The condition of human hair plays a huge role in shaping his appearance. But, unfortunately, our curls do not always look attractive and perfect. Sometimes the cause is dandruff. Her medical name is seborrhea.
However, dandruff is not only a cosmetic problem. Its appearance can be caused by a number of reasons, which makes it necessary to obtain professional advice from a dermatologist or trichologist. If you do not conduct timely treatment, then gradually the white flakes will turn into a dense crust. It will block the access of oxygen to the skin located in the scalp. This will lead to poor nutrition of the follicles. The result of this process is hair loss.
Pathology development
Sometimes people say that they wash their hair quite often, sometimes more than three times a week, but their hair very quickly becomes oily, ugly and dull. What is the reason for this phenomenon? And this happens because of the sebaceous glands located on the head. They begin to produce an excess in secret, which is why the hair becomes dirty and unkempt. In addition, such hair instantly attracts dust particles, and in addition, greasy dandruff begins to appear in them.
Mostly adolescents suffer from a similar problem. This is due to changes in the hormonal background, as well as with the individual characteristics of their body. For example, if a child’s type of hair could be classified as oily from birth, then the skin on his head will automatically be at risk. With excessive development of a greasy secret, a person simply does not have time to get rid of it in time. At the same time, the scalp begins to peel off. Dead cells of the epidermis appear on it. They are mixed with subcutaneous fat, which leads to the appearance of oily dandruff.
A similar problem can be not only congenital, but also acquired. Failure in the functioning of the sebaceous glands can occur at any time when exposed to some provoking factors. Among them:
- Neglect of personal hygiene. Those who often use foam, mousse or hair spray, have to wash their hair every three or even two days. It should be borne in mind that it is harmful to curls. With frequent washing, they quickly become greasy near the roots. This leads to the loss of their natural strength and brilliance. The formation of oily dandruff is also facilitated by a gentle washing off of the balm or shampoo from the hair.
- Digestive problems or malnutrition. For these reasons, oily dandruff may also occur. It is worth noting that a special treatment of pathology in this case is not required. It is enough to change your diet, increasing the number of foods in it, including vitamins B and A. These elements are many in eggs and tomatoes, legumes and liver, rice and spinach, celery and herbs. Be sure to exclude fatty meat from the menu.
- Daily stress and overwork. They also play a negative role in the formation of white flakes.
- Heredity. In those cases when one of the close relatives suffered from fat dandruff, the person has a good chance of getting this problem.
- Incorrectly selected shampoo, as well as too frequent use of a hairdryer or other hair styling devices.
The causes of oily dandruff are also:
- pathology of the kidneys and liver;
- menopause period;
- pregnancy;
- endocrine diseases;
- mental disorders;
- avitaminosis;
- gynecological ailments;
- diabetes;
- diseases of an infectious nature that have become chronic;
- adverse effects of atmospheric conditions.
All of the above factors lead to a weakening of the body's immune defense. And this, in turn, allows the development of the fungus Malassezia Furfur, leading to the formation of dandruff.
Symptoms of pathology
Detect oily dandruff (photo can be seen below) is not difficult.
For this type of seborrhea, special signs are characteristic. Among them are the following:
- Moisturizing the affected areas of the epidermis with their acquisition of oily sheen.
- Enlarged pores of the skin (on the scalp, only a qualified specialist can detect this symptom).
- Greasy hair.
- A feeling of itching of the scalp in the area of the hairline.
- The appearance of black spots on the epidermis.
- The appearance of bald spots due to loss of strands.
- The formation of whiteheads on the scalp.
Can a person himself detect these symptoms of oily dandruff? The reviews of doctors and patients say that most of these signs of pathology cannot be seen on their own. A person needs to undergo a medical examination periodically from a dermatologist or a trichologist. However, it is important not only to confirm the fact of the presence of pathology. It is also necessary to identify the cause that provoked this problem. And for this you will need to consult with:
- andrologist (for men);
- gynecologist (women);
- endocrinologist;
- neuropathologist.
If necessary, consult a psychologist. However, it is necessary to resort to it only in those cases when a person has noticed some changes in behavior.
Pathology classification
Fat dandruff (photo below) has two forms:
These are different varieties of the same disease, differing among themselves by the density of sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, as well as its chemical composition.
If oleic acid is present in significant amounts in secret, liquefaction of fat occurs. Thus, liquid seborrhea occurs. Its main features are:
- a more pronounced shine of hair that seems moist;
- enlarged pores of the scalp, increasingly visible to the naked eye;
- very sticky flakes of scaly epithelium.
A thick type of oily seborrhea is characterized by the presence of a large amount of stearic acid in the composition of the sebaceous secretion. This is the main difference between the two forms of the disease discussed above.
It is worth noting that fatty flakes can be seen not only on the scalp. In men, a mustache, beard and pubis are susceptible to this disease. The essence of the treatment of the disease will not depend on the location of the lesion.
The consequences of pathology
The appearance of white flakes and the loss of curls are not the worst complications that can appear in a person who has closed his eyes to the problem that has arisen. In the absence of treatment for oily dandruff, the following unpleasant consequences are possible:
- The emergence of boils.
- Inflammation of the follicles.
- The development of pyoderma.
- The manifestation of allergic rashes, which are called seborrheaids.
- The appearance of bald spots.
- Rash of juvenile acne.
- Seborrheic eczema.
- The formation of painful pustules on the scalp and the formation of rosacea.
- The appearance of senile warts near the scalp (in old age).
Treatment regimen
How to deal with fat dandruff? For this, doctors use the following methods:
- elimination of pathologies that contribute to the weakening of the body;
- hormone therapy (in case of severe course of oily seborrhea);
- recommendations for taking antimycotic systemic drugs;
- the appointment of vitamins C or E, B or A, necessary for the hair, as well as medications for seborrhea, which contain sulfur and zinc;
- physiotherapy, including massage and mesotherapy, cryotherapy, ozone therapy, ultraviolet radiation, herbal medicine.
Diseased skin areas can be treated using sulfur powder, a solution of soda, a mixture with ichthyol. How to treat oily dandruff? Doctors recommend over the course of a month to treat the scalp with a 60% sodium thiosulfate solution. Sulsen paste or salicylic acid solution (2%) are effective against dandruff. An alcohol solution from naphthalan oil is also recommended. During the course of treatment with drugs, the patient should be observed by a dermatologist.
How to treat oily dandruff? To quickly get rid of pathology, doctors recommend with all responsibility to approach the revision of their lifestyle. The patient is recommended to temper the body, walk more, engage in physical exercises. In addition, you will need to change the skin and hair care products that the patient used before the problem was discovered. After all, there is a likelihood that they provoked an allergic reaction to the skin.
Shampoo Selection
If there is a problem of oily dandruff, what to do in this case? In order to eliminate grease for a short period, you can use dry shampoo. And what to do in a situation where dandruff has already become visible on the head, and hanging on it in whole pieces and flakes? One cannot do without complex treatment. And even with the suppression of the external manifestations of seborrhea, it will then return again and again.
Choosing the right shampoo for oily dandruff is an essential element in the treatment of this skin disease. For shampooing, it is best to select it with such characteristics that will provide a comprehensive effect on the hair and skin. The best shampoo for oily dandruff will be the one that will correct the imbalance that has arisen. If seborrhea is noted in a mild form, then such a tool will provide sufficient treatment for the pathology. It will not only relieve dandruff, but also stop baldness, preventing the further development of the disease.
Manufacturers offer various shampoos from oily seborrhea. When choosing the most suitable means for yourself, you must:
- Pay attention to the type of skin and hair specified by the manufacturer. The considered type of seborrhea is eliminated by shampoo for oily hair, which has drying properties.
- Treatment for oily dandruff shampoo is best obtained in pharmacies. This will guarantee the purchase of an effective product containing in its composition a complex of elements with a comprehensive healing effect.
- Pre-read the reviews about the selected tool from those people who have already used it. You should also make sure the pharmacist that the shampoo is suitable specifically for the type of human hair. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist first.
Sebopyrox
All shampoos in pharmacies designed to get rid of oily dandruff are sold without prescription. However, judging by the user reviews, they must be used carefully, adhering to all points of the instructions attached to them.
Among the many treatments for oily dandruff, Sebopyrox shampoo is quite popular. Its effectiveness is also confirmed by numerous user reviews. The main active ingredient here is octopyrox. This is an antifungal substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Additional components of the product are sodium chloride, citric acid, as well as medical tar. All of them contribute to the elimination of dandruff by controlling the functioning of the sebaceous glands and gently exfoliating the epidermis flakes. In addition, the additional components of the shampoo have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Shampoo can be used by both adults and children after 2 years, as well as pregnant and lactating women. The remedy is contraindicated only in case of individual sensitivity to one of its components.
Mycosoral
This pharmacy is also intended to eliminate oily seborrhea. This shampoo is an analogue of Nizoral, which has a lower cost. The active substance in this tool is ketoconazole. The concentration of this component is only 2%. However, this amount is enough to have a beneficial effect on the health of the hair. And this is confirmed by numerous user reviews.
Shampoo is distinguished by fungicidal as well as mycostatic effect. It destroys the shell of the cells of the fungus, which leads to the death of existing colonies, and also prevents the spread of new ones.
Contraindications to the use of the drug are: pregnancy and lactation, as well as individual intolerance to the elements that make up its composition. The manufacturer warns about possible side effects. So, after applying the shampoo, dryness or increased oily hair, hair loss or inflammation, burning, itching or peeling of the skin may occur. In case of manifestation of at least one of these conditions, the use of shampoo should be discontinued, seeking the advice of a doctor about further treatment.
Ducre Squanorm
The active substance of this tool is the antifungal component pyrocton olamine. In addition to it, Ducre Squanorm oily dandruff shampoo contains additional components in its recipe, which are sabal palm extract and hyanidin glycolate. These substances do not allow the formation of skin flakes and regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands. In the formulation of the drug is also bisabolol. It eliminates itching and foci of inflammation in the affected areas of the skin.
Cosmetic products
In addition to medicated dandruff shampoos, some non-medications are considered quite effective. Most of them are confirmed by clinical trials. In addition, reviews from numerous users prove the effectiveness of their use.
An example of this is Kloarne Shampoo. In its composition is an extract of myrtle, superbly combating fungus. Enhances the effect of this medicinal plant zinc pyrithione, which also activates the exfoliation and removal of dandruff. The formula in the recipe for this shampoo was developed to minimize the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
Medications
Getting rid of liquid or thick seborrhea is quite difficult. Sometimes a prerequisite for recovery will be the use of drugs that are prescribed by a specialist. It can be such means as Bellaspon and Belloid. Hormone therapy and calcium preparations are also used.
If the first signs of oily dandruff are detected, immediately block the further development of pathology. At the initial stage of the disease, the use of Bifon lotion is especially effective. They should treat the scalp with a frequency of 2 or 3 times during the week. No less useful is the Soderm ointment. With the same frequency, it is rubbed into the scalp. It is suitable for daily use. The frequency of the procedure is selected individually depending on the severity of the disease.
With the problem of oily dandruff, drugs that correct the sebaceous secretion are very successful in fighting. These are sulfur-containing ointments that reduce the risk of inflammation.
Judging by the reviews of users and doctors, the Arbum drug is quite effective. Its reception leads to the suppression of the process of inflammation of the glands and a decrease in the accumulation of fat in them. The product contains zinc.
Medicinal antifungal agents for topical use have also proven themselves positively. One of them is the drug “Clotrimazole”.
Folk methods
In order to eliminate oily seborrhea, it is necessary to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, regularly removing excess secretions. But it is very important not to dry the hair and scalp. In this case, any compress or mask for oily dandruff, created on the basis of vegetables, fruits or citrus fruits, can be used. With this pathology, the use of vegetable oils and eggs is not recommended. Instead, vodka or an alcohol solution may be added to the mask or compress. We will get acquainted with the most popular and proven recipes that receive a lot of positive reviews:
- Compress with vinegar and nettle. To prepare this remedy, you need to take one glass of decoction of the plant and pour one and a half tablespoons of vinegar (apple) into it. It is necessary to grease the head with the obtained product, wrapping it after a piece of polyethylene and a towel. With such a compress should be like 2 or 3 hours. After that, the hair is washed with clean water.
- Garlic. This tool is better to use when you do not need to often go out to people. After all, as you know, this vegetable has a pungent odor, which not everyone likes. A slurry is prepared from several of its cloves by passing them through a press. The resulting product is rubbed into the head and put on a cap of polyethylene. Wash off the mask after half an hour with shampoo. To eliminate the smell of garlic, it is recommended to rinse your hair with lemon water.
- Beetroot mask. This root crop is inexpensive and, moreover, is available throughout the year. However, blondes with a mask made from it should be careful. Beet juice is able to color their hair, giving them a reddish tint. As for brunettes, they can safely rub into the head 2 or 3 times a week. The course of treatment should be 28 days.
Folk remedies for oily dandruff are the most diverse natural dyes - basma, henna, tea leaves, as well as a decoction of nutshells. It is recommended to apply them to those who do not mind slightly changing the shade of their curls. In addition, it is recommended to rinse the hair with a freshly prepared decoction of herbs after washing them. For this, chamomile and St. John's wort, sage, tansy or thyme are suitable.
What else does traditional medicine recommend? A very effective procedure is to lubricate the scalp with onion juice. Apply this vegetable in the same way as garlic. Well, if you do not want a sharp smell to come from your hair, it is recommended to lubricate the scalp with aloe juice twice a week, which also regulates the secretion.
Prevention
How to prevent the spread of the disease? For this, prophylactic measures should be applied that help to reduce even a genetically predisposed predisposition to seborrhea. So, washing your hair should be done no more than 3 times during the week, using detergents created on the basis of natural ingredients. They should contain substances such as zinc, salicylic acid or tar.
Carrots will help prevent the occurrence of seborrhea. This vegetable contains a large amount of vitamin A. So, carrots must be present in the daily diet.
The scalp must breathe. That is why hats or wigs should not be worn indoors. And on the street they are needed only at low temperatures or active sun. Healthy sleep and sports will help improve the condition of curls.
Compliance with preventive measures along with a diet and an active lifestyle will greatly alleviate a person’s condition when oily seborrhea occurs, and also accelerate recovery.