Seborrhea
Seborrhea is a common skin condition of the scalp associated with the dysfunction of sebaceous glands. It manifests as excessive secretion of sebum, leading to itching, flaking, dandruff, and even hair loss. Understanding the causes and treatment methods for seborrhea can help manage this issue and restore scalp health.
What is Seborrhea?
Seborrhea is a condition in which the sebaceous glands of the scalp begin to produce too much sebum. This creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of the Malassezia fungus, which normally resides on the skin but can cause inflammation and flaking when there is an excess of sebum.
Causes of Seborrhea
Seborrhea can be triggered by numerous factors:
1. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels (for example, during puberty or pregnancy) can increase the activity of sebaceous glands.
2. Stress: Emotional tension often exacerbates seborrhea symptoms.
3. Poor diet: A diet high in sugar, fats, and fast food can provoke flare-ups.
4. Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of this condition.
5. Malassezia fungus: Its overgrowth causes inflammation and flaking of the skin.
1. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels (for example, during puberty or pregnancy) can increase the activity of sebaceous glands.
2. Stress: Emotional tension often exacerbates seborrhea symptoms.
3. Poor diet: A diet high in sugar, fats, and fast food can provoke flare-ups.
4. Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of this condition.
5. Malassezia fungus: Its overgrowth causes inflammation and flaking of the skin.
Main Symptoms of Seborrhea
• Oily shine of hair and scalp.
• Dandruff (dry or oily).
• Itching and redness of the scalp.
• Inflammation, crusting, and flaking.
• Hair loss (in advanced cases).
• Dandruff (dry or oily).
• Itching and redness of the scalp.
• Inflammation, crusting, and flaking.
• Hair loss (in advanced cases).
Approaches to Treating Seborrhea
Treating seborrhea requires a comprehensive approach. It is important not to self-medicate but to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist who can recommend suitable methods.
1. Medications
• Antifungal shampoos: Contain ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid that help control fungal growth and reduce inflammation.
• Therapeutic ointments and creams: Based on corticosteroids or antifungal components to relieve itching and redness.
2. Hair Care
• Use gentle shampoos without harsh chemicals.
• Prefer products with natural extracts (chamomile, calendula, tea tree) that soothe the scalp.
• Wash hair regularly to prevent sebum buildup.
3. Dietary Adjustments
• Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, flaxseeds).
• Consume more B vitamins (whole grains, eggs, greens) and antioxidants (fruits, vegetables).
• Limit sugar intake, fatty and spicy foods.
4. Stress Management
• Practice relaxation techniques: yoga, meditation, breathing exercises.
• Engage in regular physical activity and spend time outdoors.
5. Physiotherapeutic Procedures
• Laser therapy: Improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
• Microcurrent therapy: Stimulates the scalp, normalizing sebaceous gland function.
1. Medications
• Antifungal shampoos: Contain ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid that help control fungal growth and reduce inflammation.
• Therapeutic ointments and creams: Based on corticosteroids or antifungal components to relieve itching and redness.
2. Hair Care
• Use gentle shampoos without harsh chemicals.
• Prefer products with natural extracts (chamomile, calendula, tea tree) that soothe the scalp.
• Wash hair regularly to prevent sebum buildup.
3. Dietary Adjustments
• Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, flaxseeds).
• Consume more B vitamins (whole grains, eggs, greens) and antioxidants (fruits, vegetables).
• Limit sugar intake, fatty and spicy foods.
4. Stress Management
• Practice relaxation techniques: yoga, meditation, breathing exercises.
• Engage in regular physical activity and spend time outdoors.
5. Physiotherapeutic Procedures
• Laser therapy: Improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
• Microcurrent therapy: Stimulates the scalp, normalizing sebaceous gland function.
Preventing Recurrences
To prevent the recurrence of seborrhea, it is important to:
• Wash hair regularly using suitable shampoos.
• Monitor your diet, avoiding harmful products.
• Pay attention to your psycho-emotional state, minimizing stress.
• Undergo preventive treatment courses as recommended by a doctor.
Seborrhea is a condition that requires careful attention and comprehensive treatment. Timely consultation with a specialist, proper care for hair and scalp, as well as a healthy lifestyle can help not only eliminate symptoms but also prevent their recurrence. If you are facing this problem, do not delay your visit to a specialist — we can help you restore the health and beauty of your hair and your clients’. Come to us for a free trial lesson!
• Wash hair regularly using suitable shampoos.
• Monitor your diet, avoiding harmful products.
• Pay attention to your psycho-emotional state, minimizing stress.
• Undergo preventive treatment courses as recommended by a doctor.
Seborrhea is a condition that requires careful attention and comprehensive treatment. Timely consultation with a specialist, proper care for hair and scalp, as well as a healthy lifestyle can help not only eliminate symptoms but also prevent their recurrence. If you are facing this problem, do not delay your visit to a specialist — we can help you restore the health and beauty of your hair and your clients’. Come to us for a free trial lesson!