What causes an excessive amount of dandruff?
Nov 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, excessive dandruff may be caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, dry scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), psoriasis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely examination, identify the underlying cause, and undergo standardized treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific suggestions are as follows: eat more vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in vitamins and fiber in daily life, and consume less oily and spicy food.
Generally, the causes of excessive dandruff may include unhealthy lifestyle habits, dry scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), psoriasis, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical examination to identify the exact cause and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a professional physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Irregular sleep patterns and unhealthy dietary habits may disrupt the scalp's ecological balance, leading to excessive sebum secretion, dry scalp, or impaired scalp barrier function. This may trigger scalp inflammation and abnormal shedding of keratinocytes, resulting in dandruff. Improving sleep habits and ensuring adequate sleep can help alleviate these symptoms.
2. Dry scalp: Environmental dryness, frequent shampooing, and the use of harsh shampoos may cause scalp dryness. Abnormal keratinocyte metabolism weakens the stratum corneum, making it prone to flaking and potentially causing dandruff. Using mild shampoos and conditioners and avoiding products containing irritating chemical ingredients are recommended.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition may be related to genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and excessive sebaceous gland secretion. Excessive scalp oil secretion allows microorganisms such as Malassezia to proliferate on the scalp, potentially leading to significant dandruff. Symptoms may also include scalp itching, an oily sensation, redness, papules, and others. Treatment options include topical application of clobetasol propionate cream, betamethasone valerate cream, halometasone cream, or similar medications under a doctor's guidance.
4. Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm): This scalp condition is caused by fungal infection. The fungi proliferate on the scalp, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to abnormal shedding of keratinocytes, potentially causing dandruff. Symptoms may also include scalp itching, pustules, and hair loss. Treatments may include clotrimazole cream, ketoconazole cream, salicylic acid ointment, or other medications as directed by a physician.
5. Psoriasis: This condition may be associated with genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, pathogen infections, and other factors. Excessive proliferation and incomplete keratinization of scalp epidermal cells may lead to the formation and accumulation of scales on the scalp, causing dandruff. Treatment options include calcipotriol ointment, tacalcitol ointment, tazarotene gel, and similar medications, used under the guidance of a professional physician.
In daily life, it is advisable to consume more vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in vitamins and fiber while reducing intake of greasy and spicy foods. Avoid excessive scratching of the scalp to prevent worsening of inflammation and dandruff production.
