WHAT IS IT?
Oily dandruff is a scalp condition characterized by flaking of the skin caused by excessive oil production, which can lead to the formation of yellowish, oily dandruff plaques that come off the scalp. It is usually accompanied by some itching and a feeling of discomfort in the scalp.
This is a condition that affects around 50% of the adult population worldwide.
What
Causes it?
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Excessive oil production
Oily dandruff can be caused by an increased sebum production by the scalp’s sebaceous glands. This excess sebum can lead to an accumulation of impurities and consequent imbalance and skin peeling.
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hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or menopause can trigger the onset of oily dandruff. The increase or imbalance of hormone levels can lead to increased oil production and, consequently, the appearance of the yellowish flakes that define oily dandruff.
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Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) is a common desquamative erythema dermatosis, normally confined to the cutaneous areas of high sebaceous production, such as the scalp. Symptoms develop gradually and present themselves in the form of dry flakes – oily husks.
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Fungal colonization by Malassezia
This is a fungus naturally present on the scalp, but in some cases it can overgrow and cause irritation, inflammation and flaking of the skin, resulting in oily dandruff.
NOT ALL DANDRUFF
IS OILY
Flaking of the scalp is not always an obvious sign of oily dandruff: there are actually two types of desquamative erythema flaking: oily dandruff and dry dandruff, with the appearance of flakes being a common symptom in both types of dandruff. When the flakes are more whitish, light, thin, dry and fall on the shoulders, we talk about dry dandruff.
On the other hand, when the scales are thicker, have a yellowish hue, adhere to the scalp and usually are accompanied by itching, we speak of oily dandruff.
If the flaking and irritation persist for a long period of time, it is essential to consult a dermatologist.
what
should you do?
-
1.
Wash your hair more often , in order to remove excess oil. Washing must be done with a suitable shampoo, containing active ingredients such as panthenol and amino acids, as these will not only contribute to an effective and purifying scalp cleansing, but also to the relief of scalp irritation. -
2.
Avoid using heavy hair products, such as conditioners, creams and styling sprays. Go for light and oil-free products that do not clog the scalp pores and hair fibres. -
3.
Keep a balanced and healthy diet, rich in nutrients such as zinc, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help strengthen both hair and scalp, in addition to promoting a normal oil production by the sebaceous glands.
