SEBORRHEA OILY HAIR

Seborrhoea or hyperseborrhoea is a scalp problem due to excessive sebum production caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands.

Immediate effects of seborrhoea are:

• a shiny, greasy appearance of skin and hair
• a characteristic rancid olfactory note (bad smell)
• itching
• sometimes scalp pain
• touching the scalp and hair makes the fingers oily

Delayed effect from incorrect treatment of the problem is hair loss!

In normal quantities, sebum is a fatty substance that has the function of protecting the skin from dehydration, has antibacterial properties and maintains the integrity of the hydro-acid-lipid mantle, lubricates, protects and waterproofs the hair shaft.

The excessive presence of sebum on the skin over a long period of time, on the other hand, leads to an alteration of the hydro-lipid balance with sometimes even serious consequences: simple blemishes, greasy and floppy hair, shiny skin, acne, comedones or folliculitis, or much more complex problems such as dermatitis or Seborrheic Alopecia.

The secretion of sebum within certain limits is considered useful and is therefore referred to as physiological seborrhoea.

When sebum production is in excess, the normal function of the sebaceous glands turns into an abnormality of the skin, giving rise to Hyperseborrhea. 

When one experiences hyperseborrhoea for short periods, one should not speak of a 'pathological' condition, but an occasional and transitory one, as this problem can be resolved in a short time.

External environmental factors such as heat, which by increasing vasodilation of the scalp capillaries, leads to increased blood flow and increased sebum production.

Wrong hair treatments such as:

• improper hygiene practices,
• overly aggressive treatments or shampoos,
• oppure scalp infections can be causes of momentary hyperseborrhoea.

The causes of hyperseborrhoea have not yet been conclusively clarified.

Factors that favour the appearance of hyperseborrhoea include:

• Genetic factors: the abnormality often occurs in members of the same family
• Hormonal imbalances related to the metabolism of Androgens (male hormones), Cortisol, Adrenal Hormones), hormonal imbalances of the Thyroid and Pituitary gland, polycystic ovary syndrome, can lead to hypersebborea
• Replacement disorders (nutrition and elimination): a diet excessively rich in fat ends up altering the metabolic activity of the body, which protects itself by eliminating a small part of the excess fat through the sebaceous glands (exocrine glands).
• Digestion disorders (liver and intestinal dysfunction): these alterations change the chemical composition of the sebum, making it too rich in fatty acids, which oxidise on contact with air and change its natural protective function, turning it into an irritant and inflammatory element.
• Nervous factors and stress: when the nervous system is involved, there is an increase in blood circulation and sebum secretion that triggers hyperseborrhoea.
• Autointoxication: a condition caused by toxic agents of internal origin, i.e. processed by the organism itself or by parasites. They are distinguished:
  . Self-intoxication due to the accumulation of toxic catabolites
  (organic waste substances), produced in excess of
  the body's disposal and detoxification capacities
  (e.g. autointoxication from fatigue due to excessive sport);
  . Autointoxication by reabsorption of intestinal materials (in the case of
  prolonged constipation),
  . Disease-related autointoxications affecting the main detoxifying organs
  of the body, such as the liver and kidneys, favouring the accumulation of toxic products.

• The use of the wrong shampoos, alcoholic lotions, the abuse of alkaline substances, vigorous and prolonged brushing and continuous friction of the hair can lead to excess sebum.
• Inadequate diet: excessive consumption of alcohol, fatty and fried foods can lead to digestive difficulties with overloading of the liver.
• Pathogenic microorganisms including the Follicle Demodecium (Demodex folliculorum) which is a parasitic larva that causes the chemical composition of sebum to change, stimulating the glandular apparatus to hyperseborrhea.
• Drugs: contraceptive pill, cortisone, anabolic drugs
• Seborrhoea, especially pathological seborrhoea, can cause hair loss and accelerate baldness, as the bulbs immersed for a long time in an excessive amount of sebum end up suffocating and gradually reducing their activity. 

In addition, oily and greasy hair, oily, malodorous skin, folliculitis, acne or blackheads, oily dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, are imperfections that are difficult to manage, especially from a psychological point of view, often leading to states of real depression and social discomfort.

Specific treatment paths are needed to deal with the problem, gradually recovering the skin balance and regularising gland activity (provided that situations of overeating (obesity), alcohol intake, drugs, etc. do not persist).

In addition to aesthetic reasons, seborrhoea, if not properly treated, may lead to bacterial proliferation capable of triggering even serious infections, with often devastating consequences for the hair population on the head.

Contacting a qualified professional is always the best choice when dealing with concerns related to the health of your skin and hair. Whether you are uncertain about the nature of any abnormalities or simply want confirmation, an expert can make all the difference. A timely and accurate diagnosis is a crucial step for the well-being of your skin and hair, providing you with peace of mind and an appropriate treatment plan.