What causes excessive dandruff?

Sep 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Dandruff may be caused by excessive sebum secretion, high stress levels, seasonal changes, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or other factors. Regularly wash your hair to keep the scalp clean. If your scalp is particularly oily, you may wash your hair daily or every other day. When washing, apply shampoo to your hands first and lather it before applying it to your hair, avoiding direct application of unmixed shampoo which may irritate the scalp.

In general, dandruff may be caused by excessive sebum secretion, high stress levels, seasonal changes, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, please seek medical attention immediately. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive sebum secretion

When sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it easily traps dust and dead skin cells, leading to increased dandruff. Use an oil-controlling shampoo, keep the scalp clean, and regularly massage the scalp to promote blood circulation.

2. High stress levels

Chronic mental tension and anxiety can disrupt hormonal balance, indirectly increasing dandruff. Adjust lifestyle habits, ensure adequate rest, and practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.

3. Seasonal changes

In winter, low air humidity causes scalp dryness, resulting in abnormal shedding of the stratum corneum. In summer, a mixture of sweat salts and oils creates favorable conditions for microbial growth, both of which can increase dandruff. Use moisturizing shampoos in winter and wash hair frequently with lightweight, refreshing shampoos in summer to maintain appropriate scalp cleanliness and hydration.

4. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is primarily caused by poor dietary habits and microbial infections. Patients with this condition experience abnormal sebaceous gland activity; excess oil irritates the scalp, causing excessive proliferation and shedding of the stratum corneum, resulting in significant dandruff, often accompanied by symptoms such as red patches and itching on the scalp. Treatment may include medications such as vitamin B2 tablets, compound ketoconazole cream, or tacrolimus ointment, as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be triggered by genetic factors, emotional stress, and others. In affected individuals, the skin cell renewal cycle shortens, leading to rapid shedding of the stratum corneum and formation of scales, thereby increasing dandruff. Symptoms may also include red plaques and itching. Under guidance from a qualified physician, medications such as compound Qingdai capsules, Xiaoyin granules, or methotrexate tablets may be used for treatment.

Wash hair regularly to maintain scalp hygiene. For individuals with oily scalps, washing hair daily or every other day is recommended. When shampooing, first lather the shampoo in your hands before applying it to the hair, avoiding direct application of unmixed shampoo to prevent scalp irritation.

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