

psoriasisImmune system attacks skin cells
eczemaInflammatory skin disorder
dermatitisInflammation of the skin

epidermis · cutaneous · inflammation · exfoliation · keratosis · seborrhea · scaling

scalp

dandruff

Flaky scalp condition

seborrheaOveractive oil gland disorder
flakingShedding in layers
scalinessHaving overlapping plates

folliculitis · sebaceous · hairline · itching · dryness · oiliness · ketoconazole

flakes

dandruff

Flaky scalp condition

danderMicroscopic shed skin
sheddingLosing outer covering
flakingShedding in layers

particles · debris · residue · detritus · scales · sloughing

plant

scale

Measure of relative size

crustHard outer layer
barkSharp canine vocalization
lichenSymbiotic rock dweller

coating · residue · encrustation · bract · chaff · husk

Categories

crop pestsaphids, aphid, armyworm, beetles, cutworms
scrapingsshavings, filings, parings, gratings, scrapings
surface coveringscoat, paint, covering, tiles, felt

Opposites

skin condition

scurfclear skin

Blemish-free facial surface

smooth skin · glowing skin · dewy skin

surface texture

scurfsmoothness

Freedom from irregularity

polish · luster · sleekness · glossiness · sheen

Family

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G