Why is there so much dandruff?

Excessive dandruff may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or seborrheic alopecia. Specific details are as follows:

I. Physiological Causes

If a person frequently consumes spicy or greasy foods, or uses hot water or alkaline shampoos, scalp oil secretion may increase, irritating the area and leading to excessive dandruff. Usually, no special treatment is required. It's recommended to wash the scalp with lukewarm water and avoid using shampoo daily.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

This condition is typically caused by excess sebum that remains on the skin for prolonged periods, leading to changes in epidermal function. It may result in overproduction of scalp oil and excessive dandruff. Treatment may include topical application of medications such as compound acetic acid dexamethasone cream or triamcinolone acetonide and econazole nitrate cream, under a doctor’s guidance.

2. Seborrheic Alopecia

This is usually triggered by inflammation around hair follicles, dietary habits, or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The scalp environment becomes unbalanced, becoming overly oily. This oil can mix with dust, increasing irritation to the scalp and potentially causing excessive dandruff. Under medical supervision, treatments may include vitamin AD drops or topical application of terbinafine hydrochloride cream.

In addition to the above causes, psoriasis could also be responsible. If any discomfort occurs, patients should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital. It's important to maintain a light diet and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.