What causes oily hair and a white tongue coating?
In general, oily hair and a white tongue coating may be caused by puberty, improper diet, poor lifestyle habits, high stress levels, or seborrheic dermatitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Puberty
During puberty, increased levels of androgens in the body stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to oily scalp and hair. At the same time, hormonal changes may also disrupt the microbial balance in the mouth, resulting in a white tongue coating. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene, wash hair regularly, use oil-controlling shampoo, gently brush the tongue daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and keep the mouth clean.
2. Improper Diet
Long-term consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, greasy, or spicy foods can increase oil secretion in the body, negatively affecting scalp and oral health and causing the aforementioned symptoms. It is recommended to adjust dietary patterns by increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while reducing consumption of oily, sugary, and spicy foods.
3. Poor Lifestyle Habits
Unhealthy habits such as staying up late, lack of physical activity, and excessive use of electronic devices can lead to metabolic disturbances and disrupt endocrine balance, resulting in increased oily hair and a white tongue coating. It is advisable to maintain a regular sleep schedule, increase physical exercise, reduce screen time, and avoid prolonged exposure to radiation.
4. High Stress Levels
Chronic stress can disrupt the body's endocrine balance, causing abnormal sebaceous gland secretion and oily hair. Additionally, stress can negatively affect oral health, contributing to a white tongue coating. Learning stress management techniques, maintaining a positive mindset, and engaging in relaxation practices such as yoga and meditation are recommended.
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is often triggered by long-term consumption of spicy foods and staying up late. It primarily affects areas with high sebum production, such as the scalp and face. This condition leads to overactive sebaceous glands and excessive oil production, resulting in oily hair. Inflammation may also impact oral health, causing a white tongue coating, along with symptoms such as scalp itching, flaking, and redness. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as ketoconazole shampoo, roxithromycin granules, and selenium sulfide shampoo for treatment.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing greasy and spicy foods; uphold healthy lifestyle habits including regular sleep patterns, moderate exercise, and reduced electronic device usage; and practice effective stress management to maintain overall well-being.