SEBORRHEA OILY HAIR
What is seborrhoea and why it occurs
Seborrhoea, or hyperseborrhoea, is a scalp condition characterised by excessive sebum production.
This occurs due to overactivity of the sebaceous glands.
The result is a skin that loses balance and struggles to regulate itself.
The most common signs of seborrhoea
The immediate effects are easily recognisable:
- shiny, greasy-looking skin and hair
- rancid and unpleasant smell
- itching
- sometimes scalp pain
- greasy feeling to the touch
If neglected or incorrectly treated, seborrhoea can also lead over time to the hair loss.
The role of sebum: a useful function
Under normal conditions, sebum is essential for the well-being of the skin.
It performs several functions:
- protects against dehydration
- has antibacterial action
- maintains the hydro-lipid balance
- lubricates and protects the hair
- helps to make the stem more resistant
Therefore, balanced production is physiological and necessary.
When sebum becomes a problem
When sebum is present in excess and for a long time, the situation changes.
An alteration of the skin balance occurs, which can lead to:
- greasy and lacking in volume hair
- shiny leather
- acne and blackheads
- folliculitis
In more complex cases, they may appear:
- dermatitis
- seborrheic alopecia
Physiological seborrhoea and hyperseborrhoea
Sebum production within certain limits is normal and is defined as physiological seborrhea.
When production exceeds these limits, we speak of hyperseborrhoea.
In some cases it may be temporary.
For example, during periods of stress or environmental changes.
In these situations, the phenomenon is transient and may return spontaneously.
Temporary factors that can increase sebum
Some external factors can momentarily stimulate sebaceous production:
- heat and increased vasodilation
- increased blood flow to the scalp
Also bad habits can affect:
- inadequate washing
- overly aggressive shampoos
- unsuitable treatments
- scalp infections
The most frequent causes of hyperseborrhoea
Le causes are not always unambiguous.
It is often a combination of factors.
Genetic factors
La family predisposition is frequent.
Seborrhoea may appear in several members of the same family.
Hormonal imbalances
Alterations related to:
- androgens
- cortisol
- adrenal hormones
- thyroid and pituitary gland
- polycystic ovary syndrome
can influence sebum production.
Nutrition, metabolism and digestion
Nutrition plays a central role.
A diet rich in fat and sugar can alter the metabolism.
The body can react by eliminating some of the fat through the sebaceous glands.
Also digestive disorders affect:
- liver dysfunction
- intestinal imbalances
These conditions change the composition of the sebum, making it more irritating.
Stress and the nervous system
The nervous system directly influences sebaceous production.
Under stressful conditions:
- increases blood circulation
- sebum secretion increases
This may favour the onset or worsening of hyperseborrhoea.
Self-intoxication and toxin accumulation
The body can accumulate waste substances when the elimination systems do not function properly.
They can be verified:
- accumulation of toxic catabolites
- prolonged constipation
- liver and kidney overload
These conditions can affect the quality of sebum and its balance.
Other contributing factors
Among the most common causes are:
- use of unsuitable shampoos
- alcoholic lotions
- aggressive alkaline substances
- vigorous and prolonged brushing
- frequent handling of hair
Some external factors also play a role:
- diet rich in alcohol and fried food
- drugs (contraceptives, cortisone, anabolic)
- presence of microorganisms such as the Demodex folliculorum
Seborrhoea and hair loss
When the hair bulb remains immersed in excess sebum for a long time, it can suffer.
Over time this can lead to:
- reduction in follicle activity
- progressive weakening
- acceleration of baldness
Aesthetic and psychological impact
Seborrhoea is not just an aesthetic issue.
It may manifest itself with:
- greasy, smelly hair
- oily and greasy skin
- oily dandruff
- seborrheic dermatitis
These signals can generate discomfort, insecurity and social isolation.
Why a targeted approach is needed
The management of seborrhoea requires a structured pathway.
The objective is:
- rebalancing the skin
- normalise sebaceous production
- avoid aggressive interventions
It is crucial to work on the causes, not just the effects.
The risks of untreated seborrhoea
If neglected, seborrhoea can promote:
- bacterial proliferation
- scalp infections
- worsening of hair quality
Over time, the consequences can become significant, especially on hair density and health.
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.
