Appeared dandruff causes and treatment. Why dandruff appears on the head and how to get rid of it. Hormonal imbalance

24.09.2019

Interesting Facts

According to statistics, dandruff is most often observed in young people from 14 to 25 years old.
In 1874, the French anatomist and histologist Louis Charles Malasse, using a microscope, discovered an unknown fungus in dandruff. This discovery made it possible to identify one of the causes of dandruff.
90% of people with seborrhea and dandruff also have gastrointestinal problems ( gastrointestinal tract).
According to statistics, every second person has problems with dandruff at least once in their life.

The structure of the skin and skin appendages

The skin serves as a barrier between the environment and the human body.

The main functions of the skin are:

thermoregulation (heat is consumed and released);
protective (protects the body from chemical and mechanical influences);
excretory (secretes sebum, water and decay products);
immune (T-lymphocytes and Langerhans cells fight infection in the skin);
respiratory (the skin absorbs oxygen and emits carbon dioxide);
resorptive (the skin is able to absorb various medicines and cosmetics).

The skin consists of the following layers:

epidermis;
dermis;
hypodermis ( subcutaneous fat).

Epidermis

The epidermis is the superficial layer of the skin, in which there is a continuous multiplication of new cells and keratinization of old ones.

The epidermis contains the following types of cells:

keratinocytes- produce keratin;
Langerhans cells- macrophages that perform a protective function;
melanocytes- produce melanin;
Merkel cells- tactile cells.

Description of the layers of the epidermis

Layer name	Layer description
*Basal*	The basal layer consists of one row of cells that are located directly at the border with the dermis. The cells of this layer are characterized by the fact that they continuously multiply, forming new skin cells. Also, the cells of the basal layer contain the pigment melanin, which determines the color of the skin, protects it from the influence of ultraviolet rays and causes the tanning effect. The existing Merkel cells in the basal layer are involved in the realization of skin sensitivity.
*Prickly*	In the spiny layer, the cells are arranged in three to eight rows. A feature of this layer is that new skin cells formed in the basal layer are held together by cytoplasmic outgrowths.
*Grainy*	The granular layer consists of one to five rows of tightly attached cells. After the thorny layer, the cells, fastened with special outgrowths, here begin the process of keratinization. This layer also contains epidermal macrophages - these are cells whose main function is to fight infection that gets inside the skin.
*Brilliant*	The shiny layer is observed on such areas of the body as the palms and feet, where the epidermis layer is quite dense. Also in this layer, the process of keratinization of epithelial cells continues.
*Horny*	The stratum corneum is in direct contact with the environment and performs a barrier function, preventing the penetration of microbes into the skin. This layer consists of keratinized cells, tightly adjacent to each other and containing keratin ( protein substance).

Renewal of the top layers of the scalp through the subtle exfoliation of dead cells occurs every three to four weeks, which is a normal physiological process. In people suffering from dandruff, the rate of cell death increases due to the increased production of new skin cells, that is, the process of keratinization of cells is significantly enhanced in the stratum corneum. As a result, the accumulation of dead cells occurs, and their frequent exfoliation occurs. For this reason, dry dandruff develops in most cases.

Dermis

The dermis is represented by connective tissue and consists of two layers.

This layer of the skin contains sebaceous glands, the strengthening of which makes it difficult to exfoliate keratinized cells from the surface of the skin, which in the future can lead to the formation of dandruff. Sebum, preventing already dead skin particles from falling off, ultimately leads to the formation of conglomerates ( stuck together pieces of keratinized skin). For this reason, oily dandruff develops in most cases.

Hypodermis

Subcutaneous fat is represented by fatty accumulations and connective tissue. This layer provides a mobile attachment of the skin to organs and tissues, and also creates additional protection for the body from mechanical damage.

Appendages of the skin

Skin appendages include:

Sebaceous glands. They produce a secret - sebum, which lubricates the hair and protects the skin.
Sweat glands. They release water and decomposition products, and are also an important component in the process of thermoregulation.
Hair. They are derivatives of the epidermis and cover almost the entire body.
Nails. The nail bed is covered by the nail plate, which consists of a horny substance.

Dandruff reasons

The main causes of dandruff development are:

disruption of the skin glands;
hormonal imbalance;
fungus;

Disruption of the skin glands

Disruption of the skin glands can occur due to the following reasons:

Nervous stress. Excitement provokes increased productivity of the sebaceous glands.
Heavy and fatty foods. Leads to a change in the composition of sebum.
Hot food. Heat causes blood to flow to the stomach, as a result of which increased work of the sebaceous glands and skin is caused.
Hormonal disbalance. It entails a change in the work of the sebaceous glands, as well as a change in the consistency of sebum.

These factors, increasing the work of the sebaceous glands, contribute to the formation or exacerbation of dandruff.

Hormonal imbalance

The hair and skin complex consists of the hair follicle, sebaceous and sweat glands, which secrete lubricant ( sebum), which helps exfoliate dead skin particles. Increased androgen levels ( a group of hormones produced by the testes and ovaries) in men or women, it provokes an increase in sebum production. These violations lead to a change in the quality of sebum, which ceases to be fluid, but becomes thicker.

Thick sebum provokes adhesion of keratinized skin particles, preventing them from falling off, which subsequently leads to their exfoliation in layers ( dandruff).
Disruption of secretion and a change in the consistency of sebum can lead to the development of a disease such as seborrhea.

With seborrhea, the following symptoms may occur:

itchy scalp;
rashes on the skin in the form of redness, covered with oily or dry scales that are capable of merging;
pustules on the scalp.

Also, the causes of seborrhea can be:

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
endocrine disorders;
hypovitaminosis;
the presence of chronic foci of infection in the body.

Fungus

Human skin is covered with an invisible water-lipid lubricant that has an acidic environment. This lubricant protects the body from many microbes that settle on the surface of the skin, destroying them. However, if these microbes enter the skin, the process of rejection begins, that is, the body begins to intensively produce sebum. This defense mechanism makes it difficult for the flakes to peel off the skin surface, which subsequently leads to dandruff.

With an increase in sebum production, fungi play an important role ( Pitirosporum Oval), which normally live on the surface of the skin, during this period they begin to multiply and grow with greater intensity. The sensitivity of the scalp is exacerbated by the waste products of the fungus, which as a result leads to fungal skin lesions. Subsequently, the fungi, covered with sebum and dead scales, form plaques, which peeling off cause itching and persistent dandruff.

Normally, 45% of the fungal flora is found on the surface of the head of a person, however, if the sebaceous glands are disrupted, this figure can increase to 70%.

It should be noted that these fungi have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the skin, since they are involved in maintaining its microflora, protecting against the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and viruses inside. Also, fungi maintain a normal pH ( acid-base balance) skin.

Skin diseases

Dandruff, for example, can be an early sign of psoriasis. This disease is autoimmune and consists in the fact that its own immune cells ( macrophages) affect the surface layers of the skin, causing their necrosis. This phenomenon leads to exfoliation of the skin in large layers in the form of dandruff. However, there are differences that make it possible to quickly determine the presence of psoriasis in a person, for example, the appearance of reddish psoriatic plaques.

Predisposing factors

There are also predisposing factors that can trigger the development of dandruff.

Endogenous factors:

vitamin deficiency ( for example, a lack of vitamins A);
decrease in the body's defenses ( for example, after an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI));
intestinal dysbiosis ( for example, after treatment with antibiotics);
genetic predisposition ( if the parents have dandruff).

Exogenous factors:

daily shampooing with an unsuitable shampoo ( the natural lubricant that covers the scalp is washed off);
regular use of a hair dryer with hot air leads to dry skin ( the hairdryer should be kept at a distance of 30 cm from the hair and use a gentle mode);
frequent stress ( provoke the work of the sebaceous glands);
smoking ( chemicals found in tobacco help to weaken the body's defenses);
lack of vitamins and minerals in the body ( can lead to dry skin or to increased work of the sebaceous glands);
chronic overwork ( leads to a weakening of the immune system);
frequent hair coloring ( leads to damage and development of dry skin).

In what areas is dandruff more common?

Most often, dandruff appears on the scalp in the occipito-parietal region, as there is an increased secretion of sebum in this place. Also, the occurrence of dandruff in this area may be due to an increase in the number of the fungus Pityrosporum Ovale. This fungus is conditionally pathogenic and is asymptomatic on the skin of most people ( in those places where the greatest accumulation of sebaceous glands occurs).

Dandruff can also be observed in the following areas:

brows;
eyelashes;
armpit;
pubis.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is made up of dead skin cells that appear as grayish white scales due to excessive exfoliation.

Normally, a person has a process of dying off a certain number of skin cells within a month. In people with dandruff, this process occurs much more often, about every ten days. This is due to a decrease or, conversely, an increase in sebum production.

Depending on the type of hair, dandruff is usually divided into two types:

dry dandruff;
oily dandruff.

Dry dandruff

Oily dandruff

Dandruff treatment

Currently, there is a wide range of drugs for dandruff, however, it should be noted that this kind of funds must be selected individually, depending on the clinical picture and the cause of the development of dandruff.

The products used in the masks below have the following medicinal properties:

Egg yolk contains beta-keratin, rich in fatty acids that deeply nourish and moisturize the scalp.
Olive oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
Lemon juice stabilizes the sebaceous glands and acid-base balance, also has a keratolytic effect, helping to exfoliate keratinized skin particles.
Kefir. Kefir contains vitamins of group B, A, calcium and protein, which moisturize, nourish the scalp, and also strengthen the hair roots.
Castor oil moisturizes and strengthens hair, promotes skin exfoliation.

To prepare the mask, you need to take one egg yolk, a tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of lemon juice. All ingredients must be thoroughly mixed and then rubbed into the scalp along the parting lines. After applying the mask, cover your head with a cap and keep it for forty minutes, after which you need to wash your hair. This mask is recommended to be applied twice a week for one month.

To prepare the mask, you will need four tablespoons of kefir, one tablespoon of olive oil and one egg yolk. All ingredients must be thoroughly mixed, and then apply the resulting product to the scalp ( before washing your hair) and leave for an hour and a half. This mask should be applied twice a week for one and a half to two months.

In two egg yolks, add one tablespoon of castor oil and lemon juice, and then mix thoroughly. The prepared mask should be applied to the scalp ( before washing your hair) for one hour, twice a week. The duration of treatment is one and a half months.

Lotions

It is necessary to mix salicylic acid ( two grams), Castor oil ( five grams) and vodka ( one hundred grams). The prepared lotion should be applied to the scalp for one and a half to two hours before shampooing. This remedy should be used every other day until complete recovery.
Birch tar ( five grams), Castor oil ( ten grams) and vodka ( one hundred grams) should be mixed and applied to the skin two hours before shampooing. This lotion should be applied two to three times a week until complete recovery.

These funds will help eliminate oiliness, itching of the head, and will also help to exfoliate the skin.

Decoctions

Broth name	Therapeutic action	Cooking method	Application
*Beet juice*	rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, reduces inflammation	It is necessary to boil the beets, after which the hair should be rinsed with the obtained beet juice.	This broth should be used two to three times a week for a month.
*Nettle decoction*	contains vitamins A and E, strengthens hair, normalizes the sebaceous glands	Add two tablespoons of dry nettle to 400 ml of hot water and put on low heat for fifteen to twenty minutes. After cooking, the broth must be filtered and cooled.	After shampooing, rinse your hair with the prepared product twice a week. The duration of treatment is one to two months.
*Calendula decoction*	eliminates dandruff, strengthens hair, reduces hair oiliness	Two tablespoons of calendula must be poured with 400 ml of hot water, then put on low heat for fifteen minutes. After cooking, the resulting broth must be filtered and cooled.	After shampooing, you should rinse your hair with a ready-made broth once or twice a week for one to one and a half months.

Dandruff prevention

There are the following dandruff prevention methods:

hygiene of the scalp;
protection of the scalp from the effects of high and low temperatures;
diet and drinking plenty of fluids;
prevention of stress and strengthening of immunity.

Hygiene of the scalp

To maintain the hygiene of the skin and hair, the following guidelines must be followed:

remember that items and personal items such as a hairbrush, washcloth, and hats are intended solely for individual use;
it is necessary to keep all personal hygiene items clean and replace them as they wear out;
shampoos and cosmetics should be selected according to the type of hair;
it is recommended to wash your hair as it gets dirty;
it is not recommended to wash your hair with very hot water, as heat promotes increased sebum production;
during hair drying, it is necessary to set the gentle mode on the devices ( warm air).

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to use the following remedies for dandruff:

Shampoo Nizoral. This product contains an antifungal agent ( ketoconazole).

Note: any prophylactic shampoos should be used no more than once every two weeks.

Sulsen's paste 2%. The composition of the paste contains a sulfur compound, as well as useful additives, due to which the function of the fatty secretion of the skin is normalized. The paste must be rubbed into the hair roots in a circular motion. After a ten minute break, the product should be washed off with warm water. The procedure is recommended once a week.

Note: Before applying the paste, wash your hair with shampoo.

Protection of the scalp from the effects of high and low temperatures

Heat and direct sunlight are equivalent, as well as cold negatively affect the condition of the scalp, thereby provoking dandruff. As a preventive measure in this case, it is recommended to wear seasonal hats.

Diet and drinking plenty of fluids

High-quality and nutritious nutrition plays a key role in the prevention of many skin diseases, including dandruff.

In order to avoid any pathological changes on the part of the skin, it is recommended to eat those foods that contain a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins and minerals	Food	Providing action
*Vitamin B6*	walnuts fish, liver, bananas	They protect the skin from adverse environmental influences and also help to moisturize the skin.
*Vitamin PP*	cheese, tomatoes, cabbage	Restores the protective functions of the skin.
*Zinc*	nuts, seeds, beef	Participates in the process of skin cell renewal.
*Calcium*	legumes, herbs, dairy and fermented milk products	Participates in the secretion of the sebaceous glands With a lack of calcium, the elasticity of the skin decreases.

It is also necessary to reduce the intake of those foods that can contribute to dandruff. For example, fatty, sweet, spicy, and salty foods.

As for drinking plenty of water, this is due to the fact that a sufficient amount of fluid entering the body contributes to the normalization of metabolism.

Prevention of stress and strengthening of immunity

Weak immunity and stressful situations can negatively affect the work of the sebaceous glands, as well as the quality of the skin, making it drier. These factors can contribute to the development of dandruff. Based on this, you should avoid stressful situations and, if possible, spend as much free time in the fresh air as possible.

The article will tell you about the main causes of dandruff, its symptoms and types.

Dandruff is a common cosmetic problem for both women and men. It spoils the overall appearance and causes a lot of inconvenience. Also, dandruff can cause itching and burning of the scalp. If left untreated, dandruff can develop into seborrhea. Due to dandruff, the general condition of the hair worsens, it stops shining and begins to fall out. To combat dandruff, you need to identify and eliminate the cause of dandruff.

What causes dandruff on the head in men?

Dandruff is a fairly common problem in men. There may be several reasons for its appearance:

Incorrectly selected detergents. Dandruff can occur due to dry scalp. Perhaps the man uses shampoo with a high alkali content, so the scalp is excessively dry. A similar problem can arise with frequent shampooing. The skin does not have time to develop a natural protective layer of fat, as a result - the appearance of dandruff
Failure to comply with the rules of personal hygiene. Sometimes men neglect to wash their hair, or they do it very rarely. This can cause dandruff.
Poor nutrition. Excessive consumption of "slow" carbohydrates such as sweets, chips and fast food can disrupt the overall health of the body. Also, because of them, the balance of body cells changes and dandruff and other cosmetic problems may appear.
Hormonal disbalance. During adolescence, it's normal for a guy to have acne and dandruff. This is the influence of excessively raging hormones and a complete restructuring of the body. If a man is already over 30, and the symptoms are the same, then you should contact an endocrinologist or urologist. Dandruff, in this case, can only become the first problem in a series of hormonal diseases.
Wrong daily routine. Stressful situations and lack of sleep do not affect the appearance in the best way. Also, this can be one of the reasons for the appearance of dandruff.
Lack of vitamins. If the body lacks vitamins and minerals, as well as unsaturated fats, the skin begins to peel off

What causes dandruff on the head in women?

Remember that dandruff is a fungal disease that can spread from person to person. For example, when sharing a comb or hair rubber bands. The main cause of dandruff is the Pityrosparum Ovale fungus, which begins to proliferate under favorable conditions. The reasons for the activity of this fungus are the reasons for the appearance of dandruff:

Failure to comply with the rules of personal hygiene. Inappropriate shampooing can lead to dandruff and other hair problems
Allergic reactions to cosmetics. For example, for shampoo or hair mask
Appliances such as hair dryers and hair straighteners dry not only your hair, but your scalp as well. it is they who are able to provoke the appearance of dandruff. The use of these devices should be minimized.
Poor diet and lack of vitamins can also cause dandruff. With vitamin deficiency, dandruff appears in the spring and disappears in the summer.
Hormonal changes. For example, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, women experience dandruff. If the body is healthy, then after the onset of hormonal stability, dandruff will disappear

Dandruff symptoms on the head

Dandruff can be recognized by a number of signs:

Itching. One of the first symptoms is recurrent itching of the scalp, especially after washing
Dry scalp or, on the contrary, excessive sebum production. Disorders of the scalp glands provoke an abnormal release of the protective layer
The appearance of skin scales. On contact with the scalp, the skin begins to flake off. Particles can be found on hair, comb and clothing
Dandruff and seborrhea should not be confused. These concepts are often combined, but dandruff can exist separately from seborrhea.

Why does dandruff appear on the head in the form of a crust?

Disruption of the sebaceous glands often leads to the appearance of not only dandruff, but also seborrhea. It occurs as a result of blockage of the ducts of the glands and improper metabolism in the scalp. There are several types of seborrhea:

Seborrhea on oily hair. This type occurs with excessive production of sebum. Dandruff in this case is yellow and oily texture. Often, it forms a yellow crust near the surface of the hair.
Seborrhea on dry hair. This type of disease occurs when the scalp is severely overdried. At the same time, dandruff does not form a crust, but actively spreads on hair and clothes
In rare cases, mixed seborrhea is observed, when different parts of the head are affected by different symptoms

Dandruff

Yellow dandruff on the head, causes

Yellow dandruff appears as a result of improper functioning of the sebaceous glands. Sebum is secreted significantly more than is necessary to protect the skin. It begins to accumulate at the roots and block the access of air to the skin.

Also, it clogs the channels of the glands, which provokes the release of new portions of fat. Oily seborrhea must be treated with cosmetics, traditional medicine methods. Also, you need to find out the reasons for the malfunctioning of the skin glands.

White dandruff on the head, causes

White, dry dandruff is the most common type of seborrhea. It occurs when shampoo and other cosmetics are misused. The main cause of white dandruff is dry scalp. For dandruff to disappear, you need to restore the balance of the scalp and remove harmful factors.

Dandruff and hair loss

As noted above, dandruff is a fungal disease of the scalp associated with metabolic disorders in the skin. The hair will receive all the nutrients from the scalp, where the hair follicles are located. If the skin is not in order, then the hair cannot be healthy either. Failure to treat dandruff often results in profuse hair loss. In severe cases, it provokes baldness.

What to do if dandruff appears on the head?

The first thing to do is to find out the reason for its appearance. It is impossible to overcome dandruff without eliminating the cause.
See your doctor if necessary. After all, dandruff can only be a visible indicator of some diseases.
Balance your diet, eat more natural foods. Since high amounts of sugar can trigger dandruff, cut back on sugar.
Use anti-dandruff shampoos and special ointments. They will help restore the fat balance of the scalp
Use antifungal medications. However, before using them, you need to consult a doctor, find out contraindications
If the problem is hormonal disruptions, then the endocrinologist will prescribe special hormonal drugs
Cosmetic procedures that eliminate dandruff: special masks, subcutaneous injections, scalp massage

Dandruff indicates that you are washing your hair the wrong way and that you have chosen the wrong cosmetics.
Dandruff often appears unexpectedly. It is not difficult to cope with the initial stage of the appearance of dandruff. It is enough to eliminate the cause of its appearance
Dry scalp can be caused by more than just external factors. For example, when the body is dehydrated, the entire skin peels off. Drink plenty of clean water
Dandruff can appear due to poor ecology. Don't walk in the rain bareheaded and without an umbrella
Persistent dandruff for no apparent reason is an indicator of impaired health. If beauty treatments don't work, dandruff is a good reason to see your doctor.

Video: Dandruff - Causes and Treatment

Dandruff affects more than 30% of the world's population and is the result of excessive peeling of the skin. These processes not only bring aesthetic discomfort, but also cause unbearable itching, thereby impairing the quality of life.

Before starting therapeutic actions, you should find out the cause of the problem and begin treatment in accordance with it. In this article, we will dwell on where dandruff comes from and how to deal with it.

How is pathology formed?

Dandruff is a form of horny scales that occasionally peel off the scalp.

Completely, the epithelial cells change with an interval of 1 month, based on which, a slight manifestation of dandruff is not a problem, it is a normal physiological process, in which it is calmly washed off during hygiene procedures.

However, if there are certain disorders in the body, then keratinized scales will be produced in greater quantities, retained by hair, and will begin to form into a crust, as a result of which contact with air becomes difficult. Signs of dandruff are also manifested by weakening of the hair, which becomes more brittle and brittle. Based on the individual characteristics of the sebaceous glands, the following types of dandruff are distinguished:

The appearance of dandruff can occur in both men and women, and most often it is formed in children in adolescence, but after reaching 40 years of age, the issue begins to lose its relevance.

Risk factors

For an effective fight, you need to figure out what dandruff appears from, since only taking into account the reasons for its occurrence, you can achieve the expected result. Many people wonder why dandruff appears on the head. Dandruff has the following most common causes on which its treatment depends:

Unfortunately, dandruff can manifest itself in any person, regardless of gender, social status. However, there are general risk factors that affect the causes of dandruff.

Methods of exposure

When dandruff occurs, the causes and treatment are closely related. Before starting treatment for dandruff, you need to understand why it appears, because there are cases when it speaks of the presence of disorders in the body, sometimes it is the first bell that you need to see a doctor in order to detect serious diseases at the initial stage.

Sometimes, in the question of how to cure dandruff on the head, you may need the help of an endocrinologist, an immunologist, because without finding out the reason that caused this trouble, it will be impossible to cure dandruff qualitatively. In this case, local funds will be powerless.

Before treating dandruff, you should find out where it comes from, for which you need to perform simple steps:

Change shampoo.
Try not to use styling products, hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners.
You need to pay increased attention to your diet, limit the use of sweet, spicy, pickled, starchy foods.
If dandruff appears, especially dry type, do not wash your hair daily, as this will lead to excessive dryness and, as a result, to increased functioning of the sebaceous glands. When the fatty layer is often washed off, the epithelium dries up or secretes more lubricating fluid.

Traditional therapy

However, sometimes it will not be easy to get rid of dandruff through the above actions; without the help of a specialist, this process can take a long time. If the pathology has not acquired a complex form, then along with the coordination of the emotional level, the following recommendations should be used:

Alternative ways

In combination with traditional therapy, it is allowed to use treatment with folk remedies, which consolidate the result. However, before using folk methods, you should be sure that there is no allergic reaction to the components that make up them. The most common remedies include the following recipes:

Dandruff treatment should be started at the very beginning of its appearance in order to get rid of its presence forever.

It is important to remember that 2-3 procedures will not help get rid of this problem, most often long-term complex therapy is required. The likelihood of successful treatment increases with a professional approach, therefore, when the first symptoms of pathology appear, you need to consult a doctor.

Dandruff is one of the most common scalp pathologies that leaves unpleasant marks on hair and clothing. However, dandruff is not just an aesthetic problem, it is primarily a disease caused by various factors. To cure, first of all, you need to determine the cause of its appearance, and then select the right scalp care. So why does dandruff appear?

Symptoms

Visible white scales of loose skin on clothing, hair, shoulders, comb, headdress.
Itching and irritation of the scalp.
Brittle and dull hair.
Red spots, large scales and yellowish crusts on the skin (such signs of dandruff appear with a prolonged course or progression).

Causes

Dry skin

The most common cause of dandruff, especially in winter. It is at this time of the year that people drink less liquid, use heating equipment, often dry their hair with a hairdryer, which causes the scalp to dry out, provoking dandruff.

Fungus

The yeast-like fungus Pityrosparum Ovale lives on the scalp of almost all people and does not cause any disease. However, sometimes it begins to multiply rapidly, thereby provoking scalp irritation and accelerated cell growth.

As a result, excess skin cells die off and, sticking together with fat, form large, visible dandruff flakes. The reasons for the rapid multiplication of the fungus are: oily scalp, prolonged diseases of internal organs, immunodeficiency, stress, Parkinson's disease.

Hormonal changes

Age-related changes strongly affect the secretory function of the sebaceous glands. Therefore, dandruff often develops in adolescents during puberty, along with acne, just like in pregnant women and women experiencing menopause.

Seborrhea

Dandruff may be associated with a dysfunction of the secretion of fat on the skin of the face and scalp. With the enhanced function of the sebaceous glands, sebum begins to be actively produced, provoking the occurrence of oily dandruff. Their weak performance leads to insufficient secretion of sebum, and the scalp dries up, which contributes to dry dandruff.

Thick oily seborrhea is characterized by a deterioration in the elasticity of the skin and an increase in the size of the ducts of the sebaceous glands. At the same time, the canal of the sebaceous gland is blocked by dead particles of fatty epithelium - dandruff, which causes comedones on the surface of the scalp. Hair becomes coarse and dull, and there are always oily dandruff flakes in it.

Oily liquid seborrhea provokes the formation of a porous crust on the head. At the same time, the pores expand, become noticeable, and sebum is secreted especially abundantly. The appearance of the hair deteriorates significantly, the strands stick together, and the surface of the head looks very greasy, sloppy, an unnatural oily sheen and yellowish dandruff flakes appear.

Seborrhea can also cause hair loss because the sebaceous secretion changes its composition and loses its protective properties. Ulcers appear on the scalp, bacteria multiply that affect the hair follicles.

With dry seborrhea, the release of sebum to the surface is significantly reduced. Dry flakes of dandruff cover the scalp abundantly. Most often people with reduced immunity suffer from dry seborrhea.

Disruption of the sebaceous glands and the appearance of dandruff on the head can occur for the following reasons:

hard water;
shampoo, balm and conditioner, not by hair type;
frequent dyeing or perming of hair;
permanent drying of hair prone to dryness with a hairdryer;
frequent use of a styler, heat rollers that expose the scalp to high temperatures;
lack of minerals, vitamins A, E, D, B, malnutrition, abuse of fatty and spicy foods;
excessive nervousness, exposure to stress and depression;
hereditary immune diseases.

Other reasons

In addition to the problems described above with the function of sebum secretion, there are a number of other factors due to which dandruff appears.

Seborrheic eczema is rarely a direct cause of dandruff, but if this disease has affected the scalp, then it is quite possible that dead skin scales form in this area soon. The difference between seborrheic dermatitis and seborrhea is that the latter is a pathological condition of the skin, while eczema is a chronic disease.

Psoriasis is a skin disease in which thin scaly particles of dry skin, including dandruff, form. Psoriasis rarely occurs on the scalp, but it can be an additional factor in the formation of dandruff.

Contact dermatitis, triggered by scalp hypersensitivity to shampoos, gels, masks, lotions and other hair cosmetics, contributes to the appearance of dandruff. Contact dermatitis and dandruff often result from overuse of styling products and coloring products.

Treatment

Depending on the condition of the patient's scalp, treatment therapy will include:

Medicines... If dandruff is accompanied by fungal skin lesions, antifungal medications are prescribed, which include ketoconazole. If the cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, then antihistamines are prescribed, they have an anti-inflammatory effect, and also reduce irritation and itching.
External remedies- ointments, creams, shampoos, sprays. Depending on the active ingredient, anti-dandruff shampoos improve the exfoliation process, destroy fungal infections, remove keratinized scales, and also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. They may include antifungal components (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole), keratolytics (lactic or salicylic acid), sulfur, tar, ichthyol. Healing shampoos are Sebozol, Dermazole, Nizoral, Keto plus, Tar shampoo, Algopix, Fitoval, Friederm zinc, Friderm tar, Vichy for dandruff.
Ointments and creams relieve irritation, itching, reduce sebum production and eliminate skin flaking. Medicinal ointments against dandruff include Sulsen's paste 2%, Sulfur-salicylic, Hydrocortisone, Dermazole, Nizoral.
If dandruff occurs, it is recommended to use Panthenol as a medicinal spray. This drug reduces irritation of the scalp and promotes rapid tissue repair.
Physiotherapy... Depending on the condition of the scalp, the doctor, as an additional treatment, may prescribe such physiotherapy as ozone therapy (has a drying effect), cryomassage (used for severe itching and redness of the scalp), Darsonval (improves the work of the sebaceous glands, blood flow and dries the skin), mesotherapy (provides hair nutrition).

Prophylaxis

Hygiene of the scalp

Personal items such as a washcloth, hairbrush and hats are for individual use only.

Cosmetics and shampoos should be chosen by hair type.
All personal hygiene items should be kept clean and replaced as needed.
Wash your hair with warm water and as it gets dirty.
When drying hair with a hairdryer, it is recommended to set the gentle mode (warm air) on the device.

Diet and Drink

Adequate and proper nutrition plays a major role in the prevention of various skin diseases, including dandruff. To avoid undesirable changes in the scalp, it is necessary to give preference to products that contain a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins - cabbage, tomatoes, cheese, fish, liver, walnuts, beef, legumes, dairy and dairy products, herbs. You also need to limit the intake of foods that contribute to the appearance of dandruff - spicy, sweet, fatty and salty foods.

To normalize metabolism and prevent dandruff, it is recommended to drink enough fluids, depending on age and body weight, from 1 to 2 liters per day.

Stress and immunity

Various stressful situations and weak immunity negatively affect the work of the sebaceous glands and the quality of the skin. These factors can provoke the development of dandruff, so it is recommended to avoid stressful situations and spend as much time as possible outdoors.

Folk remedies

When dandruff appears, the hair needs to be heavily nourished, so traditional medicine recommends using nourishing, exfoliating and moisturizing masks:

Mix thoroughly 1 egg yolk, 10 milliliters of olive oil, 5 milliliters of lemon juice and 10 grams of honey. Massage the treatment mask in circular movements into the hair roots, then cover your head with a towel or a hat and rinse with warm water after 40 minutes. This dandruff mask must be done at least 2 times a week for 30 days.
Stir 50 milliliters of kefir, 1 egg yolk and 10 milliliters of olive oil. Apply the resulting mass to the scalp and keep for 1 hour, then rinse and thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo. A folk remedy for dandruff should be applied 2 times a week for 2 months.

Mix 5 grams of castor oil, 2 grams of salicylic acid and 100 grams of vodka. Rub the finished product into the scalp with light circular movements and leave for 2 hours. The healing lotion should be applied every other day until the dandruff disappears completely.
Mix 10 grams of castor oil, 5 grams of birch tar and 100 grams of vodka and apply to the scalp 1.5 hours before washing. The remedy should be applied 3 times a week until recovery.

Promotes exfoliation of the skin, and also relieve itching and irritation of decoctions made from beetroot juice, nettle or calendula. It is necessary to rinse the hair with such broths after shampooing.

Dandruff ( lat. Squamae) - a syndrome characterized by a high rate of scaly exfoliation of skin particles over a relatively long time. It is most often found on the scalp, covered with abundant hair.

Simply put, dandruff- these are visible, easily exfoliated particles of keratinized cells of the surface layer of the skin. Scales, depending on the type and thickness, are of different shapes: pityriasis, layered, leaf-shaped, rough, with pronounced peeling, firmly adhered to the skin, and also of different colors - whitish, yellowish, grayish-silver.

Dandruff Causes

Seborrhea ("seborrhoea", from lat. sebum - lard and Greek. rhéo - flow ) (a more general concept of dandruff) is a disease caused by a disorder of sebum production, manifested by an increase or decrease in the production of sebaceous secretions, as well as a change in the chemical composition of sebum.

The main cause of dandruff is dysfunction of the sebaceous gland. It can be caused by improper metabolism, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, dysfunction of the pancreas and thyroid glands, or an infection with a fungus, and sometimes from all at the same time. An important factor in the manifestation of dandruff is a hereditary predisposition (features of the structure of the skin and its secretion).

The amount and quality of sebum depends on the general condition of the body (especially the endocrine and nervous systems, the digestive tract), gender and age, concomitant diseases, etc. also skin pollution. The largest amount of sebum is formed and secreted during puberty.

In old age, its amount decreases significantly. Sebaceous secretion disorder usually occurs as a result of imbalance between estrogens (female hormones) and androgens (male hormones) towards the latter, which is more often observed between the ages of 14 to 25 years (during puberty). During the same period, we notice more oily skin on the face, back and chest. With seborrhea, the composition of the sebaceous secretion changes mainly due to an increase in free fatty acids in it.

Allocate seborrhea oily (thick and liquid) and dry. Manifestations of seborrhea are most pronounced in areas of the skin, where sebaceous glands are located in large numbers: face, scalp, chest, back.

Thick form of oily seborrhea

In this case, the skin is thickened, its elasticity is reduced. The color of the skin is brownish-gray, the orifices of the sebaceous glands are significantly expanded, the hair is thick, coarse, tough. Often, the excretory duct of the sebaceous gland is clogged with rejected skin cells soaked in sebum. If this element is squeezed, then a thick greasy mass is squeezed out. So there is a comedone (black eel) - a horny plug. With this form of seborrhea, cysts of the sebaceous glands (atheromas) are quite common, when opened, a mass similar to cottage cheese is released. In case of inflammation of atheroma, it is opened, pus is released, and then a scar is formed.

Complications of this form of seborrhea are pustular skin diseases caused by and, for example,.

Liquid form of oily seborrhea

With this form of seborrhea, the skin resembles an orange peel: the pores are enlarged, the skin shines, sebum is released in excess from the dilated ducts of the sebaceous glands. The hair on the head shines, looks like oiled, is saturated with sebum already 2-3 days after washing, sticks together in strands. The hair is covered with densely adhered abundant yellowish scales of the skin. Itching of the skin is possible, as well as the development of baldness. Complications in this case are all the same purulent skin diseases, but already pronounced and more severe, such as multiple boils, impetigo - damage to the hair follicles with the formation of pustules in their place, which, when opened, turn into thick honey-colored crusts; after falling off, pigmentation spots may remain.

Dry seborrhea

With this form of the disease, the appearance of dry skin is created, although sebum is produced, but it differs in viscosity. It is poorly secreted from the sebaceous glands, so the superficial layers of the epidermis look overdried. In this case, the skin is very sensitive and easily irritated. Dandruff completely covers the scalp and hair, easily crumbles, itching occurs. Sometimes dandruff builds up on top of each other, forming grayish-white or yellowish-gray crusts. Peeling develops either in the occipito-parietal region, or over the entire surface of the scalp. Hair is dry, thin, brittle, with split ends.

With dry seborrhea of the scalp, a microscopic fungus is activated - "Pityrosporum ovale", he is - "Malassezia Furfur", which is present in many people and does not cause illness, but under certain conditions - strenuous physical work, mental stress, decreased immunity, the postpartum period, etc. - it activates, becomes hazardous to health and increases seborrhea.

Mixed seborrhea

This type of seborrhea is characterized by a combination of signs of oily and dry seborrhea, for example, the skin of the face - forehead, nose, chin - is oily, and on the cheeks - dry. In addition, cases of mixed forms of oily seborrhea can be observed: signs of a liquid form of oily seborrhea are expressed on the face, and thick seborrhea on the scalp.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a frequent complication of seborrhea of the scalp, as seborrheic alopecia (baldness) It appears as a result of incorrect or completely absent treatment in about 25% of people. Most often, this process develops as follows. At first, hair loss is moderate and does not go beyond the normal state, in which an increased secretion of sebum begins (physiological seborrhea). In some patients, physiological seborrhea disappears on its own after 2-5 years and the amount of sebum secreted becomes normal. In other cases, this process does not normalize by itself and in the future, persistent seborrhea forms, which ultimately leads to hair loss. The lifespan of new hair is shortened, it becomes thin, thinner and is gradually replaced by vellus hair. Itching, soreness, discomfort and a feeling of tightening of the scalp appear. In women, hair thinning occurs more often in the frontal region, in contrast to men, whose hair falls out strongly in the frontal-parietal region and thinns at the temples and the back of the head. On the scalp there is a pronounced flaking (dandruff), scales are grayish-yellow, oily, easily separated when scraped, some of them are on the hair. When examining the scalp under a microscope, it can be seen that the root sheath of the hair, the papilla and the bulb are severely, and sometimes, irreversibly changed, and therefore the renewal of lost hair is almost impossible. In such cases, women often experience menstrual irregularities.

Seborrheic dermatitis

It is characterized not only by increased exfoliation, but also by inflammation of the skin, itching of the skin, especially the areas of skin folds, behind the ear and the neck area are inflamed. Inflammation and peeling can also occur in the eyebrow area. When a person begins to comb these areas, an infection can easily get there. Hair with seborrheic dermatitis is usually dry, thin, brittle, with split ends.

It is better to treat dandruff under the guidance of a specialist trichologist. when treating seborrhea, you must first find out and eliminate the causes of the disease. The specialist finds out the degree of severity and selects drugs for the treatment of your particular case. Since with seborrhea there is a violation of the activity of the sebaceous gland, which is located in the lower layers of the epidermis, the treatment should be aimed at reducing sebum production, that is, to be "intradermal". Shampoo is necessary in order to wash off the sebaceous secretion from the surface of the scalp, therefore, in combination with it, it is necessary to use sebum-regulating masks or lotions that are kept on the head for 20-30 minutes.

If you don't have time to visit a doctor, or you are used to relying on yourself in these matters, then before you buy one of the dandruff remedies, carefully read the instructions for it. So...

Medicines and components that should be present in drugs against dandruff (seborrhea):

Ketoconazole (Shampoos "Nizoral", "Dermazole")... Effective against dandruff-causing fungus, but grits can develop resistance to the substance, which explains the decrease in the effectiveness of ketoconazole with prolonged use

Bifonazole (Bifon Lotion). It is similar in action to ketoconazole, but lingers longer in the scalp; resistance or desensitization of the fungus that causes dandruff does not develop to bifonazole.

Salicylic acid (drug "Sulsen"), selenium disulfide, octopyrod. This remedy removes dandruff and prevents the formation of new "flakes", but will not be able to cope with the cause of all ills - skin fungus.

Tar (Friderm shampoo) and sulfur. They actively exfoliate and remove cells, so you should definitely use them at the first stage of the fight against dandruff.

Important! The presence of 2-3 components from the list is desirable. The diet should be balanced: limit the consumption of sweet, fatty foods. Food should be rich in fiber, vitamins, fermented milk products. Also, with seborrhea, it is not recommended to dry your head with a hairdryer.

Dandruff treatment with folk remedies

If you have dandruff, but do not rush to buy expensive drugs. Sometimes old, proven, folk remedies help to cope with dandruff. Medicinal herbs and natural ingredients included in their composition can not only get rid of dandruff, but also strengthen your hair.

- Aspirin helps not only to effectively remove, it is in its power to relieve you of dandruff. Crush two aspirin tablets into a powder and add to the shampoo, leave the mixture on your hair for two minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

- Means with cinchona crust. It is necessary to thoroughly mix 2 teaspoons of cinchona peel, 1 teaspoon of castor oil, 2-3 drops of rose oil and half a glass of wine alcohol. The resulting mixture must be rubbed into the scalp once a day.

- Beat 2-3 eggs in a small amount of water, apply the resulting mixture to your hair for a while, then rinse. This treatment prevents dandruff.

- A decoction of burdock root. 500 grams of burdock roots must be poured with 3 liters of cold water, put on fire and brought to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer over low heat for 5-6 hours. The broth must be filtered and cooled. The resulting broth should be moistened with the scalp every day, then rinsed with warm water. Do not use soap or shampoo! Although the broth takes a long time to prepare, it is beyond praise in terms of its effectiveness. A decoction of burdock roots not only helps to get rid of dandruff, but also strengthens the hair, and also regulates the sebaceous glands.

- Take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily. This oil is rich in nutrients that are extremely beneficial in treating dandruff.