I have had this too - for many years now! It is not dandruff...they are actual scabs, all over my scalp. Fortunately, I have a full head of thick hair, but unfortunately, I am a picker. Even when I leave them alone, they just appear everywhere. Could it be anything to do with my vegetarian diet? I dont have this problem on any other part of my body, although for the past three years, I have been getting flakes and scabs in my ears and on the back of my neck too. I sympathise with you jonflair! Nobody seems to have an answer as to what this is!