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Oily dandruff
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Dandruff can be dry or oily. Oily dandruff is a clumped yellowish flakes that do not fall off, but remain on the hair for a long time. The main factor causing the formation of oily dandruff is the level of activity of the glands that produce sebum. When and why this activity begins to exceed the norm? [1]
Causes of the oily dandruff
Medical professionals refer to oily dandruff as seborrhea. Although some authors distinguish these concepts. The main cause is called conditionally pathogenic fungus, which in a dormant state is present in every person. Under favorable conditions, the fungus is activated, and in the process of disease development, individual dead particles are combined into clumps. We see them visually and call them dandruff.
- The cause of dandruff is overactive sebaceous glands. It can vary in different periods of life, but most often manifests itself in adolescents at puberty and at this time is considered normal.
In women, this can be caused by pregnancy, which is characterized by a change in hormonal background. Some diseases, changes in dietary habits or daily routine can also provoke a malfunction. The reasons include lack of personal hygiene, and stress, and mismatch care cosmetics to the type of skin and hair. Provoke dandruff can also abuse hair dryer, digestive problems, avitaminosis, bad habits, genetic predisposition.
Dandruff often appears in winter as a result of temperature changes. The roots become shiny from excess fat, and the ends become dry and brittle. If the problem is not solved, the hair not only looks unattractive, as if unwashed, but can smell bad and break. The condition of the scalp deteriorates, and then the hair begins to fall out.
Only a specialist can diagnose and determine the cause - with the help of microscopic examination, hormone tests, spectral analysis of hair. A dermatologist or trichologist examines the condition of the skin and hair, identifies inflammation and damage, if present. Although the causes have not been fully identified, the problem must be addressed urgently, as soon as it is detected. [2]
Risk factors
Neither dry nor oily dandruff is life-threatening, but it can significantly damage the image of any person. After all, hair covered with white flakes, and sometimes clothes - not the picture that is characterized by aesthetics and makes a person confident. By learning to control dandruff, it is possible to minimize the risk factors.
- The problem is not as negligible as it may seem at first glance, and is not limited to individual troubles. According to the Internet, more than a third of the civilized population struggles with dry dandruff.
It is said about dandruff that there are many causes, which actually means that the topic is not deeply researched. And without establishing and eliminating the cause, it is impossible to get rid of dandruff immediately and permanently. And if everyone is able to diagnose the presence of the problem himself, the causes are not so simple.
A wide variety of patient populations are at risk:
- with a genetic predisposition;
- for hormonal imbalances;
- after infections, chronic diseases, taking certain pharmaceuticals;
- with poor diet and metabolic disorders;
- with constant stress, prolonged depression;
- with sedentary lifestyle, abuse of unhealthy foods and habits;
- If you do not properly care for your head or use poor quality cosmetics.
Increase the risks of acne, alcoholism, epilepsy, psoriasis, Parkinson's disease, rosacea, vascular pathologies, nutritional errors. [3]
Pathogenesis
Normally, sebaceous glands, the number of which reaches several hundred on each centimeter of skin, should soften, moisturize and protect the skin and hair from pathogens. If there is a failure of the system and the oiliness increases dramatically, there is a risk of oily dandruff.
Briefly, the pathogenesis is as follows: dandruff is keratinized skin elements, it is formed due to increased activity of sebaceous glands. In such an environment, fungus actively multiplies, and it provokes itching and flaking of the skin.
- In this situation, the skin cells do not get enough oxygen because excess sebum clogs the pores and prevents them from breathing.
The keratinized flakes stick one to another and cover the hair in the form of yellowish clusters. After a while, the hair begins to break and fall out. This is the clinical picture of oily dandruff, referred to by the medical term seborrhea.
Both dry and oily variants develop with a sharp increase in the mass of yeast-like fungi. To maintain their vital activity, these microorganisms use exactly sebum - the secretions of sebaceous glands. The barrier function of the skin is weakened, which contributes to the active reproduction of fungus. The symptoms characteristic of dandruff become visible, and visually they can be difficult to confuse with something. [4]
Symptoms of the oily dandruff
During puberty, about 20% of adolescents suffer from oily dandruff. In addition, the problem can be caused by pathologies of internal organs and improper nutrition. [5]
Signs of dandruff are obvious, they are visible to the naked eye. Specialists distinguish between thick and liquid forms of seborrhea. Symptoms of the thick form:
- dilated glandular orifices;
- shiny, stiff hair;
- thickened, dirty scalp;
- the formation of comedones;
- in the neglected state - glandular cysts with curd-like contents.
Without proper interventions, the thick form can provoke pustular inflammation, furunculosis, acne.
Symptomatology of the liquid form of dandruff:
- glossy, orange peel-like skin;
- glued together shiny strands;
- a scattering of white scales;
- scabies and hair loss.
As in the first case, untreated seborrhea can cause purulent formations, and in some cases, pigmentation.
In severe cases, the hair becomes glued, abundantly covered with dandruff and falls out. The patient should consult a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe effective drugs to eliminate the problem by visual inspection and tests.
Oily dandruff is more common in women than in men. It can be thick or liquid. You can identify it yourself. With thick skin changes color: it becomes grayish, and to the touch less elastic. The hair is stiff, unpleasantly shiny with grease. Flakes are few, in the form of large yellowish scales. The hair gets dirty during the day, glues at the roots, becomes heavy. Sebaceous gland cysts, irritations, acne or blackheads may occur.
One of the first signs of the liquid form is crunching; the hair looks as if it has been bathed in vegetable oil. The scalp is sprinkled with scales, the enlarged pores are clogged. This condition leads to impaired nutrition of the hair, and in time - to baldness of the head.
- Ideally, if white clusters appear, the patient should see a dermatologist, and if possible, a more specialized specialist, a trichologist. Through examination, history and examination, the doctor determines the cause and prescribes treatment.
Dandruff can only be cured with a comprehensive approach. Pharmaceuticals should be combined with competent care of hair and skin, dietary correction, if necessary - a change in lifestyle. Beautiful and well-groomed hair does not happen in people who are addicted to alcohol and smoking. [6]
Complications and consequences
Normally, the epithelial cells of the scalp are renewed every three to four weeks. In case of metabolic disorders and sebaceous gland dysfunction, this process is accelerated many times over; dead cells flake off en masse and fall off. This is how oily dandruff is formed, which can be liquid and thick.
- This is not only a cosmetic defect that spoils the appearance and image in general.
There is a correlation between the thickness of hair and its oiliness. The fact is that each hair has its own sebaceous gland. Therefore, the more glands, the more abundant their secretion. And thick hair is also in closer contact with each other than sparse hair.
- If the problem is ignored, dandruff leads to unpleasant consequences and complications - pustules and boils, leaving scars. In particularly difficult situations, baldness can begin. Medical professionals call this diagnosis seborrheic alopecia.
In the presence of thick dandruff, a viscous fat is released. Exhaust ducts are clogged with sloughed cells and comedones are formed in these points. Also may appear gland cysts, layered secondary infection of bacterial origin. The skin changes color to gray-brown, the hair becomes stiff to the touch.
- When it is liquid, a lot of fat "leaks" out of the mouth, making the skin and hair shiny in not at all the best sense of the word.
Complications are also possible during treatment, such as an allergic reaction to shampoos, ointments or physical treatments. If dandruff bothers you periodically, the preparations should be changed because of habituation and ineffectiveness. [7]
Diagnostics of the oily dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis is accompanied by inflammation of the skin and buildup of epidermal cell layers on the scalp. White flakes or clumps are clearly visible on the hair, and sometimes on clothing - and the patient and outsiders. Qualified diagnosis is carried out by medical professionals - dermatologists or trichologists. An important component of diagnosis is hormone testing. Specialists also believe that the predisposition to dandruff is genetic.
- Sometimes dandruff can be a symptom of other skin conditions. The doctor will take a history and may need a scraping and microscopic analysis. In some cases, a biopsy is required to clarify the picture.
Treatment of oily dandruff depends on the cause and includes both systemic and topical methods. If the hormonal balance is disturbed, drugs are needed to normalize it. With reduced immunity or the presence of diseases recommended immunomodulators, vitamin and mineral complexes. Treatment is selected individually. As a rule, prescribe hormonal agents, ointments to correct the secretion of fat, antimycotic drugs to destroy fungi.
The risk of occurrence and recurrence of oily dandruff can be significantly reduced if you take effective prevention in time. In particular, use cleansing shampoos with zinc, tar, salicylic acid, wash the head no more than three times a week. Take into account that aggressive cosmetic components can activate the growth of fungus and the development of the pathological process.
Differential diagnosis
It would seem that oily dandruff cannot be confused with anything, it can be diagnosed by visual inspection. Most people rely on themselves and start self-treatment with cosmetic or folk remedies.
However, peeling and sloughing of the epidermis can signal other diseases. And if you have doubts, are determined and decided to go to the clinic, a competent specialist will prescribe differential diagnosis. It is designed to exclude the following pathologies:
- psoriasis;
- eczema;
- atopic dermatitis;
- papillary rash;
- sunburn;
- allergic reaction.
Having understood the diagnosis and the origin of oily flakes, you can proceed to the choice of treatment methods, in particular, special therapeutic shampoos. Their task is to fight fungi and other microorganisms, remove excess fat, slough off dead cells and restore the structure of the strands. If you choose the wrong shampoo, then the miracle drug for other patients will be ineffective in our case.
Usually, you should apply remedies against oily dandruff twice a week, for one or two months. At the same time, vitamins, diet, rest, and scalp massage are indicated.
Treatment of the oily dandruff
Treat oily dandruff with folk or medical remedies. When choosing a cosmetic product should be guided by active ingredients that act against fungi and inflammation. High-quality preparations can provide effective treatment and prevention.
- The most common components in cosmetology of this type are pyrithione, ketoconazole, cyclopyroxolamine. They eliminate fungi and their consequences, relieve inflammation, help restore the health of hair and skin.
Anti-dandruff shampoos are produced by many companies. In particular, Clear offers several product options: Activsport, for colored hair, products for men. Head&Shoulders produces a universal product to fight dandruff, baldness, hair breakage, as well as a series of antidandruff products - for fine hair, for men, for freshness.
If the shampoo is not effective enough, you have to use special ointments. The most effective are sulfur ointments, sulsen ointments, sulfur-salicylic ointments and pastes.
- 10% sulfur ointment peels off and washes away the scales.
- Paste "Sulsena" has antiseptic properties and protects against pathogens.
- Sulfur-salicylic paste 5% is used in combination with shampoo: it is rubbed into the head 3 hours before washing.
Folk methods of treatment include the use of various masks and plant juices. They use common products and medicinal plants: eggs, kefir, onions, vodka, lemon, nettle, calendula.
However, self-treatment is not always effective. Only a doctor is able to determine the type and causes of dandruff, and after diagnosis prescribe systemic and topical treatment. [8]
Remedies for oily dandruff
The classic remedy for oily dandruff is "Sulsena". It is produced in the form of shampoo and paste. These are therapeutic and prophylactic preparations of prolonged action to reduce sebum secretion, itching and dandruff. If used in combination, the shampoo is responsible for cleansing, and the paste - for active care and combating dandruff.
- Paste "Sulsena" has disinfectant and disinfectant properties. The active ingredient is selenium disulfide. It strengthens roots, increases tone, protects bulbs. 1% paste is used for prevention, 2% - for treatment.
The eponymous shampoo effectively eliminates the causes of oily dandruff, removes it and normalizes the fat secretion on the head. It eliminates irritation and leaves hair clean and healthy.
Ukrainian manufacturer "Farmakom" offers "Sebopyrox" 911. The shampoo has sebostatic action, suppresses fungus, sloughs and washes away keratinized cells. Instructions for use - standard for shampoos: apply to wet hair, foam, hold for about 10 minutes, rinse with water. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
The popular series "Horse Power" produces a shampoo with ketoconazole. It is created according to a special formula and is suitable for all types of hair. With regular washing of the hair destroys not only dandruff, but also its causes. Provides prevention of recurrence of dandruff. It is applied as standard.
Polish therapeutic shampoo for seborrheic scalp Pharmaceris normalizes excessive oiliness, eliminates dandruff, prevents from brittleness and hair loss. The product is applied to wet hair, foamed for one to two minutes and rinsed out. In case of accidental contact with eyes, rinse them thoroughly with running water.
For maximum effect, all remedies should be used according to the instructions. It is important to remember that some of them are dispensed with a doctor's prescription.
Therapeutic shampoos for oily dandruff
The choice of shampoo for oily dandruff is an important point of therapy. It is an individualized procedure, because with the same diagnoses, different people may need different products.
Therapeutic shampoos for oily dandruff should be used according to the instructions. They contain active ingredients that destroy the fungus and reduce the intensity of flaking.
- Shampoos with zinc pyrithione act directly on the fungus, reducing its number and activity.
- The tar remedies reduce the rate of dandruff and flaking cells. The tar treats, among other things, seborrheic dermatitis.
- Shampoos containing selenium sulfide inhibit the renewal of epidermal cells, eliminate fungal lesions. Its peculiarity is discoloration of hair. If it is undesirable, the shampoo should be thoroughly washed off.
- Salicylic acid in the composition of shampoos is effective against the oily form of dandruff, because it dries the skin. To compensate for the dryness of the epidermis, the product is used together with a conditioner.
- Guaranteed results are promised by cosmetic products that include ketoconazole in their formulas. It is considered a hyperactive antimycotic component that permanently gets rid of dandruff and related symptoms.
If the selected shampoo has no effect, it is necessary to look for alternative means and ways of treatment. Ointments, folk remedies, natural masks may be useful.
Vichy Dercos Dandruff Shampoo for oily hair
Among cosmetics for oily dandruff, Vichy products stand out. The brand offers a whole series of therapeutic anti-dandruff shampoos for all types of hair: dry, oily, normal. French shampoo Vichy dercos from dandruff for oily hair is seboregulating and restoring the balance of the scalp.
- The Seboregulating Complex consists of four balanced ingredients that can regulate oiliness and limit the spread of dandruff along the scalp.
Thanks to the shampoo, the hair gains volume, becomes light and manageable. The product is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic.
- Vichy Dry Hair Treatment is for men and women who have itchy scalps and dandruff.
The course of application is 4 weeks. Regular washing with the shampoo removes all visible dandruff, and the effect lasts for a month and a half.
Thanks to selenium disulfide, the key component of the shampoo, the natural microbiome (i.e. Microbial strains that are present on the skin) is preserved. The product effectively cleans and refreshes hair and skin surface, gives instant effect, soothes itching.
Ducray Squanorm Shampoo for oily dandruff
It is impossible to cure oily dandruff without proper care of the skin and scalp. Detergent and therapeutic components of shampoos gently remove the scales from the skin, and with regular use eliminate the cause of their formation. Shampoo ducray squanorm from oily dandruff among its peers has a number of advantages:
- reduces irritation;
- normalizes the production of fat;
- optimizes the sloughing of dead cells;
- eliminates the fungus;
- stops the redness and the clotting.
Shampoo from the French manufacturer Ducrot is used for all hair types as any ordinary product. It is applied to the hair, massaged, rinsed out. When washing again, you need to keep the foam for three minutes on the hair. The treatment course lasts 6 weeks (with twice weekly application). During this time, the shampoo will get rid of dandruff and for a long time will save from its recurrence.
Active ingredients of the product:
- Kertiol - soothes, eliminates irritation and itching;
- Salicylic acid - acts as an anti-inflammatory, antimycotic agent, exfoliates and washes away dandruff from the skin and hair;
- dry extract of sabal palm - revitalizes, strengthens roots, stimulates hair growth.
The shampoo is effective regardless of the cause of white clumps. After washing, the strands become well-groomed and healthy along the entire length, acquire a beautiful shine, softness and lushness.
Masks for oily dandruff
Because the sebaceous glands work too actively, the skin becomes covered with an oily film, the pores stop allowing oxygen to pass through, and itching begins. Horny particles stick to each other and form clusters that visually resemble white flakes. This is oily dandruff, which is to be treated with medication and proper care.
- Masks for oily dandruff are one of the ways of treatment and care. Most people prefer home remedies made from natural ingredients, but you can also buy drugstore products, such as turpentine oil.
Various plants and food products are used for masks: lemon, calendula, onion, honey, mayonnaise, aloe, nettle, vegetables, fruits, fermented milk products, healing herbs. The advantages of home cosmetics - naturalness, freshness of ingredients, the ability to make their own preparations according to a proven recipe.
- Homemade mask recipe:
Take equal parts of honey, mayonnaise, lemon and aloe juice, castor oil, rub 2 cloves of garlic. Mix everything and rub it into the roots. Keep the mask for 45 minutes under a cap to keep it warm. Then wash your hair with warm water and shampoo.
Fruit and vegetable remedies have a good effect: from pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber, strawberries, currants, apple peel. From them make a porridge or squeeze out the juice and apply to the scalp. Soaking time - 30 minutes with 1-2 times a week. Gradually dandruff disappears, greasiness normalizes.
Physiotherapy treatment
Of the methods of physiotherapeutic treatment in clinics are widely used Darsonvalization and cryomassage with liquid nitrogen. Special equipment is used for this purpose.
High-frequency Darsonval currents act with pulsed sinusoidal jolts at low voltage and current strength. For the procedure, a comb vacuum electrode is used: it is used to gently comb the hair affected by oily dandruff. In this way, irritation of the skin is achieved, which reflexively stimulates blood circulation, metabolism and vascular tone.
- The device has a resorbing, cauterizing, anti-inflammatory, disinfecting effect. The procedure is used as a course, in parallel with shampoos and other remedies for dandruff.
The essence of cryomassage of the scalp is that the cold causes contraction and then a sharp expansion of blood vessels. Due to this, there is an increased blood flow to the sites of action, improving the nutrition of the bulbs, normalizing the secretion of fat. Therefore, the therapeutic agents used after cryomassage are much more effective.
Clinics offer comprehensive treatment. In particular, they use new techniques for drying, cleansing, and revitalizing the scalp. For example, ozone therapy, microinjections of vitamins, ultraviolet rays, laser procedures.
Herbal treatment
Traditional medicine successfully copes with many problems, including oily dandruff. However, sometimes the effect does not come immediately: it requires persistence and patience to achieve results. However, treatment with herbs has at least two advantages: financial, as well as the fact that natural remedies are safe and harmless.
- In practice, for therapeutic rinses use decoctions, oils and tinctures of useful parts of herbs: leaves, rhizomes, flowers.
Herbs normalize the water balance, soothe irritation, strengthen hair follicles, for a while suspend the reproduction of pathogenic fungus. Before using the healing power of plants, it is necessary to establish the cause of flakes, as well as exclude infectious skin diseases. You should also consider the nature of dandruff, because different plants help with dry and oily forms.
- Recipes of useful remedies are similar in the method of preparation.
- 1 tbsp. Nettle leaves pour a glass of boiling water, insist for a day, filter. Infusion rubbed at night 2 times a week at least 2 months, without rinsing the hair.
- For a glass of water take 2 tablespoons of crushed burdock root, cook for about 10 minutes. After cooling rub into the skin twice a week.
- Infusion of linden flowers rinse shampooed braids. Real for rinsing prepare more than for rubbing, about 1 liter, so that the rinsing was qualitative. Linden gives shade, so it is better to use it on dark hair.
Prevention
Like any disease, preventing oily dandruff is easier than getting rid of it. To do this, the first thing to do is to identify the cause, if necessary with the help of a doctor and the tests prescribed by him. Prevention is usually discussed after treatment to avoid recurrence. If all the precautions do not work, it is necessary to start treatment.
Preventive measures should be comprehensive, starting with a healthy lifestyle and ending with quality hair care. Many products to combat dandruff have preventive properties at the same time. Hair should be washed two to three times a week, without over-drying and leaving it dirty. Quality preventative shampoos:
- Mirolla Sulsen forte;
- Healer's Dandruff Prevention;
- Wellreal;
- Perhotinet;
- Jason Natural Dandruff.
Budget versions of such products represent "Nizoral", "Keto-plus", "911", "Sebozol", "Mycosoral".
A proper diet should include vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy hair and dermis. Alcohol, smoking, fatty and spicy foods should be avoided. Flour sweets are also not good for the hair. It is better to replace them with natural fermented milk products, nuts, fruits.
To prevent dandruff, use hair dryers, blow dryers and other hairdressing devices less often. Combs and other accessories should be made of natural materials and should be replaced with clean ones when dirty.
Active rest, moderate physical activity not only relieves stress, but also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. Headgear is undesirable indoors and outdoors, unless cold or heat bothers you.
Forecast
Usually, oily dandruff is normal to treat. White placers can disappear with independent actions, without the intervention of medicine. The prognosis is favorable; it depends on the cause, the degree of neglect of the problem, hygiene habits, competent choice of antidandruff remedies and techniques. The effectiveness of their effect increases if the patient is ready to revise the diet and lifestyle, give up harmful products and habits.
To get rid of oily dandruff, which is a real bane for many people, requires a little money, but enough effort and patience. Procedures are applied in a course, starting with washing with the famous paste "Sulsena" and ending with salon techniques involving special equipment. In addition to procedures, it is necessary to pay attention to diet, unhealthy habits and other actions that provoke dandruff. A comprehensive approach guarantees getting rid of unpleasant symptoms, full recovery of skin and hair.