How to Address Excessive Scalp Oil

Jun 08, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
First, if excessive scalp oiliness is present, topical medicated shampoos, dietary modifications, and adjustments to lifestyle and sleep patterns may be helpful. In cases of severe seborrhea, oral medications may be considered. For topical treatment, sulfur-containing shampoos are an option. When adjusting your diet, avoid consuming excessive amounts of sweets. Additionally, fried foods significantly exacerbate scalp oiliness.

Some men and women experience excessively oily hair in daily life, requiring frequent shampooing—often multiple times per day—which can cause inconvenience and distress.

How to Address Excessively Oily Scalp

First, if scalp oiliness is excessive, topical treatments (e.g., medicated shampoos), dietary modifications, and adjustments to lifestyle and sleep patterns may help. In cases of severe seborrhea, oral medications may be considered. For topical therapy, sulfur-containing shampoos are a suitable option. When adjusting your diet, avoid excessive intake of sweets. Additionally, fried foods, strong tea, coffee, and spicy or otherwise irritating foods can significantly exacerbate scalp oil production.

Moreover, oily scalp may also result from irregular lifestyle habits and chronic sleep deprivation, which stimulate overactivity of the sebaceous glands and lead to excessive sebum secretion. If scalp oiliness persists despite dietary and lifestyle modifications, oral sebum-suppressing medications may be considered. Commonly prescribed agents include retinoids—such as isotretinoin soft capsules—which effectively inhibit sebaceous gland activity. However, these medications carry potential side effects and must only be used under strict medical supervision.

The above medications are provided for informational purposes only. Specific drug selection and usage must be determined and supervised by a qualified physician. Furthermore, individuals experiencing symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation at a healthcare facility and follow their physician’s recommendations for appropriate management. We hope this information proves helpful!